December 23, 2024

EagleEye

A Newsletter for UMW Faculty and Staff

Farnsworth Lectures on Upcoming Midterm Elections

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Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently delivered a public lecture, “Previewing the 2022 U.S. Midterm Elections” at the Fredericksburg Area Rotary.

Dr. Farnsworth was also featured in the following news stories and opinion pieces:

EDITORIAL: Truth, accountability are crucial to democracy (The Free Lance-Star; Culpeper Star-Exponent)

Opinion by Peter Galuszkain-Youngkin’s appointments raise questions about his ‘moderate’ label (The Washington Post)

Democrats are raising more money than Republicans in Virginia’s competitive Congressional races (WVTF)

‘The Problem With Jon Stewart’ Has a Problem — With Ratings (The Wrap)

No debates, few interviews: why experts say it’s harder to get to know candidates ahead of key elections (KMOV4)

Jury selection for Steve Bannon trial begins today (CP24.com)

A Collision of Economics and History: In Pennsylvania, the Debate Over Climate is a Bitter One – Inside Climate News (Reporter Wings)

How Youngkin’s Approval Rating Compares to Past Virginia Governors (Axios)

Will Department of Justice Charge Trump (CTV News)

Virginia Schools Receive Largely Positive Marks for COVID Response

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A new University of Mary Washington statewide survey revealed that Virginia’s local school districts have generally handled the COVID-19 crisis effectively. Photo by Caleb Oquendo from Pexels.

A new University of Mary Washington statewide survey revealed that Virginia’s local school districts have generally handled the COVID-19 crisis effectively. Photo by Caleb Oquendo from Pexels.

Virginia’s local school districts have generally handled the COVID-19 crisis effectively, a new University of Mary Washington statewide survey reveals.

Asked to rate COVID policies in their local school districts on an A-to-F scale, where A is excellent, C is adequate and F signifies a failure, 12 percent of respondents gave their local districts an A, 22 percent said B, and 27 percent favored a C grade. Only 11 percent offered an F grade, while 11 percent said their local district deserved a D grade for its COVID policies. The rest were undecided.

The 1,000-person poll of Virginia adults was conducted for UMW by Research America Inc. from Sept. 7 to 13.

“For weeks we have been seeing and reading in the news about parents angrily protesting local COVID policies,” 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. “This survey demonstrates that those loud voices are very unrepresentative ones.” Read more.

Gubernatorial Candidates Locked in Close Contest, UMW Survey Shows

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Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) and Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin remain locked in a tight contest for governor of Virginia, a University of Mary Washington statewide survey shows. The poll, conducted by Research America Inc. Sept. 7-13, included 1,000 Virginia adults. Of those, 885 were registered voters and 528 were likely voters.

Among likely voters, 48 percent favored Youngkin and 43 percent backed McAuliffe.

Liberation Party candidate Princess Blanding received the support of 2 percent of likely voters, with others undecided.

Among registered voters in the survey, McAuliffe had the support of 46 percent, compared to 41 percent for Youngkin. In the entire survey, 43 percent backed McAuliffe compared to 38 percent favoring Youngkin. Blanding received the support of 2 percent of registered voters and among all respondents.

The differences between the two major party candidates among all adults, among registered voters, and among likely voters are all within the margins of error, meaning neither candidate has a clear lead.

“To borrow from Mark Twain, the reports of the end of Virginia’s status as a swing state are greatly exaggerated,” 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 large number of undecided voters at this stage demonstrates that either major party candidate can become the next governor of Virginia.” Read more.

Farnsworth Lectures on Political Humor

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Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently delivered an online lecture, “Political Humor from Johnny Carson to Stephen Colbert,” to the Jewish Community Center of Greater Richmond. Dr. Farnsworth drew upon his recent co-authored book, “Late Night With Trump: Political Humor and the American Presidency,” for that online conversation.

