Inside the Situation Room
Here is a fascinating photo of the Situation Room in the White House as top government officials receive updates about Osama bin Laden in live time.
Their faces reveal a lot of information, and what is so interesting is they are all seeing the same thing, yet are giving us such different reactions. If you don’t know who the people are, click on the photo above, and in the caption, their names are broken down in order so you can see who is who.
Joe Biden is just taking information in with not much of a reaction in this split-second photograph.
President Obama is INTENSELY immersed in what he is watching. I would say if he could talk at this point, he would tell you he has great respect for what he saw. I think he was taken back by what he was watching or hearing, and perhaps has a healthy apprehension about just how good they were, if you will. I see notable amount of apprehension in his face.
Brigadier General Marshall B. “Brad” Webb gives us nothing as he is looking down.
Denis McDonough is just taking it all in without a lot of expression.
Hilary Clinton is shocked at what she sees, and is clearly having a hard time with what is in front of her. We often cover up our mouths when we are having a hard time processing what we are seeing and find it shocking. There are other reasons for this behavior as well.
Secretary of Defense Robert Gates is feeling a pride. He is getting satisfaction out of watching this.
Admiral Mike Mullen is humbled in this photograph.
Advisor Tom Donilon is watching with confidence about what is going on.
Chief of Staff Bill Daley is intensely watching and absorbing what he is seeing. I think there is a slight pressing of the lips here. It could have several meanings.
Tony Binken is trying to get a good look and Audrey Tomason doesn’t appear to be able to see, though she is listening.
John Brennan has furrowed brows which is suggestive of dislike, concern or distress.
John Brennan is pretty neutral — just taking it all in.
With all photos, it is a split second in time. While it does give us information about how people are feeling in this instant, it can and does change every second. It’s just a window, a snapshot, and sometimes people aren’t even aware they are feeling these emotions when they express them.