AU Newsmakers 7.24-7.31, 2020

Top Story

Congress Was Already Broken. The Coronavirus Could Make It Worse

The New York Times featured the results of a new report from the Association of Former Members of Congress that drew from interviews conducted by Leonard Steinhorn, professor of communication. The report finds that public trust in institutions like Congress is waning. (7/25)

Faculty Authors

'When You're Leading, Don't Talk': The Hazards of Glide-Path Campaigning

Professor of Communication W. Joseph Campbell wrote an article for The Hill about the allure of pre-election polls. Campbell wrote, “Decades later, Dewey's failed campaign offers enduring lessons.” (7/30)

Give Instability a Chance?

Joshua Rovner, associate professor of international studies, wrote an article for War on the Rocks about the relationship between cybertechnology and politics. Rovner wrote, “War and nuclear escalation are becoming more likely.” (7/28)

Expertise

Federal Agents Push Into Portland Streets Stretching Limits of Their Authority

Washington College of Law Professor Robert Tsai spoke to The New York Times about the presence of federal agents in Portland. Tsai said, “If the federal troops are starting to wander the streets, they appear to be crossing the line into general policing, which is outside their powers.” (7/25)

'We Can All Relate to This.' Why AOC's Speech on Sexism Struck a Chord Beyond Washington

Distinguished Professor of Public Affairs Karen O'Connor spoke to USA Today about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's speech on sexism. O'Connor said, “Women of color just get a double whammy. When the president insults and belittles women, he gives other white men tacit approval to do so.” (7/25)

With U.S. Consulate Closure, Analysts See China's Xi Flexing Muscle

Justin Jacobs, associate professor of history, spoke to Sinclair Broadcasting Group about Chinese President Xi's decision to shut down the American consulate in Chengdu. Jacobs said, “I think Xi Jingping is laying the groundwork for something bigger.” (7/24)

COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories Are Being Fueled by Institutions Meant to Inform the Public

Associate Professor of Public Affairs Elizabeth Suhay spoke to Vox about the role the media plays in spreading conspiracy theories. Suhay said, “Misinformation spread via these outlets will persuade millions.” (7/26)

A Cap on Income Might Seem Radical – But It Was Once a Mainstream Idea in American Politics

Gabriel Mathy, assistant professor of economics, spoke to Salon about implementing income caps. Mathy said, “If we can't even get a fair, higher rate of tax on inheritances, an instituition that generates an un-American aristocracy of wealth, can we really expect to get a wealth cap?” (7/26)

Fixing the Tax Reporting Gap in the Gig Economy

Caroline Bruckner, managing director of the Kogod Tax Policy Center, spoke to Forbes about the tax reporting information gap for gig workers. Bruckner said, “Information reporting for millions of taxpayers is being held up by the legislative agendas of platform companies that just laid off thousand of employees.” (7/24)

Here Are the Young, Black, Latino and Progressives Seeking to Shake Up Congress

David Barker, director of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, spoke to AFP about the growing number of diverse candidates entering the Democratic party. Barker said, “It's a victory for the new left.” (7/24)

Why Are 'Karens' so Angry?

Associate Professor of Communication Aram Sinnreich spoke to MarketWatch about what is driving the growing internet phenomenon of ‘Karens.' Sinnreich said, “White people in this country are less accustomed than people of color to having their public behavior subject to regulation, scrutiny and critique.” (7/30)

Prepared by University Communications

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