Before the House voted to expel U.S. Rep. George Santos, I knew exactly whom to ask to write about it: David Clementson of the University of Georgia. I wanted him to share his understanding of how lying works in politics with our readers. It’s essential to understanding Santos – and to understanding American politics.

“The trustworthiness of politicians is judged almost entirely from perceptions of their demeanor, not the words they utter,” writes Clementson.

“Santos’ success demonstrates a mastery of something more than just pathological lying,” he explains. And then Clementson drops a bombshell: Santos got elected not because of, or despite, the lies he told. He got elected because voters fell for how he looked, what he wore, his charm and his confident demeanor.

Consider that the next time you are about to vote.

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