Is it an affectation that they're trained to deploy? (If so, why?) Or is it just a natural thing that happens in the very specific circumstance of being a politician on the campaign trail, and that's why no one else seems to do it?

I don't think I've seen it in any other context 🤔

Cheers!

A photo of a hand doing a pinchy, half-committed 'thumbs up' gesture common amongst political speakers
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] 10 points 1 year ago

It's more of a public speaker thing than just a politician thing, but... Well, politicians are all public speakers, so it makes sense that that's the context you've seen it in.

It's literally a practiced gesture - public speaking makes use of some gestures that telegraph well to crowds, but seem unusual otherwise. IIRC, that fishing rod grip is an alternative to gesturing with a fist - it looks less aggressive, but gets the point across.

  • source