The Significant Visual Moments From the Vice Presidential Debate -- PICTURES

By National Journal Staff

Updated: October 12, 2012 | 1:18 a.m.
October 12, 2012 | 12:14 a.m.

Stated political positions and points made during a debate obviously make a significant impact on the viewers at home, but facial expressions and the gestures of the candidates also make lasting impressions that can sway voters.

Below are some of the most significant expressions and gestures from the Vice Presidential debate.

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Joe Biden and Paul Ryan wanted to be there. If President Obama hurt himself in the first debate by looking bored or put out, Ryan and Biden got the memo. They were engaged.

Paul Ryan, right, listens as Vice President Joe Biden speaks during the vice presidential debate at Centre College. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

They were engaged. They jabbed, crossed, and flashed broad smiles, Biden nearly always showing his super-white teeth.

Biden and Ryan talked over each other at certain points in the debate. ((AP Photo/Pool-Rick Wilking))

Overall, both debaters smiled frequently, listened calmly, and looked indignantly at one another about six times. Some cross-talk happened in the middle of the debate, but that died down toward the end.

Ryan watches as Biden speaks. He gesticulated quite a bit. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Biden, left, and Ryan face off with dueling gestures. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Ryan gesticulates during the debate. He used his hands less than the vice president. ((AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall))

Biden used his hands throughout debate. ((AP Photo/David Goldman))

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