Farnsworth Lectures on Political Humor at American University
Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies Stephen Farnsworth
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently presented a lecture, “Late-Night Comedy Never Tires of Donald Trump” at American University in Washington. The talk was derived from portions of Dr. 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:
General Assembly opens with bipartisan skepticism of Youngkin’s proposed sales tax increase (Cardinal News)
“I think primarily this session will be about defining Democratic and Republican visions for the elections to come,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “Youngkin’s proposal to adjust taxes did not get a warm welcome from the Democratic majority, and that early impasse may be a sign of continuing partisan disagreements in 2024.”
Iowa GOP caucuses: The key support level for Trump to hit, and how Haley becoming the nominee looks ‘possible — just not probable’ (MarketWatch; Morningstar)
“There’s an incentive to stay in the race because of the possibility that Trump may be convicted of a criminal offense,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington in Virginia.
Trump’s Immunity Hearing Concludes (CTV News)
“If you look at the questions, this looks to be a bad, bad ruling for Donald Trump when it comes out,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Prof. Stephen J. Farnsworth as a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar in Spring 2024 (University of Warsaw)
We are delighted to announce that next semester ASC will be hosting Professor Stephen J. Farnsworth as a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar.
3-year anniversary of Jan 6. Capitol riot (CTV News)
“Well, what you see now is a very different perspective on the events of January 6th from many Republicans,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2841468
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2841468
Biden Campaign Kicks Off for 2024 Election (CP24 Toronto)
“This is very much a keyway for Joe Biden to shape the conversation to his advantage. One, he was born in Pennsylvania. Two, Pennsylvania is a big swing state,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Biden to Launch Campaign Today (CTV News Channel)
“The big challenge that Joe Biden faces right now as he is running for re-election is the possibility that a lot of people who were enthusiastic about him four years ago won’t be turning out in a 2024 election,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Multiple venues on the 2024 presidential campaign trail (Fox News)
“Without evidence, you simply cannot persuade those suburban voters who will sometimes vote Republican and sometimes vote Democratic, that the Republicans are doing the right thing in the House,” said University of Mary Washington political scientist Stephen Farnsworth. “As much as the far-right conservatives in the safe seats are going to want this impeachment inquiry to move forward, the reality is that doing so may very well cost the Republicans their majority.”
Town Talk: UMW’s Dr. Stephen Farnsworth (News Talk WFVA)
Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, Professor of Political Science and International Affairs and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington looks at the Presidential election and the Virginia General Assembly.
More than three dozen House members not seeking re-election (Fox News)
“The reality in doing so is they may cost the Republicans their majority,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
This Year Was A Warning To Republicans Running On Anti-Abortion Platforms In 2024 (The Huffington Post)
“Republicans might have had a more appealing environment for talking about abortion when Roe v. Wade was the law of the land because then the conversation was theoretical,” Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington, told HuffPost ahead of the Virginia elections in November.
Supreme Court reject to fast-track Trump decision (CP24-TV Toronto)
“Well, of course, the Supreme Court did not decide on the merits of the claim either way. What they did say is that we are not going to expedite the process,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
Lots of talk, perhaps not much action in 2024 General Assembly (The Daily Progress; Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“I think the session will be about signaling for upcoming elections,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington.
Fierce battle looms as parties vie for House majority in upcoming election (Your Alaska Link)
“The reality is that doing so may very well cost the Republicans their majority,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor at the University of Mary Washington.
Republicans’ Turbulent Year Comes to an End (Newsweek)
Dr. Stephen J. Farnsworth, professor of political science and international affairs and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, told Newsweek the GOP “did not do itself any favors with all the infighting during 2023” but that policy issues will dominate the 2024 elections.
From holiday to hustings, Virginia’s election cycle begins anew (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“It’s clear that Virginia needs a new slogan — Virginia is for election junkies,” said Stephen Farnsworth, director of the Center for Media and Leadership Studies at Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg.
