November 29, 2024

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Stonestreet Curates Exhibit at Mountain Lake Biological Station

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Director of UMW Galleries Tracy Stonestreet

Director of UMW Galleries Tracy Stonestreet

Director of UMW Galleries Tracy Stonestreet is noted by e-flux Education for curating the exhibit “New Growth: Ten Years of ArtLab at Mountain Lake Biological Station.” The celebration of this exhibit takes place Friday, Nov. 8, and includes a panel discussion in the gallery at 4 p.m., bringing together artists and biologists who have been involved in ArtLab to discuss the ways that cross-disciplinary observations and perspectives enrich their work. ArtLab brings together artists with scientists to observe, explore and investigate the natural world. Read the article.

Farnsworth Co-authors Book Chapter on Political Humor

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Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth

Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth

Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth, who also directs the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, is co-author of a book chapter, “Late-Night Political Humor and the 2020 Presidential Campaign: Still All Trump, All the Time.” The chapter is published by Routledge in the edited volume Social Media Politics: Digital Discord in the 2020 Presidential Election. The chapter was derived from portions of Farnsworth’s recently published co-authored book, Late-Night in Washington: Political Humor and the American Presidency.

In addition, recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:

Running for governor, Spanberger a force in 7th District race (Richmond Times-Dispatch; The Daily Progress)
“Certainly, she’s lending her credibility to the (Vindman) campaign,” said Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. “It would be a bad look for Democrats going into 2025 if Virginia Democrats can’t keep Virginia 7.”
ANALYSIS: Are Candidates Trading Shoe Leather for Online Ads? (FXBG Advance)
The Advance contacted University of Mary Washington professor Stephen Farnsworth to get his take on the lower turnout numbers.
“Wow,” he began. “These declines raise questions about whether the parties are investing enough in getting out the vote efforts. With a very close congressional election in the region we should be seeing a lot of early votes locked in – not the declines we are seeing so far.”
Youngkin blasts DOJ lawsuit that trust Virginia’s voter roll removals into national spotlight (Virginia Mercury; Yahoo.com)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington, said that the legal fallout over Youngkin’s executive order and the subsequent debate in the national media will likely benefit the governor’s desire to remain in the public discourse. “I think Governor Youngkin is available to the national media because he wants to keep Republicans thinking about Glenn Youngkin. With the one consecutive term limit, Youngkin’s political fortunes may be improved with greater national media visibility.”
Evaluating Biden’s Presidential Accomplishments (All News Press)
Political expert Steve Farnsworth from the University of Mary Washington noted that Biden’s economic record is, in fact, quite strong. Unemployment is at a low level, and lucrative opportunities abound, particularly in real estate and the stock market. However, public perception does not always align with this economic recovery.
Trump Escalates His Attacks on Harris (RTVI News)
“I think the challenge Donald Trump is facing right now is trying to say something new about the vice president,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington. “The vice president has been attacked as a socialist and not very smart in speech after speech by Trump. I don’t think these latest insults are going to move the needle all that much.”
Youngkin blasts DOJ lawsuit that thrust Virginia’s voter roll removals into national spotlight (WHRO)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington, said that the legal fallout over Youngkin’s executive order and the subsequent debate in the national media will likely benefit the governor’s desire to remain in the public discourse. “I think Governor Youngkin is available to the national media because he wants to keep Republicans thinking about Glenn Youngkin. With the one consecutive term limit, Youngkin’s political fortunes may be improved with greater national media visibility.”
Harris has 6-point edge on Trump in Virginia: Poll (The Hill)
In a survey conducted by the University of Mary Washington and released in September, Harris led Trump by 2 points, 48 percent to 46 percent, in Virginia.
Early voting for 2024 General Election in DC begins Monday (WJLA)
“You cannot imagine a race much closer than this one this time,” Steve Farnsworth, PhD, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, told 7News. “The polls have consistently shown a very, very close race – not only nationally, but in those key swing states that will determine who wins the electoral college.”
How the Networks will Deal with Disinformation, Exit Polls, Toss-Up States and More (Newsday)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist with the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg,Virginia, and an expert in disinformation’s impact on elections, says, “Each election becomes more fraught because more and more disinformation enters the public discourse and that makes it harder and harder to sort out what is true in that high pressure get-it-first environment of breaking news.”
Local registrars give vote of confidence to early turnout at the polls (Fredericksburg Free Press)
University of Mary Washington Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth said declines in early voting in the Fredericksburg area could mean that political candidates are spending too much on advertising this year and not enough on early voting efforts. “Early voting is a key thing for political campaigns,” said Farnsworth, who is also director of UMW’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies.
Two Virginia candidates for Congress say democracy is at stake. It’s there the campaigns part ways (The Washington Post; MSN; Star Tribune; ABC News)
Stephen Farnsworth, a University of Mary Washington political science professor, said it’s Virginia’s most competitive race. “There’s a lot of national interest in the Virginia 7th, and it is the sort of district where congressional majorities are won and lost,” he said. “If you can’t win the outer-ring suburban counties of big cities in America, then you’re not going to be in the House majority.”
Voter roll removals draw national scrutiny as election nears (Richmond Free Press)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington, said the legal fallout over Youngkin’s executive order and the subsequent debate in the national media will likely benefit the governor’s desire to remain in the public discourse.
Road closures set for Kamala Harris campaign address in DC Tuesday (WJLA)
“One of the things you have seen the Democrats lean into a lot in the last several weeks is this character argument about Donald Trump. He is not suitable to be President, they say”, said Stephen Farnsworth.
Eugene Vindman vs Derrick Anderson: Who will fill the open VA-7 seat? (Fox 5DC)
Stephen Farnsworth, a University of Mary Washington political science professor, said it’s Virginia’s most competitive race. “There’s a lot of national interest in the Virginia 7th, and it is the sort of district where congressional majorities are won and lost,” he said. “If you can’t win the outer-ring suburban counties of big cities in America, then you’re not going to be in the House majority.”
Trump tries to push borderline states into battleground territory down homestretch (The Denver-Gazette; Washington Examiner)
In the Old Dominion, Harris leads Trump, 50.2% to 43.8%, in the polling average, with an October Christopher Newport University poll showing Harris leading by as much as 11 points and a September University of Mary Washington poll showing Harris leading by as little as 2 points.
Presidental Election (WTOP)
“I think when the electoral college environment comes into play, there are better places for Donald Trump to spend his time other than Virginia,” said Stephen Farnsworth. Listen to the segment.

