I am not a psychologist and don’t have a pictorial of images to summon at this point to illustrate my thesis, but this is what I am seeing:
Democrats need to have more impeachment proceedings in prime time. Like many Americans, I’ve been watching the impeachment proceedings tonight before the House Judiciary Committee. Sometimes I listen and sometimes I just watch without the audio. The difference in body language is just as distinct as the difference in verbal language.
It seems obvious that Republicans are embarrassed and torn within themselves. The prime time setting appears to be getting to them. The sense of history coming which will hold them in a harsh light is visible in their demeanors.
The Democrats are saying and showing a sense of integrity, relief, peace, and cognitive coherence. They suggest in language and appearance an awareness that they are acting justly. In contrast, the Republicans are showing classic signs of discomfort and nervousness.
A clenched jaw, tightened neck, or furrowed brow shows stress.
... "The bus leaves without us, and we are clenching our jaws, rubbing our necks," he explains. "We are asked to work another weekend, and the orbits of our eyes narrow as our chin lowers.” ...
If they repeatedly touch their face or their hands, they're probably nervous.
... Some of the most common manifestations of our anxiety? Touching your face and rubbing the skin on your hands. Both can be soothing behaviors when you're feeling uncomfortable. ...
(www.businessinsider.com/...)
I think this bodes well for Democrats going forward. I suspect that subconsciously those watching, including independent voters, will hear, and see, one party with a calm sense of acting in accordance with their consciences and the other being uncomfortable and nervous that they are acting in ways that will not look good in years, if not days, weeks, and months, to come.