Third Parties could decide 2024 elections in the United States (Brazil de Fato)
“It’s not to say that a third-way candidate can’t win an election in the US, but the Electoral College system makes it very unlikely that a third-party presidential candidate will be anything more than a small part of the debate,” said Professor Stephen Farnsworth, from the University of Mary Washington.
https://www.brasildefato.com.br/2023/12/20/terceira-via-pode-decidir-eleicoes-de-2024-nos-estados-unidos
How proposed budget would eliminate ‘most hated tax in Virginia’ (WTOP-FM)Getting rid of the long-standing car tax would likely be popular, but it’s an unoriginal idea, according to Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia.https://wtop.com/virginia/2023/12/how-proposed-budget-would-eliminate-most-hated-tax-in-virginia/
Youngkin budget proposal seeks income tax decrease, sales tax increase (VPM Media)“A governor’s year-three budget is the last major effort to shape the trajectory of Virginia,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. “For a governor, the proposal is written with an eye to the future of the governor’s professional trajectory.”https://www.vpm.org/news/2023-12-20/virginia-legacy-budget-taxes-mental-health-glenn-youngkin
Race to Replace Rep. Jennifer Wexton in Northern Virginia Gets Crowded (The Washington Post, The New York Ledger)
“Virginia 10 is a more competitive district than a lot of them, and, as such, it represents an uncommon chance for both celebrations to challenge for a critical home seat in a critical state,” stated Stephen J. Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/12/16/wexton-10th-congressional-district-crowded/
https://thenyledger.com/news/race-to-replace-rep-jennifer-wexton-in-northern-virginia-gets-crowded/
‘The Briefing’ With Steve Scully (Sirius XM)
“I think that one of the things we need to recognize is that today’s young people are really not getting the news from the traditional sources,” said UMW Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth. “Now increasingly we find that young people are finding out about politics through political humor, through these late-night shows.”
Iowa GOP caucuses: The key support level for Trump to hit, and how Haley becoming the nominee looks ‘possible — just not probable’ (MarketWatch; Morningstar)
This Year Was A Warning To Republicans Running On Anti-Abortion Platforms In 2024 (The Huffington Post)
Farnsworth Lectures on Virginia Midterm Elections
Professor of Political Science and Director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies Stephen Farnsworth
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently presented several community lectures on the 2023 Virginia Midterm Elections, including talks for Mary Washington Elderstudy, the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fredericksburg, and the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Farnsworth’s analysis of the 2023 elections was published in The Conversation, a leading source of political analysis. Read the article.
In addition, recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:
Hunter Biden Defies Subpoena (CTV News)
Based on what we know right now, there has been no evidence that the Republicans have been able to release that suggests that whatever Hunter Biden did in his financial arrangements had anything to do with the president. Remember, the question is really about the president.
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2828084
The Numbers Behind Virginia’s Most Diverse General Assembly (Williamsburg Young)
“The legislature that takes office in January will look a lot more like Virginia than previous legislatures,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington.
Representation in Virginia’s General Assembly tilts toward diversity with historic numbers (WHRO; The Henrico Citizen)
“The legislature that takes office in January will look a lot more like Virginia than previous legislatures,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington.
Americans for Prosperity Endorses Haley Campaign (CTV News)
“What we are talking about here is a coalition of people who do not want Donald Trump to be the Republican nominee working together,” said Stephen Farnsworth.
The Numbers Behind Virginia’s Most Diverse General Assembly (Williamsburg Yorktown Daily)
Americans for Prosperity Endorses Haley Campaign (CTV News)
Representation in Virginia’s General Assembly tilts toward diversity with historic numbers (WHRO; The Henrico Citizen)
Farnsworth Coauthors Disinformation Book
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, is coauthor of a new book, Producing News in a Time of Disinformation: Information Evaluation Strategies for Journalists and News Consumers, which has been published by the U.S. International Research and Exchanges Board. The book is Professor Farnsworth’s ninth, and it is designed to help citizens, journalists, and journalism students identify and respond to disinformation. The book will be available online for free in English and in Russian in the coming weeks.
In addition, recent media mentions for Farnsworth include:
State Representation Tilts Toward Diversity With Historic Numbers (Royal Examiner)
“The legislature that takes office in January will look a lot more like Virginia than previous legislatures,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science and director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington.
https://royalexaminer.com/state-representation-tilts-toward-diversity-with-historic-numbers/
2023 Legislative Breakfast (Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce)
Dr. Farnsworth, a professor of Political Science and International Affairs, at the University of Mary Washington guided the conversation.