Larus Quoted by Fox News Regarding Taiwan-China Relations

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Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Larus

Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs Elizabeth Larus

Professor Emerita of Political Science and International Affairs and Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Atlantic Council Global China Hub and Indo-Pacific Strategic Initiative Elizabeth Larus is quoted as an expert in Chinese and Taiwan relations by Fox News Digital. The article, titled “Encircling Taiwan was a smokescreen for China’s real goal of convincing US not to intervene,” quoted Larus as saying “China planned the exercises in advance and would have carried them out regardless of what Lai said. The military exercises are intended to wear down Taiwan’s military hardware and personnel. The purposes of the exercises are to threaten Taiwan’s security to the point that the Taiwan people lose confidence in their government and to change the status quo of a Taiwan separate from China.” Read the article.

In addition, recent media mentions for Larus include:

U.S. Elections 2024 (NewsX Live)
Kamala Harris is leading in the national polls right now but by less than a point.
Putin challenges claims of international isolation (TVP Poland News)
The BRICS meeting in Russia demonstrates that the West has failed to isolate Putin.
Trump vs. Harris: Who does China prefer in the US election? (Deutsche Welle)
A Harris administration would be more likely to return to a policy of engagement with Beijing, like her predecessors other than Trump. “In this case, Chinese leaders might prefer a Harris victory from the standpoint of foreign and defense policy, Larus said, as she is more likely to “play ball with China the way her predecessors — other than Trump — have,” said Elizabeth Larus.

Rao Invited to OpenAI Higher Ed Forum in NYC

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Professor of Communication and Digital Studies Anand Rao

Professor of Communication and Digital Studies Anand Rao

Professor of Communication and Digital Studies Anand Rao attended the exclusive OpenAI Higher Ed Forum on October 10, 2024, in New York City. The event, hosted by OpenAI, brought together influential leaders in higher education to discuss the future of AI in academia.

The forum, held at the historic Puck Building, featured presentations and discussions with prominent figures in AI and education, including OpenAI executives and renowned academics. Speakers addressed crucial topics such as the future of AI in higher education, building AI-powered universities, and frontline applications of AI in academic settings.

Dr. Rao’s participation in this high-level gathering underscores UMW’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in education. “Attending the OpenAI Higher Ed Forum was an invaluable opportunity to engage with leaders shaping the intersection of AI and higher education,” said Dr. Rao. “The insights gained will be instrumental in enhancing our approach to integrating AI technologies at UMW.”

By representing UMW at this event, Dr. Rao has positioned the university to be part of the ongoing dialogue about AI’s role in transforming higher education.

Ball Highlighted for Helping Small Businesses Start Right and Grow Strong

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Small Business Development Center Director Susan Ball

Small Business Development Center Director Susan Ball

Susan Ball, director of the Small Business Development Center, recently shared her background at October’s UMW Coffee Talk, a monthly educational/networking opportunity from the Women’s Leadership Colloquium. Ball’s 17 years of work for small businesses was highlighted for Fredericksburg Economic Development. Read more.

