Election News


Leatherwood goes after Blackburn on effectiveness, ethics, but faces fund-raising troubles, City Paper, 7/3/08
Since 1974, no incumbent member of the U.S. House of Representatives has been beaten in Tennessee. But U.S. Rep. Marsha Blackburn may break that streak, with strong opposition from Shelby County Register of Deeds Tom Leatherwood. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

What if Obama isn't a game changer? The Huffington Post, 6/20/08
Columnist Thomas Edsall examines whether presidential candidate Barak Obama has the potential to change American politics. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

CNN’s “Lou Dobbs Tonight” included an interview with Carol Swain, professor of law and political science on July 3.

NPR's “Weekend Edition” aired an interview with John Geer, professor of political science, about negative ads in the 2008 presidential campaign on July 5.

Campaigns on guard for racial ugliness, Arizona Republic, 6/7/08
Barack Obama's unprecedented ascension to the top of the Democratic Party's presidential ticket is a dramatic breakthrough in the African-American experience. Although his opponent, Sen. McCain, has pledged to keep his campaign civil, he acknowledges that he is unable to control what independent political organizations say. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Can $200m Obama win vital votes of 'poor white folk?, The Scotsman (United Kingdom), 6/5/08
The impact of Sen. Barack Obama’s presumptive win of the Democratic presidential nomination is analyzed. Erwin Hargrove, professor of political science emeritus, is quoted.

Fool me once, On Faith, 6/5/08
Kathleen Flake, associate professor of American religious history, writes this commentary on Sen. Barack Obama's decision to leave his Chicago church, which has been the focus of media scrutiny for some time.

Montana y Dakota del Sur ponen fin a unas primarias historicas, EFE, 6/4/08
This Spanish news service article covers the wrap-up of the Democratic primaries in Montana and South Dakota. Erwin Hargrove, professor of political science emeritus, is quoted. A related story, covering the apparent end of Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign, quotes Thomas Schwartz, professor of history: Que quiere Hillary Clinton? Both articles appear widely in the Spanish-language media. (En espanol)

Obama shatters another racial barrier, McClatchy News Service, 6/3/08
Sen. Barack Obama has become the first African American to win the presidential nomination of a major political party. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted. The story appeared in many papers across the country, including the Sacramento Bee, Miami Herald, Fort Worth Star-Telegram and was also mentioned on the Carpetbagger blog.

Racism, security threats issues for Obama, ABCNews.com, 5/28/08
With Sen. Barack Obama on the verge of becoming the first African-American to receive a major party's presidential nomination, racism and potential security issues are emerging as factors in the race to the White House. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Obama, ante el delicado equilibrio del diálogo y la firmeza en su estrategia de política exterior, EFE, 5/23/08
This Spanish news service story reports on Sen. Barack Obama's proposed foreign policy strategies, including his plan to hold talks with leaders of Iran and other pariah states and organizations. Thomas Schwartz, professor of history, is quoted. (En español)

Viral e-mails attack Obama’s life story, Politico.com, 5/21/08
Spurious claims about Sen. Obama’s religion in widely circulated e-mails have spiraled into a broader assault that portrays him as a threat to mainstream, white America. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Obama tells Tennessee's GOP: 'Lay off my wife', The Tennessean, 5/20/08
The Tennessee Republican Party has received widespread attention for an online video it produced teasing Michelle Obama, wife of Sen. Barack Obama, for saying that the occasion of her husband's candidacy for president was the first time she felt proud of America. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Bredesen looks to end party rift, Chattanooga Times-Free Press, 5/19/08
Gov. Phil Bredesen warned if Democrats take too long to choose a nominee, the party may be split beyond repair. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Candidates must adapt to new kind of politics, The Tennessean, 5/18/08
Beverly Moran, professor of law and sociology, wrote this opinion piece suggesting that Sen. Obama’s appeal across demographic lines indicates a shift in American politics.

Black superdelegates in Congress who support Clinton resisting calls to switch to Obama, Black America Web, 5/13/08
The 14 Congressional Black Caucus members who support Sen. Hillary Clinton are standing firm on their commitment even as Sen. Barack Obama closes in on the Democratic nomination. Carol Swain, professor of political science and law, is quoted.

Candidates turn to mother, The Baltimore Sun, 5/10/08
John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted in this article on the roles candidates' mothers play in political campaigns. The story also ran in the Chicago Tribune's online edition.

