Understanding prominent politicians through their signatures.

• Author: Imberman, Arlyn
• Position: Science & Technology

WHAT POLITICIANS SAY and what they really mean are not always the same, and the way they act in public sometimes is at odds with their true personalities. However, every time they pick up a pen to sign their name, certain character traits are revealed through handwriting style. So, let's "lift the veil" from some of the country's best-known political figures.

John McCain. As we know, the Republican senator from Arizona has had many medical issues that could affect his writing. Strong idealism is shown in the upper zones, especially in the large "h" and capital letters "J" and "M" in his signature, revealing high personal standards. The writing stroke is angular, signifying forcefulness. It is not easy for McCain to compromise. In McCain's surname, the letters are not written clearly, which means he does not always reveal his agenda. Although he presents himself as a straight shooter, the letter forms thread out at the end of "McCain," showing a willingness to take advantage of opportunities.

The sense of form in the signature may be distorted by some difficulty in writing. For example, the "ain" disintegrates in "McCain." The space between McCain's first and last name is unusually wide, a sign that he is much more introverted than he appears to be. This also is seen by the tightness and contraction of the letter forms. His superior intellect and creativity are evident in the way the capital "J" is connected to the "o" in "John." It forms an angle in order to reach the height of the "h"--a clever, creative, and expedient connection, another indication of his high personal standards and sense of honor.

Despite the senator's difficulty in writing, one can see rigidity in the strokes forming his first name. This, once again, is a testament to his forcefulness. He is a man who knows what he wants and how to go after it. The Republicans' front-running candidate for president clearly is capable of being a leader.

Barack Obama. The "B" in the first name rises up from the lower zone, indicating a capacity for self-examination and the ability to analyze data objectively. It is a simple but dynamic "B," which connects fluidly with the remainder of the first name "Barack." The writing stroke of the Democratic senator from Illinois is extremely smooth, rapid, and highly simplified, yet sophisticated. Because Obama is relatively young, he has the capacity to continue learning and to keep utilizing his considerable intelligence. He knows how to maneuver like a true politician, yet displays a high degree of originality.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Like an ice skater, he can shift weight and change direction rapidly and with ease. He is highly aware and versatile. The way the senator connects the "O" and the "b" in "Obama" is his own shorthand, confirming a rapid, capable, and competent intellect. The angles in his first name signify resiliency and determination. His large capital letters are a sign that he needs and knows how to get attention. Look at the connectedness of letters, the rapid movement to the right, which represents pursuit of his goals. The inflated...