Obama's debate body language spoke well

NASHVILLE, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Democratic candidate Barack Obama won the non-verbal portion of the presidential debate, with body language experts giving his relaxed posture the edge.

Both candidates, though, scored points for showing emotion and for stylistic differences, three body language experts told the Los Angeles Times Wednesday.

Two body language experts who watched Tuesday night's debate said they thought the Democratic senator from Illinois was the winner over Republican Sen. John McCain, while a third called it a draw.

"They both have different styles and are great," said Lillian Glass, a Beverly Hills body language expert who rated the forum a tie, adding that McCain, showed some animation missing in the first faceoff.

"It was like the Energizer Bunny had some batteries put in," Glass said. "We have never seen McCain so warm and fuzzy and likable and dynamic. This was the best format for him."

Patti Wood, an Atlanta body language expert, said Obama started flat but closed on a higher note than McCain.

"McCain was very strong at the beginning, but the fact that it lasted an hour and a half worked against him," she said. "You could tell he lost energy. If people watched until the end, Obama ended really strong."