Experts: Ad cash not enough, McClatchy News Service, 5/4/08
It’s not just how much money a politician spends on advertising, but what he or she says that influences voters. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.
Volverá a jugársela Hillary el martes en Indiana, EFE, 5/2/08
This Spanish news service article covers Sen. Hillary Clinton's campaign for the Indiana Democratic primary on May 6. Thomas Schwartz, professor of history, is quoted. (En español)

McCain's health info put on hold, The Arizona Republic, 4/12/07
John McCain's presidential campaign has delayed disclosing the 71-year-old cancer survivor's health information, but has asked his doctors to comprehensively address lingering questions about his medical history, including the prominent scar on the left side of his face. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

La candidatura de Barack Obama hace realidad el sueño de Martin Luther King, EFE, 4/3/08
Erwin Hargrove, professor of political science emeritus, is quoted in this Spanish newswire article about how Sen. Barack Obama's candidacy for president reflects Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream for an equal place in society for African Americans. (En español)

Briefing: Going negative, The Week Daily, 4/1/08
This article explaining the history of negative political campaign cites Distinguished Professor of Political Science John Geer’s research on the subject.

Professor: Don't be too quick to criticize negative ads, The Wisconsin State Journal, 3/31/08
Negative campaigns ads may be getting a bad rap, says Ken Goldstein, director of UW-Madison's Wisconsin Advertising Project, which is tracking political advertising in the country's top 100 television markets for the 2008 presidential campaign. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Bredesen is media's hot guest of week, The Tennessean, 3/28/08
Gov. Phil Bredesen has been working the talk show circuit all week, pitching his idea for a superdelegate primary in June to alleviate the increasingly bitter Democratic presidential nomination deadlock. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

McCain says no to Secret Service help in campaign, The Arizona Republic, 3/26/08
Republican presidential candidate has chosen not to request Secret Service protection during his campaign, although he is eligible for it. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Archivos televisivos dejan a Hillary Clinton en evidencia, Efe (Spain), 3/26/08
This Spanish-language article discusses Sen. Hillary Clinton’s recent misstatements about landing in Bosnia under sniper fire while serving as First Lady in 1996. Erwin Hargrove, professor of political science, emeritus, is quoted. (En español)

Obama remonta el vuelo gracias a un oportuno apoyo, Efe (Spain), 3/24/08
This Spanish-language article discusses Gov. Bill Richardson’s endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign for president. Thomas Schwartz, professor of history, is quoted. (En español)

Analysis: Will a Democrat cross the line to finish first? The Dallas Morning News, 3/22/08
John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted in this article about negative campaigning in the race for the Democratic nomination for president.

Bredesen says superdelegate primary should resolve Clinton-Obama battle, The City Paper, 3/20/08
Gov. Phil Bredesen has proposed a special primary for superdelegates in June, in order to begin focusing on the general election earlier. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted. Oppenheimer also commented on this issue in the Chattanooga Times-Free Press.

Obama calls for end to US racial 'stalemate', The Boston Globe, 3/19/08
In response to calls to condemn provocative sermons by his former pastor, Barack Obama yesterday delivered one of his own: a frank reflection on the problems of race in America that rejected the minister's words but also drew a broader personal and historical context in which to read them. Vanessa Beasley, associate professor of communications, is quoted. The story, also quoting Prof. Beasley, was covered by Congressional Quarterly’s CQPolitics blog.

Bill Clinton maintains low profile in campaign as popularity declines, The Washington Examiner, 3/19/08
With recent polls showing a sharp drop in his public standing, former President Bill Clinton has been ducking the limelight as he helps his wife campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

In politics, negativity can be positive, The Los Angeles Times, 3/17/08
John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, co-authored this op-ed about the value of negative campaigning.

Political embrace often happens, McClatchy Newspapers, 3/16/08
Even a vicious primary race can result in opponents sharing a ticket. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Ford Jr. would be viable Clinton running mate, The Memphis Commercial Appeal, 3/17/08
Harold Ford Jr. could round out a Clinton ticket nicely. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Obama crushes Clinton in Mississippi primary, The Detroit Free Press, 3/12/08
Sen. Barack Obama won overwhelming support from black voters today to crush Sen. Hillary Clinton in Mississippi's Democratic presidential primary. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Sciences, is quoted.

'YouTube' becomes 'YouTuke', The Nashville Post, 3/7/08
Former Tennessee Democratic Party chairman and adjunct law instructor Bob Tuke has unveiled the first campaign commercial for this year’s Senate race. But instead of running on TV, it’s playing on the popular online video site, YouTube.

Superdelegates still in play, The Chattanooga Times-Free Press, 3/11/08
Many uncommitted superdelegates say they'll stay that way until the Democratic National Convention in late August, unless the neck-and-neck race between Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama is decided by voters before then. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

McCain faces different tests in crucial states Ohio, Texas, The Arizona Republic, 3/2/08
John McCain may be able to relax in Ohio, but still faces competition from Mike Huckabee in the Texas primary. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Rally 'round the flag, Dems, The Los Angeles Times, 3/3/08
Gary Gerstle, the James Stahlman Professor of History, is quoted in this opinion piece about liberal patriotism.

