David Skillicorn, expert in political spin, says Barack Obama has a tendency to spin his messages, while John McCain has the lowest level of spin of all the candidates – followed by Hillary Clinton.
Using computer software designed to detect deception, Dr. Skillicorn analyzed speeches by candidates for the U.S. presidential election from the beginning of 2008 to the middle of February. 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://www.cs.queensu.ca/home/skill/uselection/
To arrange an interview with Dr. Skillicorn contact Molly Kehoe, molly.kehoe@queensu.ca, 613-533-2877 or Alissa Clark, alissa.clark@queensu.ca, 613-533-6000 ext 77513, Queen’s News & Media Services.