Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently presented a lecture, “Disinformation, the News Media, and U.S. Presidential Elections,” at the University of Warsaw in Poland. The talk was derived from portions of Dr. Farnsworth’s recently published co-authored book, Producing News in a Time of Disinformation: Information Evaluation Strategies for Journalists and News Consumers. Dr. Farnsworth is serving in Poland as a Spring 2024 Fulbright Distinguished Scholar.

‘Bipartisanship’ fizzled in General Assembly this session

Another point of contention among lawmakers is establishing a regulated cannabis market. Democrats may have to wait for a new governor before making progress on cannabis, according to Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. “This governor hasn’t shown much interest in coming up with a cannabis plan … and the Democrats in the legislature may very well wait it out for a subsequent governor’s cannabis plan,” Farnsworth said. Read more.

‘Bipartisanship’ fizzled in General Assembly this session

Although the North American economy is in good condition, this does not translate into support for Biden (Cronicas)

The fact that both have previously been heads of state is something quite peculiar. According to Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington, this “levels the battleground quite a bit, because they both have experience campaigning for the presidency.” However, this has the downside that “it will be very difficult for campaigns to persuade new voters,” since “people already have a very clear idea of which candidate they prefer.” Read more.

‘Bipartisanship’ Fizzles as General Assembly Session Ends (Williamsburg Yorktown Daily)

Another point of contention among lawmakers is establishing a regulated cannabis market. Democrats may have to wait for a new governor before making progress on cannabis, according to Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington. “This governor hasn’t shown much interest in coming up with a cannabis plan … and the Democrats in the legislature may very well wait it out for a subsequent governor’s cannabis plan,” Farnsworth said.

‘Bipartisanship’ Fizzles as General Assembly Session Ends

These City Councils Are Changing Their Public Comment Rules as Gaza Ceasefire Debates Dominate (Next City)

Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, says the new restrictions highlight the “difficult balancing act” facing municipalities. “The bigger question for these cities is, do they really want to be making it more difficult for citizens to engage with elected officials?” Farnsworth says. “It’s a key measure to get a sense of the public’s pulse, so to speak, if you can have these vibrant comment periods.” Read more.

The unknown of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to amplify his presidential campaign

“Third party candidates always perform better in the polls than on election day,” however, notes Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington, contacted in Virginia. He assures in passing that the announcement of Ms. Shanahan’s candidacy should not change the dynamics of this race, which, like almost all elections in the United States, pits candidates from the two dominant parties against each other. “Voters like the idea of having more choice, but ultimately they almost always fear Democrats or Republicans enough to avoid voting for a third party,” he adds. People who don’t like Joe Biden and people who don’t like Donald Trump have such a strong feeling that they will do anything to make sure that the candidate they hate doesn’t win.” Read more.

Amid calls for Gaza ceasefire, Richmond City Council restricts public comment (VPN)

Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, told VPM News/Next City the new restrictions highlight the “difficult balancing act” facing municipalities. “The bigger question for these cities is, do they really want to be making it more difficult for citizens to engage with elected officials?” Farnsworth said. “It’s a key measure to get a sense of the public’s pulse, so to speak, if you can have these vibrant comment periods.” Read more.

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 lecture, “The State of the U.S. Presidential Election,” as part of the University of Warsaw’s American Studies Program Spring Colloquium. Dr. Farnsworth is serving in Poland as a Spring 2024 Fulbright Distinguished Scholar.

Other recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:

So, Is the Potomac Yard Stadium Deal Dead? (Washingtonian Magazine)
In order for the deal to progress this year, Youngkin would need to propose an amendment to the budget bill, which the chambers would then vote on at the April 17 session or call a special legislative session. But Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington—and a longtime Virginia General Assembly watcher—said it was unlikely such a move would be successful. “Trying to add the stadium deal to the legislature’s budget plan only means that the Senate would reject that project again,” Farnsworth told Washingtonian. “The governor wants a legacy, and the Democratic majorities can just wait him out—he only has one more session as governor after this year’s session concludes.” Read more.

Trump Wins Prince William: Examining his decisive victory in the deep-blue county (Potomac Local)
Donald Trump won his first victory in Prince William County during a dual Presidential Primary on Super Tuesday, March 5, 2023. Read more.

Biden, Trump Look to Secure Party Presidential Nominations (CTV News)
“Absolutely, the obstacles of the nomination and renomination of Trump and Biden are settled, so the delegates should add up to fifty plus one by the time the counting is done tomorrow,” said Stephen Farnsworth. Read more.