James W. Davis is an expert on defense and public policy, health care policy, presidential campaigns and party platforms, is a close follower of current issues in politics. Davis has taught courses focusing on the presidency, military history and political literacy and is a frequent commentator on news events, including political ramifications of the war in Iraq. His essays have appeared in such publications as The New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune.
For more information or to contact Jim Davis, visit his faculty expert page.
Davis has recently been quoted in issues concerning the debate:
Candidates Agree
Tuesday, September 21, 2004 – Student Life
Originally, the town-hall participants were to be “undecided” voters who have no allegiance to either campaign, unlike the “soft” supporters who will be leaning toward supporting one candidate.
Jim Davis, University political science professor, suggested a simple reason for the shift: “Now, each candidate can expect to have the support of about 50 percent of the audience, making the debate hall a friendlier place for both sides.”
Debate negotiations have precedent
Monday, September 13, 2004 – Student Life
“Every time that I can recall, [the debates were] negotiated,” said University political science professor Jim Davis. “They negotiate with each other, and the negotiation, in a sense, starts with what the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) has set up, but the candidates have to agree. They don’t always.”
Nader Remains Troublesome to Democrats
Friday, Sept. 3, 2004 – Associated Press Online
“If Nader keeps Kerry from winning in any state, it helps Bush,” said James Davis, a political science professor at Washington University. “The votes could be so close that if he gets 1 or 2 percent in some states, the other side wins.”