In Virginia governor’s race, a raging debate about education takes center stage (The Washington Post)

Judge dismisses group’s effort to remove Black state senator (The Washington Post; The Philadelphia Tribune)

Trump still butt of late-night comedy jokes | COMMENTARY (Baltimore Sun)

New Book Examines Virginia’s Urban-Rural Divide (WVTF Radio IQ)

CNBC, for the Second Year in a Row, Names Virginia as Best State for Business (Virginia Mercury, Virginia Patch)

Trump joins Rumble as his search for alternative social media platform continues (ABC 6; CBS12; CNY Central)

2022’s midterm elections already are pressuring Democrats, as Wall Street ‘might be praying for Republican gains’ (MarketWatch; Morningstar; Crumpe)

Petition against Louise Lucas seeks to do the unprecedented-recall a Virginia lawmaker (The Virginian-Pilot; Yahoo News)

McAuliffe commits to five debates in Virginia governor’s race, Youngkin to one (The Washington Post; Westport News)

Democrats Playing Too Nice? (CTV News Channel)

Stephen Farnsworth Interview (The Packaged Tourist Show podcast)

Biden Agenda at Risk? (CTV News Channel)

Farnsworth Lectures to Virginia Boys State, Fredericksburg Area League of Women Voters

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Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently delivered an online lecture entitled “Virginia’s Candidate Selection Process: Examining Recent Primaries and Conventions” at the 2021 American Legion Boys’ State of Virginia. The week-long government education program brings together several hundred of Virginia’s top rising high school seniors in the social sciences.

Dr. Farnsworth also recently delivered a lecture, “Voter Suppression Efforts Across the South (But not in Virginia)” at the Annual Meeting of the Fredericksburg Area League of Women Voters.

Dr. Farnsworth also contributed comments to the following news stories:

McAuliffe commits to five debates in Virginia governor’s race, Youngkin to one (The Washington Post; Westport News)

Schapiro: A Republican campaign in search of a theme (Richmond Times-Dispatch, The Roanoke Times)

Biden-Putin Summit Wraps Up in Geneva (CTV News Channel)

Analysis: Biden, Putin meet face-to-face in Geneva (CP24)

Democrats Playing Too Nice? (CTV News Channel)

Trump joins Rumble as his search for alternative social media platform continues (ABC 6; CBS12; CNY Central)

2022’s midterm elections already are pressuring Democrats, as Wall Street ‘might be praying for Republican gains’ (MarketWatch; Morningstar; Crumpe)

Petition against Louise Lucas seeks to do the unprecedented-recall a Virginia lawmaker (The Virginian-Pilot; Yahoo News)

Farnsworth Comments in the News

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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 commented on the following news stories:

Stephen Colbert and ‘The Late Show’ Make ‘Very Emotional’ Return to Ed Sullivan Theater (Variety; Chicago Tribune; The Register Citizen)

How the Hangover from Trump’s Presidency Is Shaping Democratic Primaries (Mother Jones)

Virginia Primary Turnout Dips, But Still Among Highest in Recent History (NPR)

UMW pundit predicts big money will be spent in November high-stakes Governor election (NewsRadio WINA)

Schapiro: A Republican campaign in search of a theme (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

What happened during Democrat Jennifer Carroll Foy’s run for Virginia governor? (Potomac Local)

The U.S. is Back….Or is It? (CTV News Channel)

McAuliffe’s sweep beat expectations that were already sky-high (Virginia Mercury; Virginia Patch)

No matter who wins, the Va. lieutenant governor’s race will make history (WTOP)

Voting need not be a gauntlet. So why is the GOP doing all it can to make it that way? (Virginia Mercury)

Ransomware and Russia (CTV News Channel)

Biden-Putin Summit Wraps Up in Geneva (CTV News Channel)

Analysis: Biden, Putin meet face-to-face in Geneva (CP24)

 

Farnsworth Comments in the News

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Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies.

Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies.

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently commented on the following news stories:

Virginia 2021 start: the race to watch the House of Delegates (Love by Life)

Virginia 2021 primary: House of Delegates races to watch (WTOP)

Virginia voters identify as moderate but support progressive policies, poll finds (Virginia Mercury)

Virginia is for … ‘moderates’? (Rappahannock News)

Glenn Youngkin’s Pitch: Tighter Voting Laws, Broader GOP Tent, and Money to Make it Happen (VPM)

Virginia Republicans’ messy, Trumpy race to pick a nominee for governor (Vox.com; Press From)

Virginia voters identify as moderate, despite supporting Democrat policies (NBC29; Henrico Citizens)