CNN’s “Lou Dobbs Tonight” featured an interview with John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, on how the Democratic candidates for president are handling questions about the economy, in particular fair trade issues, in the upcoming Ohio primary. The interview was conducted using VUStar, Vanderbilt’s campus broadcast facility.

CNN’s “Lou Dobbs Tonight” featured an interview with Carol Swain, professor of political science and law, on how independents will affect the upcoming primaries in Texas and Ohio. The two live interviews were conducted using VUStar, Vanderbilt’s campus broadcast facility.

Gnashing their teeth, The Economist, 2/22/08
Mormons, perhaps disappointed by what they perceive as rejection from Republican Party, may not be as enthusiastic about backing John McCain for the presidential contest as former candidate Mitt Romney is. A study conducted in part by John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, and Brett Benson, associate professor of political science, showing that evangelical Christians tend to be prejudiced against Mormons, is mentioned.

Don't assume super delegates would make unwise decisions, The Tennessean, 2/17/08
John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, wrote this opinion piece about the battle for delegates in the race for the Democratic presidential nomination.

Huckabee begins campaign for VP slot, The Associated Press, 2/11/08
Trailing presumptive nominee John McCain in the hunt for delegates, Huckabee's decision to stay in the Republican presidential race is widely viewed now as a tryout for running mate. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Hillary y Obama enfrentan hoy otra pulseada electoral, Efe (Spain), 2/11/08
Erwin Hargrove, professor of political science, emeritus, is quoted in this Spanish-language news-service article about the three U.S. presidential primaries that took place over the weekend. It ran widely in the Spanish-language press.

Romney's religious dilemma, The Chronicle of Higher Education, 2/11/08
Associate professor of American religious history Kathleen Flake’s 2004 book, The Politics of American Religious Identity, is discussed in this essay on the role of Mormonism in American politics.

Romney's faith: Recent history made wooing conservative evangelicals an uphill battle, The Salt Lake Tribune, 2/11/08
Brett Benson, assistant professor of political science, is quoted about a recent study he helped conduct that showed a strong bias against Mormonism among evangelical Christians.

Politics Today: Democrats' turnout shows enthusiasm, for now, The Memphis Commercial Appeal, 2/11/08
In Tennessee and elsewhere in the South, far more people participated in the Democratic primaries than in the Republican primaries. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Local GOP voters cool to McCain, The Tennessean, 2/11/08
Tennessee Democrats seem likely to unite behind whichever candidate wins the nomination, but local Republicans seem less excited about their party’s new frontrunner. Christian Grose, assistant professor of political science, is quoted.

Hillary y Obama se preparan para el próximo "asalto" tras el "supermartes" Efe (Spain), 2/6/08
Christian Grose, assistant professor of political science, and Thomas Schwartz, professor of history, were quoted in this Spanish-language article about Super Tuesday.

Tenn. voters set record for primary turnout, The Tennessean, 2/7/08
Nearly 1.2 million Tennesseans voted on Super Tuesday, shattering the record set in 1988 when Al Gore was running for president. Christian Grose, assistant professor of political science, is quoted.

Could Huckabee’s southern charm lure McCain? The City Paper, 2/7/08
While success in Southern states on Super Tuesday helped Huckabee's own presidential bid, it also may have improved his chances of becoming Sen. John McCain's running mate. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Tennessee win heartens Clinton backers in South, The Tennessean, 2/6/08
Sen. Hillary Clinton showed Tuesday she could win in the South with a Tennessee victory boosted by a personal appearance. Clinton carried at least 88 counties statewide. Christian Grose, assistant professor of political science, is quoted.

Huckabee, Clinton win in Blount County, state, The Maryville Daily Times, 2/6/08
Blount County voters mirrored statewide results on Super Tuesday. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Super Tuesday fallout: Where the race goes from here, RealClearPolitics.com, 2/6/08
A less-than-decisive Clinton victory yesterday suggests to some political experts that Obama’s campaign is still viable. Marc Hetherington, associate professor of political science, is quoted.

College paper endorsements back Obama, McCain for Super Tuesday noms, CBSNews.com, 2/6/08 
The Vanderbilt Hustler was among the student newspapers to endorse Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain for their respective parties' nominations.

Americans weigh racial impact of 2008 election campaign, Voice of America, 2/6/08
Carol Swain, professor of law and political science, comments on the historic implications of Sen. Barack Obama's strong campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination.

For Democrats, more to come after Super Tuesday, Reuters, 2/6/08
The race for the Democratic presidential nomination remained as tight as ever after polls closed on Super Tuesday. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted. The story was carried in many papers across the country, including the Boston Globe, New York Times and the Washington Post.

