I think, therefore I Cam: When the PM's hand is on his chin ... then you KNOW he wants you to think he's serious
By DAILY MAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 9:02 AM on 16th February 2011

Comments (24)

Add to My Stories

It's been a testing week for the Prime Minister.
His much vaunted 'Big Society' initiative has been roundly criticised while interest rates are expected to soar after inflation rose to four per cent.
Yet whether dealing with attacks on his policies, meeting the public or simply leaving his house, David Cameron tends to resort to a familiar pose, with his chin resting in his hand in the manner of Rodin's The Thinker sculpture.

Enlarge
Right, now what? The Prime Minister leaves his home and (right) meeting business leaders this week
Our collection of pictures shows that the former PR man has a firm grasp on the importance of appearances and knows how to assure his audience that he's really listening to their views.
When it's time for a sterner discussion of the tough measures facing Britain, he'll noticeably furrow his brow to prove just how serious he is about economic recovery.
But again and again, no matter the topic of discussion, Mr Cameron reverts back to that familiar pose.
Tired or thoughtful? Mr Cameron seems to be stifling a yawn at a 2009 London event (left) but maybe he's mimicking Rodin's famous The Thinker sculpture (right)
Follow the leader: Former Tory leader William Hague mimics Mr Cameron's gesture
Before and after: The Prime Minister appears drawn to resting his face on his hand, whether mulling over ideas at party events (left) or seemingly agonising over difficult decisions (right)

Right, now talk me through that again: The Conservative leader pays close attention to what this youngster is telling him at a Manchester youth club
Body language analysts could have a field day with the photos, one of which suggests the PM uses the gesture to slyly stifle a yawn when he's less than enthused with the issues of the day.
His catalogue of poses could also be compared with Tony Blair's favoured open-handed gestures, a habit later referred to in criticism of the former Prime Minister's honesty regarding the Iraq war.

The success of the Big Society initiative and Mr Cameron's handling of Britain's finances remains to be seen but one thing's for sure - he'll ponder the policies with one hand clasped firmly on his chin.
Hmmmm: Deep in thought after a week in which a major policy initiative came in for harsh criticism and (right) meeting young people at a charity in West London
So that's where he gets it from: It seems couples do start to look alike as Mr and Mrs Cameron both use the pose
Not so surel: That pose again as Mr Cameron listens to Bradford Councillor Chris Greaves (left) during a journey on the electric train in Leeds




Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1357442/David-Cameron-s-catalogue-political-posturing.html#ixzz1E7Szayn3