But Barack Obama and Mitt Romney are practically writing a novella. I’m not the first one to notice the glaring body language as the Titans of ’12 greeted each other at lunch at the White House yesterday.

Photo credit: White House

There’s Obama—all relaxed, looking curious and friendly, mouth open to speak, and, as if to echo his (and MSNBC’s) motto, leaning forward. His left hand in his pocket signals a nonthreatening ease—though the southpaw could also be “hiding his hand.”  

No wonder Romney looks all tense and defensive, his mouth zipped and his body frozen. Or, maybe he suddenly realized he forgot his flag pin.

The other thing not to read too much into was what the White House served for lunch: white turkey chili.

A poll conducted by NYU grad students show Obama’s tax plan is widely understood. Check it out in Leslie Savan’s last post.