The blessing of the pols, The Hartford Courant, 2/4/08
Politicians, pollsters and academics cite a variety of opinions and statistics, but most agree that candidate endorsements don’t mean very much. Of course, others disagree. Marc Hetherington, associate professor of political science, is quoted.

Historic Super Tuesday has black voters young and old fired up, ready to cast ballots, Black America Web, 2/5/08
The presidential campaigns of Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have energized African American voters in unprecedented ways. Carol Swain, professor of law and political science, is quoted.

What pundits, polls, voters say before Super Tuesday, Gannett News Service, 2/3/08
Campaign experts, stung by unexpected turns so far, are shy about predictions and say nothing is certain in this unusual election. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Democrats, Republicans happy Tennessee is voting on Super Tuesday, The Associated Press, 2/3/08
John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted in this article about the gradual creep forward of Tennessee’s presidential primaries over the years.

Southern voters will bring strong opinions on Feb. 5, Congressional Quarterly Politics, 1/31/08
CQ Politics continues its series of talks with political observers on the issues important to regional voters with a look at the Southern states holding primaries on Super Tuesday. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted. (Online only)

Southern voters seek someone to tolerate, The Chicago Tribune, 2/4/08
Voters all over the South are struggling with what they call an "unusual election" with candidates they are not sure represent their values on issues such as immigration, the economy or the war in Iraq. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Dispirited Republicans seek galvanizing candidate. The Tennessean, 2/3/08
With Fred Thompson out of the picture, Tennessee Republicans are as fractured over the presidential field as the rest of the country. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Historic choice creates dilemma for Democrats, The Tennessean, 2/3/08
Democratic women and African Americans, in particular, find choosing between Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in the presidential primaries especially difficult. Carol Swain, professor of political science and law, is quoted.

While Dems down to 2, post-Fred Republicans look for an answer, The City Paper, 2/4/08
In an election where Democrats are especially energized, Republicans have a perceived frontrunner in Sen. John McCain, whom some GOP stalwarts in Tennessee can’t seem to get excited about. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Presidential daybook: Primary eve, The Nashville Post, 2/4/08
On Saturday, Montgomery Bell Academy hosted Sen. John McCain and about 600 of his supporters. Chelsea Clinton was at Sunset Grill for her mother, Sen. Hillary Clinton, yesterday and former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus stumped for Sen. Barack Obama at Vanderbilt on Friday.

Presidential daybook, The Nashville Post, 2/1/08
As Super Tuesday approaches, only one contender will be in Nashville to campaign personally: Arizona Sen. John McCain. Former Mississippi Gov. Ray Mabus will be on the campuses of Vanderbilt and MTSU today to meet with students on Illinois Sen. Barack Obama's behalf.

Obama to open Jackson office, The Jackson Sun, 1/31/08
Barack Obama's presidential campaign will open an office in Jackson today. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Newfound support has McCain on a roll, The Arizona Republic, 1/31/08
With his recent victory in Florida, John McCain is angling for a big injection of money in the run-up to Super Tuesday. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Disillusioned with Republicans, and disappointed in the alternatives, The New York Times, 1/30/08
Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted in this article about how rural Southern voters may swing in the upcoming Super Tuesday primaries. The story also ran in the Sarasota Herald Tribune.

Lies, damned lies and campaign advertising, Miller-McCune Magazine (Santa Barbara, Calif.), 1/30/08
While Americans say they don’t like negative campaign advertising, observers say they actually play a positive role. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Obama still fighting for votes here, campaign director says, The City Paper, 1/30/08
Sen. Barack Obama’s conspicuous absence from Tennessee does not mean he is conceding the state, his local political director says. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Assistant Professor of Political Science Christian Grose did a live interview about the GOP’s Florida primary on RTÉ, Ireland’s public broadcast service. 

Economy talk may challenge McCain in Fla., The Arizona Republic, 1/26/08
John McCain is trying to shift the national conversation back to his strong suit: the war in Iraq. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

"Two against one" in Clintons' vs Obama campaign, Reuters, 1/24/08
Thomas Schwartz, professor of history, is quoted in this article about former president Bill Clinton’s heavy involvement in his wife’s campaign against Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination. The story ran in the New York Times, the International Herald Tribune and ABCNews.com.

Fred Thompson exits without fanfare, The Tennessean, 1/23/08
Fred Thompson’s withdrawal a week before the Florida primary came as no surprise, given Thompson's third-place showing in Saturday's South Carolina primary. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted. The story also ran in the Honolulu Advertiser and the Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle.

On Super Tuesday Tennessee will be lost in crowd, The Memphis Commercial Appeal, 1/23/08
Super Tuesday probably won’t bring many candidates to Tennessee, but there will be a lot of ads. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

House races may be immune from presidential fallout, The Chattanooga Times-Free Press, 1/21/08
Even though public opinion seems to favor the prospect of a Democratic White House, Tennessee's Republican representatives appear well-poised to hold their seats after the November election.