The Kennedys: a commitment to public service with great sacrifices (El Espectador of Columbia)
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science at the University of Mary Washington, spoke with El Espectador about the legacy of the Kennedy family in politics, two lives cut short in some of the greatest “what could have been” futures for the United States.
https://www.elespectador.com/mundo/america/los-kennedy-un-compromiso-con-el-servicio-publico-con-grandes-sacrificios/
Is Robert F. Kennedy Jr the force that will revitalize the family clan in politics? (El Espectador of Columbia)
Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington who has written nine books on media and presidency, explains that the influence of the Kennedys is strong in the current political terrain. “I believe that Joe Biden, in many ways, was one of those young people who were energized by the idealism of the Kennedy years. He became senator shortly after Bobby Kennedy was assassinated and when there was a more liberal vision about what the Democrat Party could be than there was a decade or two later.”
Voters didn’t have a say in nearly 75% of local Central Virginia races this year — because there weren’t enough candidates (Charlottesville Tomorrow)
“I don’t think anyone grows up dreaming of being screamed at until one in the morning by angry crowds at town meetings or school board sessions,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington. “But increasingly, that’s the price of admission.”
The next step in Virginia’s abortion rights battle: a constitutional amendment (NBC News)
“One of the realities that we sometimes see in politics these days is that popular ideas don’t necessarily reach a consensus across party lines,” said Stephen Farnsworth, political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “So going to the voters might be a way to resolve, once and for all, some of these issues.”
Virginia GOP sought middle ground on abortion and still lost the legislature (The Akron Legal News)
(THE CONVERSATION) The election results in Virginia offer Republicans across the country one key lesson before the 2024 presidential election: Revise the GOP position on the critical issue of abortion.
The first Black speaker of the House of Delegates takes pride in his rural roots (Cardinal News)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington, said that Scott’s background and willingness to connect with Republican legislators from Southwest is unusual for a Democrat, but it could benefit both sides. “Given the fact that the Southwest Virginia delegation is almost entirely Republican, the political influence of the region is greatest when there is a Republican majority. And because Democrats tend to do poorly in the region, a number of Democrats might not be interested in focusing on the region’s concerns,” Farnsworth said.
https://cardinalnews.org/2023/11/17/virginia-next-speaker-of-the-house-forges-an-unlikely-friendship-with-a-southwest-legislator/
Negative ads overwhelm Virginia voters (The Fulcrum)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, commented that this ad campaign strategy has been amplified by former President Donald Trump.
A look at the General Assembly’s new leadership for 2024 (WVTF)
“Sometimes once you have been speaker, you either choose not to be minority leader or the party chooses for you,” Farnsworth says. “Former Speaker Gilbert’s decision to continue to remain in leadership suggests an optimism about Republican prospects in the next election cycle.”
KENNEY: Abortion Didn’t Decide Virginia, But Virginia Needs to Decide on Abortion (FXGB Advance)
“When you have people say they’re 100% pro-life and then support a 15-week ban, that makes people wonder what you really want … with Youngkin and the Republicans, people were skeptical about what they really wanted,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington.
Don Scott to become Virginia’s first Black House speaker as Hampton Roads’ legislators take center stage (Gazette Extra; The Virginian-Pilot)
That’s good news for Hampton Roads, said Stephen Farnsworth, professor of political science and international affairs at the University of Mary Washington.
Spanberger, Stoney prepare for showdown in governor’s race (Richmond Times-Dispatch; Axios)
“Congresswoman Spanberger won a difficult district a year ago and is likely seen more like a winner right now than Stoney,” said Stephen Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at Mary Washington University in Fredericksburg.
Kilgore to challenge Gilbert for House Republican leader (Cardinal News)
Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington, said that it is common after a party loses a majority for there to be a conversation about leadership change.
Republicans Fail to Learn Lessons on Abortion (Daily Kos)
September 2023 survey by the University of Mary Washington and Research America, showed that Democrats were more motivated to vote based on abortion, than Republicans, with 70% of Democrats citing it a very important issue, compared to just 35% of Republicans.
What Tuesday’s Democratic win means for Virginia politics (The Center Square)
But if Republicans look to achieve gains in the commonwealth in the near future, they will have to change their tactics some, according to University of Mary Washington Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Stephen Farnsworth.
What Tuesday’s Democratic Win Means for Virginia Politics (The Center Square)
But if Republicans look to achieve gains in the commonwealth in the near future, they will have to change their tactics some, according to University of Mary Washington Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Stephen Farnsworth.
https://www.thecentersquare.com/virginia/article_71f48bfa-7fdf-11ee-bee1-bf3e981f6ba1.html#:~:text=%E2%80%9CThe%20bottom%20line%20of%20Tuesday’s,reversal%20of%20Roe%20v.%20Wade.