U.S. Intelligence to Probe COVID-19 (CTV News Channel)

Democratic Primary: How Many Virginians Have Taken Advantage of Early Voting? (WVTF)

Census delays mean some Virginia Democrats will be on the June ballot twice (The Washington Post; El Tiempo Latino)

They served in Congress as Virginia Republicans. Now they’ve joined a national effort to reform the party. (The Washington Post and Midland Reporter Telegram)

Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas Holding (CTV News Channel)

Youngkin takes fundraising lead in Va. governor’s race with $12 million in loans to himself (The Washington Post)

Fundraising, Name Recognition Shape Virginia Democratic Primary Races (Courthouse News Service)

Farnsworth Publishes Chapter on Presidential Communication

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Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies.

Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies.

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently had a chapter published in The International Handbook of Strategic Communication, (Wiley Blackwell, publishers). The chapter, “President Obama, the Affordable Care Act and the Challenges of Strategic Political Communication,” was drawn from a research paper presented at a recent meeting of the Western Political Science Association.

Dr. Farnsworth also provided comments in the following news stories:

Joe Biden is approaching 100 days in office. Has the presidency changed him? (The Globe and Mail)

Biden Approaches 100 Days in the White House (CP24)

Early voting begins Friday in state, local primaries (Inside NoVA)

Governor’s race draws $11 million total in first-quarter fundraising (WRIC TV8; Fauquier Now; Inside NoVA; Prince William Times)

In Virginia battleground district, Biden spending plan targets need for broadband access (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Cox looks to win Republican nomination, executive mansion (NBC 29; Culpeper Star-Exponent)

Mirroring National Trend, Maryland’s “Trump Counties” Are Slower to Get Vaccinated (Maryland Matters)

Virginia lieutenant governor’s race attracts a dozen candidates who want to lift role out of obscurity (The Washington Post)

Balance of Power: Quest for Rural Broadband in Virginia (Bloomberg)

Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring’s stiffest election challenge may come from his own party (The Washington Post)

The tight battle for control of Virginia’s House of Delegates (WTOP)

Elephants on a Wire (Style Weekly)

Facebook Upholds Trump Ban (CTV News Channel)

Supporters: McClellan is the voice Virginia needs (Legacy)

Democratic AG Candidates Focus on New Units (WVTF)

Farnsworth Comments in the News

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Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently commented on the following news stories:

Derek Chauvin Guilty Verdict (CTV News Channel)

Governor’s race draws $11 million total in first-quarter fundraising (WRIC TV8; Fauquier Now; Inside NoVA)

Fundraising Numbers Bring Virginia Attorney General Race into Focus (Courthouse News Service)

Virginia House Democrats see record number of challenges in primary elections (The Washington Post)

Rod Hall continues to earn big endorsements in his primary challenge to Guzman (Virginia Scope)

U.S. Imposes Sanctions Against Russia (CTV News Channel)

State Sen. Jen Kiggans officially launches 2022 congressional campaign (Virginia Scope)

Ending the ‘Forever War’ (CTV News Channel)

Executive Actions on Guns (CTV News Channel)

Governor’s race draws $11 million total in first-quarter fundraising (WFXR; WVIR NBC29; WWBT NBC12)

Supervisors plan to give voters final say on whether to allow marijuana retail sales in 2024 (Chesterfield Observer)

Farnsworth Comments in the News

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Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies.

Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies.

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently commented on the following news stories:

‘Election integrity’ becomes key buzzword in VA GOP race (The Washington Post; Star Tribune; Las Vegas Sun; CBS19 News)

Local Va. House of Delegates races draw a crowd (Prince William Times)

Biden Convenes First Cabinet Meeting (CTV News Channel)

Virginia Republican convention candidates set for May 8 (WINA)

Supporters Say McClellan is ‘Voice That Virginia Needs to Hear’ (RVA)

Johnny Carson and Political Humor (C-SPAN)

McClellan Vies for VA Governor Seat After 15 Years in Legislature (Virginia Patch)

The Never-ending Gun Debate (CTV News Channel)

McClellan vies for governor seat after 15 years in legislature (NBC12; Fauquier-Times)

Still barred from major platforms, Trump weighs launching new social network (KIMA CBS 29; NBC 15; abc6onyourside.com)