Head Scratchers

Huh? Handwriting Expert Says Roger Ailes “Probably Works Seamlessly with Others”

No one ever said handwriting analysis was a flawless science. In fact, behind palm reading, tarot card divinations and phrenology, I’d argue that it’s one of the less reliable ways of gauging personality. (Of course this point of view is due in no small part to my own questionable handwriting, but let’s not go there.)

While you may disagree with this attitude, a recent analysis of Fox News Chanel boss Roger Ailes’ handwriting is a big strike against the legitimacy of the craft. It seems that Gawker wasn’t just curious about the content of Ailes’ Nixon-era memos, which they uncovered — they were interested in what the penmanship in the notes said about Ailes. So they hired a handwriting expert — and it sounds like she might have been a little off-base on one or two of his personality traits.

Dianne Peterson, who, as Gawker notes, is no slouch and has been enlisted by the New York Times in the past, noted that the frequent long downstrokes in his writing indicate “a huge amount of determination,” something few have likely ever doubted Ailes has. Then, however, things get a little dicey.

He’s also “not defiant, and probably works seamlessly with others.” And “politically, he would be very diplomatic. You can see diplomacy in his handwriting… he’s an honest person.

Hmmm. Not sure we’re on board with this characterization. We’re talking about the guy who was accused of spying on his own local newspaper staff, right?

(Handwriting sample found via Gawker)

TAGS: Roger Ailes | roger ailes handwriting analysis | roger ailes handwriting sample | roger ailes nixon memos

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