Farnsworth Lectures for U.S. State Department Group from Australia

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Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth

Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently presented a keynote lecture, “The State of the U.S. Presidential Election,” to a group of political leaders from Australia participating in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program in Washington. The political leaders participated in a two-week program focusing on learning about the U.S. political system.

In addition, recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:

Is Kamala Harris at Risk of Losing Virginia? What Polls Suggest (Newsweek)
Meanwhile, a poll conducted by the University of Mary Washington between September 3 and 9 showed that Harris is just 1 point ahead, 47 percent to 46 percent, among 756 Virginia likely voters—a lead well within the survey’s margin of error of +/- 4.1 percent.
https://www.newsweek.com/virginia-polling-kamala-harris-donald-trump-1969271

Former GOP Rep. Riggleman endorses Democratic Sen. Kaine of Virginia (The Washington Post)
Kaine led Cao by 12 points among likely voters in a September Washington Post-Schar School poll and by a smaller, six-point margin in a University of Mary Washington poll that month.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/10/16/kaine-cao-riggleman-virginia-senate/

Congressional Seats (Virginia Dogwood)
“We have in the U.S. right now a very divided Congress,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1460354387966817

Updating Donald Trump’s Criminal Charges (RTVI Media)
“That [New York] case was delayed at the request of the Trump campaign,” said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington. “There was a thought  from the Trump legal team that it would harm his campaign for sentencing to take place before  the election.”
https://www.youtube.com/live/TG0aobFr7dc?t=493s

Taking a Presidential Joke (With Good Reason)
Presidents have to know how to take a joke. And how to tell one about themselves. Steve Farnsworth says that many young people are finding their way into understanding the political landscape one joke at a time.
https://www.withgoodreasonradio.org/episode/early-voting/

Tight race looms in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District as Anderson and Vindman face off (Yahoo News)
“I was upset with the lack of accountability for this administration,” Anderson said during an Oct. 2 candidates debate with Vindman at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/tight-race-looms-virginia-7th-092938530.html

Federal workers policy is on the ballot in November (VPM; WHRO; WAMU)
Democrat Eugene Vindman and Republican Derrick Anderson participate in a debate to represent Virginia’s 7th Congressional District on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
https://www.vpm.org/news/2024-10-10/federal-workers-policy-virginia-seventh-congressional-district-vindman-anderson-subramanyam
https://www.whro.org/elections/2024-10-11/federal-workers-policy-is-on-virginias-ballot-in-november
https://wamu.org/story/24/10/13/virginia-candidates-weigh-in-on-federal-workers-policy/

Harris edges out Trump by 2 points in Virginia survey (MSN)
“This new survey suggests Virginia should be getting a much closer look from both presidential campaigns,” Stephen J. Farnsworth, director of the university’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, said in a statement. “Virginia may deserve to be treated as a ‘swing state’ once again this year.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/harris-edges-out-trump-by-2-points-in-virginia-survey/ar-AA1qV2iy?ocid=RT2DHP&apiversion=v2&noservercache=1&domshim=1&renderwebcomponents=1&wcseo=1&batchservertelemetry=1&noservertelemetry=1

Presidential Election 2024 (Indian Institute for Goverance, Policies, and Politics)
“I think the first important thing to understand about American politics and how different our society is from say the structure of a Westminster style parliamentary democracy is that we are very very open to new people and new ideas,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
https://www.youtube.com/live/-7dvnLbBdj4

Virginia House candidates debate abortion and affordability as congressional election nears (WTOP; Richmond Times-Dispatch; WAMU; The Washington Post; Ground News)
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. (AP) — Nearly a month before election day, Republican Derrick Anderson and Democrat Yevgeny “Eugene” Vindman attempted to portray themselves as the candidate best fit for Congress on Wednesday in what is shaping up to be Virginia’s most competitive race.
https://wtop.com/virginia/2024/10/virginia-house-candidates-debate-abortion-and-affordability-as-congressional-election-nears/
https://richmond.com/news/state-and-regional/7th-district-congressional-debate-derrick-anderson-eugene-vindman-umw-election2024/article_560d8c89-12a8-5549-b4ff-c944163d2708.html
https://wamu.org/story/24/10/03/virginia-7th-congressional-district-debate/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/10/03/derrick-anderson-eugene-vindman-debate-congress-virginia/
https://ground.news/article/anderson-and-vindman-trade-barbs-at-7th-district-debate-in-fredericksburg

The battle for Prince William County’s Latino vote (Prince William Times)
Stephen J. Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, says Republicans have taken opportunities to cut into Democratic margins among Latino voters in Virginia by running candidates such as Jason Miyares, the state’s first Latino attorney general.
https://www.princewilliamtimes.com/news/the-battle-for-prince-william-county-s-latino-vote/article_82a48006-81d0-11ef-b9a9-37b511123957.html