Is flip-flopping critique of Romney a cover for anti-Mormon feelings? The Boston Globe, 1/21/08
The Globe’s "Political Intelligence" blog covers a recent study authored by John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Brett Benson, associate professor of political science, and Jennifer Merolla, of Claremont University, about voters' attitudes toward Mormonism.

Minority vote moves center stage, Associated Press, 1/13/08
Carol Swain, professor of law and political science, is quoted in this article about how people of color may vote in the upcoming presidential election. This story ran on ABC News and in the Boston Globe and Washington Post.

Is becoming an active citizen important? 'You betcha!', The Tennessean, 1/6/08
Greg Barz, associate professor of ethnomusicology, writes about his experience traveling with 50 Vanderbilt students to volunteer in the Iowa caucuses last week.

Student volunteers descend on Iowa, Politico.com, 12/31/07
Politically engaged college students, including a Vanderbilt contingent, will brave the frigid terrain of Iowa to volunteer for the presidential caucuses Jan. 3. Senior Elizabeth Bennett is quoted.

Huckabee speaks without speechifying, The Los Angeles Times, 12/28/07
If Huckabee's campaign has a secret weapon, it could well be the candidate's gifts as a communicator. Vanessa Beasley, associate professor of communications, is quoted.

Playing the Christmas card, The Washington Examiner, 12/25/07
John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, analyzes the presidential candidates’ Christmas ads.

He hypes the language, the numbers, The St. Petersburg Times (Florida), 12/22/07
John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted in this article debunking and explaining presidential candidates’ statements.

Obama's strategy embraces Tennessee, The Tennessean, 12/20/07
This week, presidential candidate Barack Obama became the first Democratic candidate to open a campaign headquarters in Nashville. The only other presidential hopeful with an office in this state is the only Tennessean in the race, Fred Thompson. Distinguished Professor of Political Science John Geer is quoted.

Thompson: U.S. must 'protect our citizens', The Des Moines Register, 12/19/07
This analysis of presidential candidate Fred Thompson’s political strengths quotes Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science.

Now, a word from our candidates, The Guardian (United Kingdom), 12/15/07
About 400 political adverts run in Iowa every day, and with such a crowded field of candidates, the messages tend to be cautious and polite. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

In election, spirited debate, The Chicago Tribune, 12/16/07
A presidential campaign focused on war, immigration and health care took a theological turn last week, raising questions more often debated in seminaries. Kathleen Flake, associate professor of American religious history, is quoted. The story was also printed in The Deseret Morning News.

Thompson hopes for fast finish in Iowa, The Tennessean, 12/14/07
Fred Thompson, slipping in state and national polls, is heading to Iowa on Monday for a campaign bus tour that will end with the state's Jan. 3 caucuses. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Democrats take civil approach in TV ads (for now), National Public Radio, 12/13/07
Democratic campaign ads so far have remained civil. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

The passion of the candidate, The Phoenix (Boston), 12/13/07
A commentary in this alternative newsweekly mentions a recent study by John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, and Brett Benson, assistant professor of political science, about American voters’ attitudes toward Mormonism.

Romney tough on Huckabee in new Iowa ad, McClatchy News Service, 12/12/07
Mitt Romney, battling to stop Mike Huckabee's surge in the nation's first voting state, has unleashed a television and mail attack on the former Arkansas governor. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted. The story ran in The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee and The Charlotte Observer, among many others.

Is issue over competition for souls? The Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City, Utah), 12/8/07
Brett Benson, assistant professor of political science, is quoted in this article about his recent study with John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, about the attitudes of evangelical Christians toward Mormons. A related story that also mentions the survey may be found here: Theologian-in-chief? Romney's speech spurs questions about faith.

Hucka-boom brings candidate good, bad news, The Memphis Commercial Appeal, 12/10/07
Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee’s charm and sense of humor may be why he’s leading in the Iowa polls. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Hucka-boom, The City Paper, 12/10/07
Chip Saltsman, a former Tennessee Republican Party chairman, top aide to former Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist and Mike Huckabee’s national campaign manager, is profiled. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

A reassuring Romney, U.S. News and World Report, 12/7/07
John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted in this article analyzing presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s recent speech about his Mormon faith. The Boston Herald ran a related story quoting Professor Geer: I’m a Mormon: take it or leave it, Romney says.

‘The Mormon Question’: Before Romney, Reed Smoot, The Salt Lake Tribune, 12/7/07
Reed Smoot, a Utah Senator elected in 1907, was obliged to defend his Mormon faith before Congress in order to take office. Kathleen Flake, associate professor of American religious history, is quoted.

