According to David Skillicorn, Queen’s expert in political spin, Barack Obama had the highest level of spin in his speech while John McCain had the lowest of all candidates – Republican or Democratic – at their respective conventions. Using computer software designed to detect deception, Dr. Skillicorn has analyzed speeches by candidates for the upcoming U.S. presidential elections from January 2008 to present. He defines spin as the way politicians subtly change what they say to appeal to the widest audience possible, while maintaining a level of deniability.
To view the results of his research, including an ordered table of the most “spinful” speeches visit http://skillicorn.wordpress.com/
To arrange an interview with Dr. Skillicorn contact Alissa Clark, alissa.clark@queensu.ca, 613-533-6000 ext 77513 or Molly Kehoe, molly.kehoe@queensu.ca, 613-533-2877, Queen’s News & Media Services.