Donald Trump’s Chances of Winning Virginia: Polls (Newsweek)
Despite Trump trailing in nearly every recent poll, there have been a few bright spots for the ex-president in the state. A poll released on September 9 by the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, found that Trump was level with Harris among all adults.
https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trumps-chances-winning-virginia-polls-1963494

University of Mary Washington poll forecasts tight race for Virginia governor in 2025 (2024) (Custom Map Poster)
“Virginia elections are often close, and the look ahead to next year suggests more of the same in the campaign for governor,” said Stephen J. Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington and director of UMW’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies. “The big challenge for these potential candidates is becoming better known across the commonwealth.”
https://custommapposter.com/article/university-of-mary-washington-poll-forecasts-tight-race-for-virginia-governor-in-2025/6520#google_vignette

With two open seats, N. Va. on front line in battle for Congress (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“The race started out more or less as a tossup,” said Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg. “That’s where it seems to be right now.”
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/elections/virginia-congress-vindman-anderson-subramanyam-clancy/article_7c880994-7aa1-11ef-a4d3-c70c76a987cc.html

Virginia 7th Congressional District Candidate Forum (DC News Now)
“Candidates choose what they will participate in and what they will not. We were very fortunate at Mary Washington that we had both candidates participating in our debate last week,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
https://www.dcnewsnow.com/video/virginia-7th-congressional-district-candidate-forum/10110320/

Now what?: Study gives Virginia lawmakers options on military tuition waiver program (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“Once a government program is in place, you’re likely to see it around for the duration,” said Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg in the heart of the military-minded 7th Congressional District.
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/general-assembly-military-tuition-waiver/article_c7f4747a-84c0-11ef-8fb2-fff16ae76547.html

‘Let’s be normal’: Local GOP works to galvanize a Democrat-led voting bloc (Moco 360)
“In a jurisdiction like Montgomery County, you can basically say whatever you want, but if you have an R after your name on the ballot, you’ve got a big problem,” said Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, political science professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia.
https://moco360.media/2024/10/09/lets-be-normal-county-gop-works-to-galvanize-a-democrat-led-voting-bloc/

Is One Spotsylvania Resident in the Vanguard of a Party-jumping Trend? (FXBG Advance)
In an email to the Advance, Stephen Farnsworth of the University of Mary Washington said that voters jumped parties “in 2016, where there were a number of Obama 2012 voters who did not vote for Hillary Clinton. This was particularly an issue in the swing states of the industrial Midwest (PA, WI, MI).”
https://fxbgadvance.substack.com/p/could-republicans-turn-the-election?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Tight race looms in Virginia’s 7th Congressional District as Anderson and Vindman face off (Virginia Mercury; InsideNova; USSA News)
“I was upset with the lack of accountability for this administration,” Anderson said during an Oct. 2 candidates debate with Vindman at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg.
https://virginiamercury.com/2024/10/10/tight-race-in-virginias-7th-congressional-district-as-derrick-anderson-eugene-vindman-face-off/
https://www.insidenova.com/headlines/election-2024-tight-race-looms-in-virginia-s-7th-congressional-district-between-anderson-vindman/article_7accc616-871d-11ef-8894-475ff17e73f5.html
https://ussanews.com/2024/10/10/tight-race-looms-in-virginias-7th-congressional-district-as-anderson-and-vindman-face-off/

Now what?: Study gives Virginia lawmakers options on military tuition waiver program (The News & Advance)
“Once a government program is in place, you’re likely to see it around for the duration,” said Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg in the heart of the military-minded 7th Congressional District.
https://newsadvance.com/now-what-study-gives-virginia-lawmakers-options-on-military-tuition-waiver-program/article_f8e6b358-85cf-11ef-9569-c3e3b44ef0f6.html

Schiffrin Comments in ‘Telegrafi’ About Parent/Child Relations

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Professor of Psychological Science Holly Schiffrin

Professor of Psychological Science Holly Schiffrin

Professor of Psychological Science Holly Schiffrin remarks to Telegrafi in an article titled “When and how should parents intervene in children’s fights?” In the article, Schiffrin talks about  how parents should always intervene in the conflicts between children if they see signs of abuse. Read more.

Spencer Quoted by Residents of College Heights Area at City Council Meeting

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Professor of Historic Preservation Michael Spencer

Professor of Historic Preservation Michael Spencer

Professor of Historic Preservation Michael Spencer was quoted by residents at an October Fredericksburg City Council meeting regarding the suburban College Heights area and its uniqueness for lessons in historic preservation. The article, titled “College Heights residents lobby for creation of conservation district,” which ran in the Fredericksburg Free Press, highlights Spencer’s remarks regarding the creation of a conservation district for the area. Read the article.