The American presidential campaign has already produced a number of mysteries that historians will no doubt puzzle over for many years to come. In particular, analyzing the body language of the candidates – especially on the Republican side, because that’s more interesting – yields some real body blows to the received wisdom. The mysteries are proliferating; let’s look at a few of them in a little more detail. Perhaps a body language analysis can throw some light on these arcane goings-on.

Why Donald Trump?

The experts didn’t see Mr. Trump coming. They didn’t think he’d last. They dismissed him as a buffoon. The verbal gaffes he made – the experts opined – would destroy him in a political nanosecond. And yet – he’s still here. And still tops in the polls.

Incredible. What can body language analysis tell us? Basically, Mr. Trump’s body language says in a number of different ways that he is the most powerful person in the room. His big, open emotional gestures make a good claim for authenticity, dominance, and charisma. The man knows what works for him on TV and he’s not shy about putting himself forward in a way calculated to titillate, outrage, and fascinate his viewers.

Why not Chris Christie?

In terms of body language, Governor Christie’s confidence and connection with the audience put him in the same league, at least, as Mr. Trump. So why haven’t his performances at the debates propelled him into the same polling levels?

On body language terms alone, Christie should be doing better than he is. It’s a good reminder that, while important, body language is not the whole game. In this case, the insider – outsider dynamic seems to be more important in determining whom the primary electorate prefers. But it’s early days.

What’s wrong with Ben Carson?

In body language terms, I mean. Dr. Carson’s body language is tamped down, he fails to make much eye contact, he lacks all the passion that Mr. Trump has and then some, and his gestures are defensive and weak. On body language terms alone, he shouldn’t be on the same stage as Trump, Rubio, Cruz, and (even) Bush. What’s up with him?

My only explanation for his continued success is that he is an outsider. Otherwise, on body language terms alone, I just don’t get it.

Why does Carly Fiorina keep fading away?

Once Ms Fiorina moved to the main stage, she had a wonderful moment standing up to Mr. Trump in response to his name-calling. She looked strong and tough, and more than held her own. She also used a little trick I teach my clients to own the stage – she paused for a couple of second before answering. That builds suspense and puts you in charge. Nice, Ms Fiorina!

But somehow, she hasn’t been able to translate that initial toughness into improved standing in the polls. Why not? I think it’s because we actually want to feel connected with our candidates, something Mr. Trump’s open gestures allow us to do. Ms Fiorina’s pursed lips, tough facial gestures, and buttoned-down demeanor actually make her appear closed, and that’s fatal for a candidate the country is trying to get to know.

What’s the matter with Ted Cruz?

Senator Cruz is a classic example of partly concealed emotion. His curled lip, and lopsided face indicate suppressed anger and disdain, and that limits his appeal. While a significant percentage of the population responds to that (because they’re angry too), most people find his anger alarming – perhaps even a little scary. And so he polarizes, and generates as much opposition as he creates allies.

Finally, what happened to Governor Kasich?

In his first debate outing, Governor Kasich appeared ill at ease, and took a long time to warm up. Add to that a minimal amount of stage minutes, and you get a weak performance. But he came back strong the second time, and even showed up well against Mr. Trump. How odd, then, that in the last debate, he appeared peevish and whiny – complaining about his lack of air time more than he answered questions. A waste of effort. And what a strange arc – from invisible to strong to angry and ineffectual in three debates. It’s hard to see how he survives for much longer. His difficulties are a good reminder of just how hard it is to perform well under these incredibly tough circumstances – and how far removed from actual governing a debate is. Governor Kasich, by most accounts, was a pretty successful administrator. Debating doesn’t really test those abilities in any meaningful way.

Debating, like life, isn’t fair.