Virginia Democrats lost in several key swing districts. So how did they win the General Assembly? (NBC 4 Washington)
“You’re not likely to see a lot of candidates in the national arena trying to imitate Glenn Youngkin,” said University of Mary Washington Professor of Political Science Stephen Farnsworth. “This is not a strategy that demonstrated an effectiveness in this election cycle.”
https://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/virginia-democrats-lost-in-several-key-swing-districts-so-how-did-they-win-the-general-assembly/3466873/
As national political omens go, Republicans sought middle ground on abortion in Virginia − and still lost the state legislature (The Conversation; Times Union; Caledonian Record)
Polls, including a September 2023 statewide survey by the University of Mary Washington and Research America Inc., demonstrated that Democrats were far more likely to vote based on the abortion question than Republicans were.
https://theconversation.com/as-national-political-omens-go-republicans-sought-middle-ground-on-abortion-in-virginia-and-still-lost-the-state-legislature-216884
https://www.timesunion.com/news/article/as-national-political-omens-go-republicans-18480016.php
https://www.caledonianrecord.com/opinion/conversation/as-national-political-omens-go-republicans-sought-middle-ground-on-abortion-in-virginia-and-still/article_9247035e-9364-5e4c-818e-e7d2c031a92d.html
Virginia Democrats take over House, maintain control of Senate following election (WJLA)
“The Democrats were able to get a majority, but you’ll note that many of the seats that they won, they didn’t win them by much,” said Dr. Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of Political Science at the University of Mary Washington. “Democrats didn’t win by much, and Republicans didn’t lose by much, so this sets the stage once again for Virginia to be a purple state into 2024 and 2025.”
https://wjla.com/news/local/virginia-democrats-take-over-house-of-delegates-maintain-control-of-state-senate-majority-2023-november-election-results-republicans-voting-community-va-governor-glenn-youngkin-local-state-government#
What to make of the Virginia election results so far? (WTOP)
Stephen Farnsworth, joined WTOP’s Capitol Hill correspondent Mitchell Miller and anchors Dimitri Sotis and Nick Iannelli on Tuesday to share what he makes of the results of the Virginia election results so far.
https://wtop.com/local-politics-elections-news/2023/11/qa-what-to-make-of-the-virginia-election-results-so-far/
Blue prevailed in Virginia’s elections. Now its red governor seeks compromise. (The Washington Post)
The issue cut against the polarization that otherwise grips Virginia voters, said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington. “Beyond abortion, there wasn’t a lot that Democrats or Republicans could do to convince somebody on the other side to switch teams for the election,” Farnsworth said.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/11/09/virginia-elections-youngkin-democrats-compromise/
Virginia’s big political lessons for Youngkin – and for the nation (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
“When you have people say they’re 100% pro-life and then support a 15-week ban, that makes people wonder what you really want … with Youngkin and the Republicans, people were skeptical about what they really wanted,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a political scientist at the University of Mary Washington.
https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/virginias-big-political-lessons-for-youngkin—and-for-the-nation/article_41d2b42e-7e77-11ee-99b3-8b29554cee04.html
After Glenn Youngkin ‘bet big’ in Va. and lost, he faces uncertain future: Experts (ABC News; News Explorer)
“Republicans had hoped that the 15-week ban that Gov. Youngkin proposed would be a way to sort of blunt the damage that the Roe v. Wade reversal is causing for Republicans around the country,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/after-glenn-youngkin-bet-big-virginia-elections-lost/story?id=104720160
https://newsexplorer.net/after-glenn-youngkin-bet-big-in-va-and-lost-he-faces-uncertain-future-experts-s6797944.html
In Virginia, Redistricting Matters (WVTF)
“The public objections were particularly vehement,” said University of Mary Washington political science professor Stephen Farnsworth, who lives near the Spotsylvania school district and saw some of the politicking firsthand. In his eyes, Youngkin’s early success with the “parents matter” movement hit a ceiling and what remained was disgruntled parents who supported their teachers over political claims of indoctrination.
https://www.wvtf.org/news/2023-11-09/in-virginia-redistricting-matters
Ivanka Trump Testifies in Civil Fraud Trial (CTV News)
“Well, this is one of the last witnesses expected to be called,” said Stephen Farnsworth. “This is the third child of Donald Trump who will be testifying. Ivanka Trump is not facing charges in this case but she is in a position to be offering information about what happened as the individual documents were being put together.”
https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=2803345