(Rightallegiance.com) – Tuesday’s vice-presidential debate brought into sharp contrast two competing political styles as Ohio Republican Senator JD Vance faced off against Minnesota Democratic Governor Tim Walz. The event, moderated by CBS News’ Margaret Brennan, revealed divergent visions for America’s future, along with notable differences in body language, which experts suggest may have influenced public perceptions.
Very weird debate moment for Tim Walz, caught lying.pic.twitter.com/6yZOPD2J3v
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) October 2, 2024
According to body language expert Carole Lieberman, M.D., Vance’s calm and commanding demeanor played a significant role in his favorable impression. Lieberman explained that Vance projected authenticity and confidence throughout the debate, employing natural hand gestures to emphasize his points. “What JD Vance had that made him most likable and trusted was that he was authentic,” Lieberman told Fox News Digital. She described him as “steady” and likened him to a reliable leader, noting that his composed presence made viewers feel safe.
In contrast, Walz struggled to maintain composure, particularly early on in the debate. Lieberman observed that the Minnesota governor seemed jittery, frequently displaying signs of nervousness. His body language, she said, was often at odds with his statements. “He was all over the place,” Lieberman remarked, adding that Walz’s excessive movement and apparent discomfort could have left viewers feeling unsettled. She noted that Walz also showed signs of dishonesty in his non-verbal cues, especially during an exchange about his past comments regarding the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989.
At one point, Brennan questioned Walz about a discrepancy in his claims about witnessing the protests firsthand. Walz had previously said he was in Hong Kong during the protests, but reports later revealed that he hadn’t traveled to China until August of that year. When pressed, Walz tried to deflect before finally admitting, “I misspoke,” even referring to himself as a “knucklehead.” However, Lieberman criticized his approach, stating, “If he had admitted to lying right away, it would have come across as more honest.”
Despite Walz’s previous experience in Congress and his current role as governor, Lieberman suggested that Vance, who has only served in the Senate since January 2023, appeared more seasoned on the debate stage. She attributed this to Vance’s background as a Yale-trained debater and attorney, noting that he came off as more polished and natural compared to Walz’s more frantic behavior. Vance, she said, “seemed sure of himself” and comfortable discussing the key issues.
One of the key moments of the debate occurred when Vance’s microphone was temporarily turned off, highlighting the intense exchanges on topics such as the war in the Middle East, abortion, and the economy. Commentators from across the political spectrum generally agreed that Vance outperformed Walz, with the Republican delivering a more polished and confident performance.
Lieberman concluded that Vance’s presence on stage closely mirrored the persona of former President Donald Trump, referring to him as “Trump lite.” She described him as passionate about his campaign’s goals, conveying a clear desire to “make America great again.” In contrast, she said Walz often relied on blaming Trump for various issues, and when that approach faltered, he seemed lost.
Ultimately, while both candidates presented their platforms, Vance’s authenticity and poise seemed to resonate more with viewers, leaving him as the likely winner of the debate. Despite the differences, both candidates shook hands and briefly chatted after the event, indicating mutual respect amid the political clash.