Stephen Farnsworth, director for the University of Mary Washington’s Center for Leadership and Media Studies, agrees. His polling center’s numbers from the past few months back the theory up as well. “The combative approach the president employs is not the kind of message for people who, in the past, supported Romney or McCain,” he said in an interview, noting Virginia Republicans have done better when the conversation is about economic development and low taxes. “They do much worse when it’s impeachment, sexual harassment allegations and a coziness with Russia,” Farnsworth added.
