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Farnsworth Publishes New Book on Political Humor

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, is coauthor of a new book, Late-Night in Washington: Political Humor and the American Presidency, recently published by Routledge. This project is Professor Farnsworth’s ninth published book on U.S. politics.

From the publisher: “This book traces the trajectory of late-night political humor, which has long been a staple of entertainment television and is now a prominent part of social media political discourse, especially when it comes to the presidency. From Richard Nixon on Laugh-In to Donald Trump’s avatar on Saturday Night Live, this book takes the next step and considers how late-night comedy treats Joe Biden, the new American president who strives to restore a civil public tone but offers far less comedy fodder than his predecessor. Employing content analysis, public opinion surveys, and a variety of other quantitative and qualitative research, the authors look beyond the day-to-day memes and mimes of late-night comics and show how political humor may evolve. For students and scholars of politics and the media, this book will appeal to the general public and political pundits as well.”

Ordering info here

Taking a Presidential Joke (With Good Reason)

Presidents have to know how to take a joke. And how to tell one about themselves. University of Mary Washington Political Science Professor Stephen Farnsworth says that many young people are finding their way into understanding the political landscape one joke at a time.

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Virginia 7th Congressional District Debate (C-SPAN)

Republican Derrick Anderson and Democrat Eugene Vindman participated in debate to represent Virginia’s 7th Congressional District ahead of November’s 2024 general election. The two candidates vying to replace outgoing Representative Abigail Spanberger (D) exchanged ideas at the University of Mary Washington on topics ranging from the U.S. economy to the national security issues the United States faces. UMW Political Science Professor Stephen Farnsworth moderated the debate. Link

UMW Professor’s Fulbright Fosters Political Insight Ahead of Fall Elections (University of Mary Washington)

After 25 years teaching political science at the University of Mary Washington, Steve Farnsworth knows how to juggle emails and phone calls from reporters on deadline who want to tap into his mind. This spring semester – in the midst of a presidential race he’s been quoted as calling “unprecedented” – he added another layer, sharing his sought-after expertise on the other side of the globe.

In Poland on a prestigious Fulbright Award to teach a course called “U.S. Presidential Communication” at the University of Warsaw (UW), he worked both inside and outside the classroom to unravel misconceptions about politics in the United States.

Now fresh off his third – and, as a “distinguished scholar” this time around, his most illustrious – Fulbright experience, he’ll share with UMW the knowledge and perspectives he gained overseas.

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