Andrew Cuomo and Zohran Mamdanis posture reveals how Dems really felt during tense NYC mayoral debate showdown: experts

Ex-Gov.Andrew Cuomo dodging an onslaught of jabs and socialist state Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani trying to snag a viral breakout moment were among the standouts from New York City’s mayoral Democratic primary debate.Body language experts weighed in after the Democratic candidates sparred against each other Wednesday in the first debate of the 2025 primary election — as they jostled to outshine in each other in an already overcrowded race.Here’s what they had to say of the top moments: Despite being the front-runner, Cuomo’s body language clearly shifted as the NBC-Politico debate wore on as he was relentlessly attacked by his fellow candidates over more than two hours.The former governor, 67, dramatically increased his blinking when peppered with questions about his handling of COVID nursing home deaths and the sexual harassment scandal that led to his resignation, according to Washington DC-based body language expert Christopher Ulrich.“Initially confident and expressive, Cuomo’s posture changed over time — particularly when he was under attack,” Ulrich said.“We also saw an increase in blink rate when asked questions about COVID-19 nursing home deaths and sexual harassment.”The behavior, the expert noted, was a clear sign of “increased psychological discomfort.”Cuomo was also repeatedly spotted with his hand in his pocket as the going got tough, according to experts.

“While under verbal attack from the rest of the candidates, we see Cuomo keep his hand in his pocket, a self-soothing or protective gesture that often signals discomfort,” Ulrich said.At various points, Cuomo could be seen staring down at his podium as the attacks continued.“These unrelenting jabs, that obviously hit his sore spots, ultimately resulted in Cuomo looking down at his podium more than he looked up at the other candidates, the hosts or the camera,” brain and body language expert and psychiatrist Carole Lieberman said.“To remove himself from the hosti...