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Radford University experts available for interviews on Vice Presidential Debate, NYC Mayor Indictment, and 50th Season of Saturday Night Live

Radford, VA (09/27/2024) — The following professors are available for interviews on the subjects below:

The VP debate

Radford University professor and chair of the Department of Political Science Chapman Rackaway, is available this week to speak with media on a number of topics in politics, including next Tuesday's (October 1, 2024) vice presidential debate in which JD Vance and Tim Walz will appear on a national debate stage for the first time.

"Since there doesn't appear to be a second presidential debate in the offing," Rackaway said, "this will be the last chance to see either ticket represented in a debate venue."

Rackaway noted that vice presidential debates "are best known for producing gaffes, but sometimes they're very significant in differentiating between the campaigns."

The professor also notes that campaigns are beginning to make their final push, "so we should start to see more TV ads and direct mail should start hitting peoples' mailboxes," he said.

Rackaway is available to speak about direct mail and how it works for campaigns.

Rackaway is an expert on the U.S. presidency, American voting behavior, campaign strategy and management, political communication, social media in politics, and political polarization.

Email: crackaway@radford.edu
Phone: 540-831-6602

In addition, Associate Professor of Political Science Daniel Reed is available to offer expertise on the upcoming presidential election and voting behavior, with a particular focus on political parties.

Email: dreed33@radford.edu

NYC mayor indicted

New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted Wednesday in a federal corruption investigation. Radford University professor and chair of the Department of Political Science Chapman Rackaway, says the "main thrust of the investigation is into influence peddling by Adams and his closest associates." Rackaway, an expert in campaign finance, strategy and management, is available to speak with media on the topic. Adams is the first sitting New York City mayor to be indicted, Rackaway noted, drawing comparisons to indictments of former President Donald Trump.

Email: crackaway@radford.edu
Phone: 540-831-6602

Live from New York

The 50th season of Saturday Night Live begins Sept. 28, and Radford University Associate Professor of Communication Michael Meindl is available to speak about the sketch show's place in television history. Meindl can speak about SNL's role as a stepping stone/proving ground for some comedians, the role of satire in the show and "changes in the various segments SNL has had going all the way back to the beginning with collaborations with Jim Henson or, my specialty, the animated sequences, such as the Ambiguously Gay Duo," said the TV and animation historian.

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