Romney speech long on theatrics, short on specifics, The Miami Herald, 12/7/07
Presidential candidate Mitt Romney's made-for-TV speech about his Mormon fatih broke less new ground than John F. Kennedy's landmark 1960 address over his Catholic faith. Kathleen Flake, associate professor of American religious history, is quoted, and a recent study on American attitudes toward Mormons by Distinguished Professor of Political Science John Geer and assistant professor of political science Brett Benson is mentioned.

Romney candidacy may help Mormons explain faith, The Tennessean, 12/7/07
Many in Nashville’s religious community saw presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s speech about his faith Thursday as a chance to learn more about the Mormon religion. Kathleen Flake, associate professor of American religious history, is quoted.

What Romney should say, Newsweek, 12/5/07
John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, and Brett Benson, assistant professor of political science, released a study on Wednesday that found "bias against Mormons is significantly more intense among the public compared to bias against women and blacks." The story is also covered in The Chronicle of Higher Education, The Deseret Morning News, The Los Angeles Times,  MSNBC.com, The New York Times and many other news outlets.

Romney’s leap of faith, The Trail, 12/5/07
The Washington Post’s political blog posts this article about an opinion poll conducted by John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, on how voters feel about electing a Mormon to the presidency. The story was also covered by The Boston Herald, Politico.com and The Tennessean.

Giuliani steps back from firm, The Caucus, 12/5/07
The New York Times’s political blog posts this article about former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani’s relationship to his consulting and law firms. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, comments.

Lone star kick-starts Huckabee campaign, The Wall Street Journal, 12/1/07
Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee’s endorsement by action star Chuck Norris has had surprising consequences. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Operatives gear up for below-the-belt sucker punches, CNN.com, 11/29/07
Candidates and their supporters are already taking off the gloves for what promises to be a nasty 2008 campaign season. Distinguished Professor of Political Science John Geer is quoted.

La derecha cristiana de Iowa tiene fe en Mike Huckabee,  EFE (Spain), 11/27/07
Candidate Mike Huckabee’s popularity with the Christian right may account for his unexpectedly strong showing in polls going into the Iowa primaries. Thomas Schwartz, professor of history, is quoted. (En Español)

Singing from similar hymnals, The State, 11/25/07
Douglas Knight, director of the Vanderbilt Project on Religion and Politics, is quoted in this article about presidential candidates and their religious beliefs.

Martin quits campaign, The Chattanooga Times-Free Press, 11/6/07
Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, comments on the resignation of Philip Martin from Republican Fred Thompson's presidential campaign Monday to avoid controversy over a drug-related criminal record from the 1970s and '80s.

Huckabee attacks Thompson position, The City Paper, 11/6/07
Republican presidential candidate and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee criticized his opponent Fred Thompson for being “cut and run” on social issues like abortion and gay marriage. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Few willing to take on incumbents in Congress, The Tennessean, 10/26/07
Only two challengers have filed to run against incumbents in the state's nine U.S. House Districts next year and only one has any chance to win. No Democrat has declared to run against incumbent Republican Sen. Lamar Alexander. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Boozman donors dot guest list for lunch with president, Arkansas News Bureau, 10/18/07
Many of the Arkansas business leaders who dined Monday with President Bush and Rep. John Boozman have shared more with the congressman than just a barbecue lunch. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Obama ahead of Clinton in cash dash, The City Paper, 10/18/07
John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted in this article about the leading Democratic presidential candidates’ war chests.

Nobel Prize renews calls of ‘Run, Al, run!’, The Christian Science Monitor, 10/15/07
Fewer than three months before the Iowa caucuses, Mr. Gore could still jump in, given his fame, campaign experience and fund-raising network, political analysts say. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Expert says Thompson does ‘OK’, The City Paper, 10/10/07
Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, weighed in on Fred Thompson’s debut performance in a Republican presidential debate in Dearborn, Mich., yesterday.

Take two for Thompson's 2008 campaign, Agence France Presse, 10/7/07
This article looks at Fred Thompson’s competing reputations as a folksy, local-boy-made-good, and as a lazy, unserious candidate. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted. This story also ran in TurkishPress.com. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, was quoted in The Tennessean’s coverage: Fred Thompson campaign battles conflicting images.

As campaigns near, GOP lawmakers grow restless on Iraq, McClatchey Newspapers, 10/7/07
Republican lawmakers anxious about their 2008 election prospects are growing increasingly frustrated by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's failure to unify his fractured country and reach the political benchmarks set by Congress. Distinguished Professor of Political Science John Geer is quoted. The story also ran in the Columbia, S.C., State, The Miami Herald and The Seattle Times.

