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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

Mary Talk: Farnsworth to Discuss Political Humor, Sept. 25

Join us online for the first Mary Talk of the season!

Stephen Farnsworth, Ph.D. is a professor of political science and the director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at UMW. In this Mary Talk, Dr. Farnsworth will discuss how political humor has become an increasingly important part of U.S. political communication, particularly regarding presidents and presidential elections. Research shows that consumption of late-night comedy in the wake of the 2020 election led to decreases in viewers’ levels of cynicism and political negativity. And increasingly, political humor provides an important way to challenge the disinformation present in much of our contemporary political discourse.

Wednesday, September 25
7:30-8:30 p.m. (Eastern)
Online (via Zoom)

Register to watch the Talk. You will receive a link to the streaming video, which can be watched live or at a later time. You also will have the opportunity to submit questions.

Freedom Caucus bets big on spending proposal in gamble to boost Trump and GOP majority (The Washington Examiner)

“The border is a vulnerability for Biden and for Harris. Polls show that voters want a stronger border than is currently the case,” said Stephen Farnsworth, a professor of political science at the University of Mary Washington.

 

Freedom Caucus bets big on spending proposal in gamble to boost Trump and GOP majority (Washington Examiner)

Virginia 7th District candidates battle over residency, service (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

"These issues may not move a lot of votes in this case, but you may get the handful of votes you need," Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch. "Everything matters to somebody."

Virginia 7th District candidates battle over residency, service (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Dr. Farnsworth’s International Programs

J. William Fulbright Distinguished Scholar in Humanities and Social Sciences: Poland

J. William Fulbright Research Chair in Public Policy: Canada

J. William Fulbright Specialist: Malaysia

U.S. State Department International Lectures: Poland, Malaysia, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Canada, India, Armenia, Ukraine, the Philippines

International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) Media Training Seminars: Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia

International University Lectures and Research Conferences: Poland, Germany, Norway, Canada, Switzerland

National Democratic Institute International Election Monitoring: Cambodia

Other International Travel: Czech Republic, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, South Africa, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Ecuador, United Kingdom, France, Mexico

Farnsworth Lectures on Disinformation and Political Humor

Farnsworth Lectures on Disinformation and Political Humor

Stephen Farnsworth, professor of Political Science and director of the University’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, recently presented a lecture, “Battling Disinformation with Political Humor,” at the Rappahannock-Fredericksburg Rotary Club. The talk was derived from portions of Dr. Farnsworth’s recently published co-authored books,  Producing News in a Time of Disinformation: Information Evaluation Strategies for Journalists and News Consumers and Late-Night in Washington: Political Humor and the American Presidency.

Other recent media mentions of Farnsworth include:

Biden at the Democratic National Convention: “Democracy Must Be Preserved” (CTV News Canada)

“I think it is important to recognize that the current president was giving a speech he didn’t want to give,” said Stephen Farnsworth. Read more.

Can a political party get any attention when its rival holds a national convention? Yes, but it’s not easy (The Conversation)

Even for former U.S. President Donald Trump, a master at attention-getting, trying to counterprogram during the Democratic National Convention is nearly impossible. Read more. 

Democratic National Convention Recap (WCPT 820, Chicago)

“The Democrats are in a very good position with this convention,” said Stephen Farnsworth. Listen here.

Virginia 7th District candidates battle over residency, service (Daily Progress; Richmond Times-Dispatch)

“They may not move a lot of votes in this case, but you may get the handful of votes you need,” Steve Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at the University of Mary Washington, told the Richmond Times-Dispatch. “Everything matters to somebody.” Read more.

Will the Democrats Achieve “Triple Control” in the U.S. Elections? (Al-Sharq)

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, viewed this advance as more than just an indicator that Harris is more electable; he also suggested that the Democrats are likely to win a majority in the House of Representatives.

Farnsworth told “Al-Sharq” that the Senate, where the Democrats hold a slim majority, remains a very challenging environment for them to maintain control next year.