Tonight’s VP debate will not have fact-checking. CBS has assured us that won’t be the case.

Understand CBS is abandoning its responsibility.

The media plays a key role during a campaign, especially when helping people understand the truth. One of their most important jobs is fact-checking what candidates say. This means they listen to speeches, read campaign materials, and compare candidates’ statements to real data, past policies, or actual events to ensure the information is accurate.

Fact-checking helps keep the campaign honest by holding candidates accountable for their words. If a candidate makes false claims or exaggerates, the media can point it out, giving voters a clearer picture of what’s true. This makes it easier for everyone to feel confident in their decisions about who to support.

The criticism of CBS, once held up as a national treasure in the news thanks to Walter Cronkite, and shows like 60 Minutes, the news organization has instead opted for corporate cowardice. Rex Huppke, in USA Today, explains,

“Great news for people who enjoy lies: CBS News won’t allow its vice-presidential debate moderators to engage in any fact-checking,” he writes. “Facts are for losers, and fact-checking makes Republicans in general, and Donald Trump in particular, SUPER mad. So, the network definitely made the right decision to not identify any lies.”

Without help from anyone supposedly knowledgeable about the facts, I am proposing a different way to watch and score this debate. It’s based on one assumption, and with that, let’s begin.

Let’s assume everything said is untrue (in school, we called them lies).

We all know there will be truth, lies, misrepresentations, gaffs, oral typos (there’s a word for those), and more. And since we’re on our own, we need to use our wits and mammalian instincts to identify a friend or a foe. Let’s face it: we don’t want someone who doesn’t like us to represent us in government. Right!?

Download the scorecard!

Let’s watch for five key visual cues to help us evaluate the candidate.

Body Language	FacialExpressions	Hand Gestures	Eye Contact	Timing of Movements
Watch for open or closed postures. Sitting upright or leaning slightly forward often conveys confidence and engagement, while crossed arms or a slouched posture can signal defensiveness or discomfort.	Observe their facial reactions. Smiles, frowns, raised eyebrows, or narrowed eyes can reveal their emotions, whether confident, frustrated, or amused by their opponent.	Pay attention to how they use their hands. Fluid, controlled gestures can enhance their message, even without words, whereas frantic or overly aggressive movements might signal anxiety or lack of control.	Notice where they’re looking. Consistent eye contact with the audience or their opponent can indicate assertiveness and self-assurance while looking down or away frequently, which might show uncertainty or discomfort.	Watch the pacing of their actions. Pauses between gestures, measured breathing, or moments of stillness can suggest that a person is in control of their message and comfortable, while rushed or erratic movements can indicate stress or impatience.

I’ve turned this into a scorecard so you can watch (and listen or not) and see if you can determine which man has our best interests at heart.

What to expect from JD Vance, non-verbally.

J.D. Vance, observed in debates, interviews, and public appearances, reveals his style.

• Calm and Controlled Posture: Vance generally maintains a composed and upright posture when speaking, which can project confidence and a sense of control. His posture tends to be more relaxed in familiar settings, such as town hall meetings, suggesting comfort and calculated calmness.
• Frequent Use of Hand Gestures: Vance often uses his hands to emphasize points. He uses open-handed gestures, especially when connecting emotionally with the audience or explaining a personal anecdote. This suggests a desire to appear transparent and relatable.
• Minimal Facial Expressions: He tends to keep a relatively neutral facial expression, making him appear serious and deliberate. However, depending on the context, this sometimes comes off as a lack of warmth or friendliness. When addressing tough questions, he often nods slightly before responding, indicating he takes time to process before speaking.
• Steady Eye Contact: Vance maintains good eye contact during debates and interviews, which helps him project confidence. However, when faced with more difficult or critical questions, his gaze can shift slightly, suggesting discomfort or the need to gather his thoughts.
• Measured Speech and Pauses: He speaks slowly and deliberately, often pausing before answering questions. This can indicate careful thought and a desire to appear measured, but it may also be overly cautious or hesitant in certain high-pressure situations.

Overall, Vance’s mannerisms seem tailored to convey a thoughtful, calm, and controlled demeanor, though his neutral expressions and pauses can, at times, make him seem less emotionally engaged.

What to expect from Tim Walz, non-verbally.

Tim Walz has a notably different nonverbal communication style from that of more traditional politicians.

• Energetic and Approachable Posture: Walz often adopts a more casual, approachable stance, especially when engaging with people in public settings. His body language reflects openness and a desire to connect, often standing with his arms relaxed or gesturing outwardly to create an inclusive atmosphere.
• Frequent Smiling and Warm Expressions: Walz is known for his warm, friendly demeanor. He frequently smiles when speaking to constituents or during interviews. This friendliness and relatability make him seem accessible and down-to-earth, helping him connect with a broader audience.
• Active Hand Gestures: Walz expresses with his hands to emphasize points during speeches or discussions. His gestures tend to be natural and fluid, often aligning with the points he’s making, which adds emphasis without seeming forced. His use of open-palmed gestures signals transparency and honesty.
• Consistent Eye Contact: Walz maintains steady eye contact in one-on-one conversations or large public addresses, which projects confidence and sincerity. His consistent engagement with his audience, particularly when listening to others, helps him appear genuinely interested and approachable.
• Relaxed Yet Engaged Tone: Walz speaks with a conversational, energetic tone, which helps him appear more relatable. He often uses pauses effectively, but his speech generally flows smoothly, reflecting his confidence in what he’s saying while maintaining a friendly, down-to-earth style.

Overall, Walz’s mannerisms convey warmth, friendliness, and an eagerness to connect with others. His nonverbal cues suggest openness, authenticity, and a leadership style that relies on engagement and empathy, contrasting with more rigid or formal political figures.

Let’s go watch the debate!

I hope you choose to watch the debate. Sure, it’s likely to be a lot of theater, but these men’s true character should shine through, possibly even more powerfully without words.