Congress holds off again on Iraq war legislation, The Chattanooga Times-Free Press, 10/8/07
House and Senate Democratic leaders indicate they will hold off on Iraq policy bills until they consider an emergency war-funding bill, which may not come up until early 2008. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Nomination process still needs much work The Tennessean, 10/5/07
Distinguished Professor of Political Science John Geer authored an op-ed about political primaries and the effects of states pushing their primaries forward on the calendar.

S. Carolina key in Republicans' ambitions The Boston Globe, 10/4/07
South Carolina's first-in-the-South primary on Jan. 19 will play a critical role in the campaigns of the top three Republican candidates. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

McCain vs. Thompson, The Arizona Republic, 9/20/07
Differences are subtle: They're rivals for the White House now, but during eight years in the Senate together, Republican presidential hopefuls Fred Thompson and John McCain were close allies. Political science professor Bruce Oppenheimer is quoted.

Thompson faces crucial fundraising period, experts say, The City Paper,  9/18/07
Thompson’s fund-raising totals will be made public in early to mid-October by the Federal Election Commission, and the numbers may impact his campaign. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Civil U.S. presidential race not so good for voters, Reuters, 9/17/07
John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted extensively in this article about negative political campaigns. This story also ran in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Qatar’s Gulf Times, and South Africa’s Independent Online.

Early primary schedule doesn't favor Tennessee, The Tennessean, 9/20/07
Tennessee is part of what's being billed as the "Super Duper Tuesday" primary, which includes big states like California, New York, New Jersey and Illinois, plus 15 other states. Distinguished Professor of Political Science John Geer is quoted.

Thompson, Huckabee woo same GOP base, The Commercial Appeal, 9/10/07
Presidential candidate Fred Thompson gives rival Mike Huckabee some competition. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Thompson standing out for now, but he has work to do, The Knoxville News-Sentinel, 9/10/07
This article discusses Fred Thompson’s unorthodox entry into the presidential race. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

United States: Can anyone stop the Clinton bandwagon? Monday Morning, 8/31/07
This Lebanese English-language newsweekly looks at Hillary Clinton’s chances for securing the Democratic presidential nomination next year. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Some view Thompson as next 'Great Communicator', Knoxville News Sentinel, 8/19/07
The Knoxville News-Sentinel--Former Sen. Fred Thompson’s admirers, elated over his expected decision to seek the Republican nomination for president, already are hailing his candidacy as the second coming of Reagan, who was know as the Great Communicator. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted

Expectations grow as Fred Thompson announcement awaits, The Tennessean, 8/18/07
Like the hype leading up to the latest movie or video game release, the lead-up to the official announcement of Fred Thompson's Republican presidential bid is raising expectations. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Thompson is sparse on policy positions, The Associated Press, 8/17/07
Former Sen. Fred Thompson has offered few specifics on public policy issues in his campaign for president. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted. The story was published in newspapers and Web sites across the country.
 
For Romney, a nuanced cry for change,  Boston Globe, 8/17/07
Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney is increasingly casting himself as the "change" candidate, promising voters that he's the one who would bring conservative reform to Washington. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Romney is likely a shoo-in in Iowa, The Deseret Morning News, 8/9/07
There's little doubt that GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney will win Saturday's non-binding straw poll of Iowa Republicans, which political observers say is the first test of the 2008 race for the White House. Christian Grose, assistant professor of political science, is quoted.

Thompson gets state push but comes up short on goal, The City Paper, 8/1/07
Former Sen. Fred Thompson’s “testing the waters” committee reported raising $3.4 million for his probable presidential candidacy, which is below the $5 million goal Thompson’s camp had set. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Democratic candidates skipping 'national conversation' Chattanooga Times Free Press, 7/31/07
Former President Clinton will attend the upcoming Democratic Leadership Council meeting in Nashville, but neither his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton, nor any other Democratic presidential hopefuls plan to attend. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

GOP field appears to narrow, Christian Science Monitor, 7/25/07
Some analysts are saying the presidential race could come down to a two-man contest between former Sen. Fred Thompson and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Ford Jr. Tries New Democratic Direction, Memphis Daily News, 7/25/07
The Democratic Leadership Council (DLC), the centrist policy group often cited as helping propel Bill Clinton to success in the presidential election of 1992, is holding its annual meeting in the Tennessee capital beginning Saturday. Former Congressman Harold Ford Jr., who teaches at Vanderbilt, is head of the DLC.

Thompson, Guiliani run close in poll, The Tennessean, 7/20/07
The latest poll shows Thompson tied for first place among likely Republican presidential candidates, neck and neck with former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Political fallout may pose GOP problems The Tennessean, 7/18/07
Marc J. Hetherington, associate professor of political science, writes in this opinion piece that President Bush’s pardon of Lewis “Scooter” Libby has contributed to his record low public approval score.

