WFU experts available for comment on Democratic primaries
EDWARDS’ SOUTH CAROLINA STRATEGY
“Edwards has chosen to stake his presidential bid on South Carolina since the beginning of his campaign,” says Allan Louden, an expert on campaign rhetoric and political communication. “Does South Carolina represent real prospects for the fall, or does it demonstrate the winner is regionally anchored? Edwards’ rhetorical moves in framing the meaning of a win in South Carolina will be key.” Louden, an associate professor of communication and director of Wake Forest’s nationally ranked debate team, was Elizabeth Dole’s debate coach in the 2002 North Carolina senate race and continues to serve as a consultant to political figures across the country. He has been called on for expert comment on areas of candidates’ communication strategies and political advertising.
Media Contact: Sarah Mansell, manselss@wfu.edu or 336-758-4393; Allan Louden, 336-758-5408 or louden@wfu.edu.
WILL ECONOMY’S UPSWING OR MEMORIES OF RECESSION WIN VOTERS?
“Democrats will talk about what the economy has done for the past four years, Republicans will respond with how the economy is doing now,” says Jac Heckelman, associate professor of economics. Heckelman, an expert in the connection between elections and the economy, is available for comment on how both parties will use the economy to woo voters. He has been a source for several national media and has published numerous articles on related topics, including “Now More Than Ever, Your Vote Doesn’t Matter: A Reconsideration” in The Independent Review.
Media Contact: Sarah Mansell, manselss@wfu.edu or 336-758-4393; Jac Heckelman, 336-758-5923 or heckeljc@wfu.edu.
SOUTHERN POLITICS EXPERT SAYS EDWARDS FACES BIG TEST FEB. 3
Jack Fleer, professor emeritus of political science and author of the book “North Carolina Politics,” is available to comment on U.S. Sen. John Edwards’ presidential run. Fleer has been a keen observer of North Carolina politics for more than 30 years, and he has followed Edwards’ career since 1998 when he won the U.S. Senate seat during his first run for office. “His second place finish in Iowa still keeps him in the game, but I do believe his New Hampshire finish puts greater pressure on his winning in South Carolina, and it probably means he needs to win big there.” Edwards also needs a win in one of the other six states with primaries Feb. 3, Fleer says. “Edwards has worked Oklahoma very hard, and it is a more conservative state. He has certainly placed himself as a moderate in this race, so that might help in a state like Oklahoma.”
Media Contact: Jacob McConnico, mcconnjn@wfu.edu or 336-758-5237; Jack Fleer, 336-758-5865.
