Style over substance in historic TV debate

— Posted Friday 16th April 2010 by Rebecca Shay under Stuff worth knowing

If you think you'll be voting for the next prime minister by carefully scrutinising each party’s policies, think again, if they’re tall and symmetrical, they’ll do. In the US, it’s a given that the taller man always wins. And Robin Dunbar, Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology at Oxford and all-round clever chap, states in his new book that it’s all about the symmetrical face. It’s true; we really are a shallow bunch.

And I admit, whilst watching the historic televised debate last night (aside from obviously ruminating each leader’s arguments in great depth) I was almost mesmerised by David Cameron’s flawless complexion and exquisite application of bronzer. Gordon, bless him, I give him credit for his flamboyant tie choice, pink, was he trying to win over the ladies? But alas, the poor bloke just looked knackered and who wouldn’t be with a job like that. Somebody give that man a lie-in I say, and will one of David Cameron’s ‘people’ please keep him away from the touché éclat.

It was Nick Clegg’s night really. I kid myself that I was listening to him when he was saying ‘fair’ a million times but it was his use of eye contact, his symmetrical face and his general warmth as a human being that charmed me. I admit, it’s shallow, but maybe we’re not as deep and meaningful as we think.