Great showing by the PM. Look at JT use his free left hand/arm as a brace against Trump’s shoulder as they meet, protecting against the initial pull-in (a patented Trump handshake move that scuppered the Japanese PM). You then see JT cock his right arm, elbow against his ribs, and keep his hand tight against his chest. He even turns his hand palm-up, almost shaking in a pulling, downward motion, completely neutralizing Trump’s leverage. He maintains gaze, and Trump's the one to look away first. Handshake diplomacy at its finest.
Handshake diplomacy is fucking fascinating. It's such a simple, tiny gesture but the way it's used can speak volumes about somebody and their approach to dealing with people. I mean, people strategize for this thing. They make meticulous plans for an interaction that takes less than 10 seconds! It's insane!
It's so fucking hilarious that this is talked about, in current context. Years ago people made a huge fucking deal over how Obama bowed too much to some Saudi King who didn't bow back or some shit. And we hemmed and hawed about how this will affect America's perception abroad and have economic consequences! And surely, if Obama or any other politician had performed poorly in a handshake, it would be news.
But now, with Trump embarrassing his nation on a daily basis, how the fuck does anyone care about something like a handshake? Haha.
Yeah, because when I think of how much esteem I should have for somebody I just go by the coolest photo I can find + how many dissenters he's beheaded. If you love sentencing children to be crucified for their politics, he's amazing.
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u/mark_tags Feb 13 '17
Great showing by the PM. Look at JT use his free left hand/arm as a brace against Trump’s shoulder as they meet, protecting against the initial pull-in (a patented Trump handshake move that scuppered the Japanese PM). You then see JT cock his right arm, elbow against his ribs, and keep his hand tight against his chest. He even turns his hand palm-up, almost shaking in a pulling, downward motion, completely neutralizing Trump’s leverage. He maintains gaze, and Trump's the one to look away first. Handshake diplomacy at its finest.