Jacob Neiheisel on the Power of Political Messaging and Proxy Battles
Political science professor Jacob Neiheisel of the University at Buffalo was recently quoted about both local and national politics. The Buffalo News sought his insight into the Mayoral race, while Newsweek and the Associated Press quoted Neiheisel about both AOC and Trump.
In a Buffalo News article covering a controversy in the city’s mayoral race, Neiheisel was consulted about some of the tactics being used. Supporters of Sean Ryan are attempting to link Mayor Christopher Scanlon to controversial Republican Carl Paladino, who endorsed Scanlon. Critics point to donations from Paladino’s son and Scanlon’s campaign office being located in a Paladino-owned building. Scanlon denies any connection, affirming his support for Democratic values.
Neiheisel described the tactic as a “proxy war,” where associating a candidate with a polarizing figure can sway voters through negative perceptions—a strategy he says is increasingly common and effective in today’s emotional political climate.
In Newsweek, Neiheisel commented on Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s potential 2028 presidential run, saying her chances depend on how Democrats interpret their 2024 loss. Parties often “double down” after defeat, becoming more liberal or conservative based on perceived failures. If Kamala Harris is seen as too moderate, he suggests, Ocasio-Cortez could gain momentum.
In the Associated Press, Neiheisel, an expert in political communication, explained Donald Trump’s use of the word “communist” as a rhetorical tool to delegitimize opponents. The term, he noted, is especially potent among older Americans who associate it with Cold War fears, making it a powerful emotional attack.
