A historian, a sociologist, a journalist, a political scientist and an infodemiologist walk into a bar and …

… they have an intelligent conversation about the 2024 presidential campaign.

Not much of a punchline, but if you would like to take part in such a conversation, read on.

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St. Bonaventure University faculty who teach history, sociology, journalism, infodemiology and political science will collaborate this fall on a special topics course called Democracy? Elections 2024.

From time to time, they will provide the Jandoli Institute with commentary and analysis on the campaign. Here is what they had to say about President Biden’s decision to withdraw from the race.

Ben Gross, sociology

Other than being a historical moment in U.S. political history, the moment served as a case study for how effectively political messaging from elites can drive public discourse and have ramifications for actions. read more

Pauline Hoffmann, infodemiology 

Since one of my areas of interest is disinformation, I am curious to see what the “spin” will be. I am also curious of – and expect I will be bothered by –  the vitriol that will be aimed at Kamala Harris. For me, that falls under a true “witch hunt” in that we want to take the power away from those we fear or those who threaten our dominant structure (white male). read more

Mary Rose Kubal, political science

Back in 2020, the messaging, while somewhat muddled, seemed to be that Biden was the consensus candidate for that unique moment, but that the Democrats would be searching for a different candidate in 2024. Even before the disastrous debate performance I didn’t think Biden could win – the debate sealed his political fate. read more

Richard Lee, journalism

President Biden’s decision to step aside and pass the mantle to Vice President Harris has shaken Democrats out of their doldrum and created momentum. Whether the party can sustain that momentum through Election Day remains to be seen. read more

Phillip Payne, history

With President Biden deciding not to seek re-election there is a great deal of commentary that can be summed up with the phrases such as “We are in uncharted waters” and “at a historic moment.” In many ways, this is true. However… history isn’t necessarily about an exact match. read more

Categories: Jandoli Institute, Politics