Category Archives: Political Science and International Affairs

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.

Balance of Power (Virginia Business)

Additionally, the first Democratic House majority in more than 20 years “would give unprecedented influence to Northern Virginia,” which boasts the largest concentration of Democrats in the General Assembly, says Steve Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington.

Link to report

New Poll: In Virginia, Trump Trails All 2020 Democratic Candidates (NPR)

“The way that you win Virginia statewide is you win in the suburbs, and Trump may not be the best candidate for Republicans who are trying to do that,” said Stephen Farnsworth, director of the Center for Leadership and Media Studies at University of Mary Washington.

Link to report

U.S. House Moves Closer to Impeachment (CTV News Canada)

Professor Stephen Farnsworth of the University of Mary Washington said that the next big decision for the Democrats in the House will be whether to impeach President Trump on the Ukraine matter, or offer a range of issues, including obstruction of justice and other matters contained in the Mueller Report. But the House seems far more likely than not to impeach in one fashion or another before the end of the year, he said.

Link to report

Petersburg Circuit Court position up for grabs in write-in campaign (Richmond Times-Dispatch)

Stephen Farnsworth, a political science professor at the University of Mary Washington, said it’s important for the clerk candidate and the mayor to address any perception of favoritism that could arise.

Link to report

Trump Abandons Taliban Summit (CTV News Canada)

Professor Stephen Farnsworth of the University of Mary Washington in Virginia said that President Trump’s decision to abandon further discussions with the Taliban shortly before a planned meeting at Camp David marks the latest failed effort in a series of efforts by US presidents to deal with the continuing problems in Afghanistan.

Link to report