Thompson the candidate will face tougher scrutiny, USA Today 7/14/07
Experts believe that once the actor and former Sen. Fred Thompson from Tennessee officially becomes a candidate, his opponents will focus on what they see as the soft spots in his life and political career. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted. The story was also published in The Tennessean.

WSMV, Channel 4, reported on whether voters consider newspaper endorsements of candidates when they vote. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, was interviewed.

Thompson presidential buzz echoes past  The Tennessean, 7/9/07
Now, more than four years after leaving office, former Sen. Fred Thompson seems ready to capitalize on the political fervor that took root early in his Senate career. Many expect him to officially announce his presidential candidacy this month. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Thompson pushes new media, against fairness doctrineThe City Paper, 7/3/07
Advocating for new media, potential presidential candidate and former Sen. Fred Thompson said in a podcast that the “era of controllable media is over” and reinstituting the fairness doctrine on talk radio is “wrong.” John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

Thompson paints down-home image, The Concord Monitor, 6/28/07
Despite his opponents' attempts to paint him as a "Gucci-wearing, Lincoln-driving, Perrier-drinking, Grey Poupon-spreading millionaire," former Sen. Fred Thompson always managed to convince people that he was just a regular guy from Tennessee. John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, is quoted.

ABC News interviewed John Geer, Distinguished Professor of Political Science, about the role of Elizabeth Edwards in her husband’s presidential campaign.

Supreme Court ruling on negative ads to affect presidential race, VUCast Video, 6/27/07
Today's U.S. Supreme Court ruling to allow issues ads funded by corporations and labor unions to air close to an election has major implications for the 2008 presidential campaign, according to Vanderbilt University political scientist John Geer.

Thompson's campaign gets financial boost, The Tennessean, 6/27/07
The Tennessean--Fred Thompson's late entry into the presidential race shouldn't hurt his ability to raise the millions of dollars necessary to mount a competitive campaign, according to political expert and Distinguished Professor of Political Science John Geer.

WZTV-FOX, Channel 17, aired a story about former Sen. Fred Thompson’s fundraiser in Nashville and the possibility of Thompson and former Vice President Al Gore entering the race. Christian Grose, assistant professor of political science, was interviewed live June 26.

Democrats look for 2008 challenger to Alexander, The Chattanooga Times Free Press, 6/26/07
Even as the presidential race moves into full swing, Tennessee's 2008 U.S. Senate race largely has avoided headlines as only incumbent Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., has announced his candidacy. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Thompson stocks up on D.C. veterans, The Tennessean, 6/23/07
The presidential campaign staff former Sen. Fred Thompson has been constructing in recent weeks is populated by skilled Washington veterans with strong ties to President George Bush and former President George H.W. Bush. John Geer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Podcast: Former Tennessee Senator Fred Thompson set to shake up presidential race, VUCast, 6/21/07
Fred Thompson is proving to be a formidable challenger to the other GOP presidential contenders, even though he has not yet formally announced. Professor of Political Science John Geer believes that the former Tennessee senator will catch up quickly with regards to name recognition and fundraising. Listen to Ann Marie Deer Owens' InterVU with John Geer.

Past as lobbyist may play into future as candidate, USA Today, 6/7/07
Although former Sen. Fred Thompson recently told USA Today that he would run an outsider, his resumé is that of a longtime Washington operative who has crossed ideological lines to represent corporate and foreign clients. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Former Sen. Thompson's entry could decimate secont tier of '08 hopefuls, The Hill, 6/6/07
Former Sen. Fred Thompson’s (R-Tenn.) seemingly inevitable entry into the presidential race would no doubt steal supporters from the current GOP front-runners, but his foray could potentially wipe out the second tier. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Fred's founders seek $4.6M, The Hill, 6/6/07
Friends of Fred Thompson Inc., the former senator’s exploratory committee, filed with the Tennessee secretary of state, allowing the committee to start raising money. Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, is quoted.

Iraq, Immigration Polarize 2008 Field, Associated Press, 5/31/07 
Marc Hetherington, associate professor of political science, comments.

Fred Thompson expected to transform presidential race, says VU’s John Geer, VUCast, 5/30/07
Fred Thompson will be a formidable, top-tier presidential contender, despite the fact that he has never been driven to be president, said Vanderbilt political scientist John Geer. "Thompson has never been so ambitious that he is willing to do anything to be president, which could certainly be a plus in the campaign," Geer said. "Of course, one of his greatest strengths is his rapport with the camera. Thompson demonstrated this in his recent video directed at liberal filmmaker Michael Moore. He delivered his lines flawlessly."
 
Actor, former Sen. Thompson moves closer to White House bid, The New York Times, 5/31/07
Bruce Oppenheimer, professor of political science, comments.

Thompson taking next steps toward seeking Republican presidential nod, Nashville City Paper, 5/31/07
Professor of Political Science John Geer comments.