Ben Warner, University of Missouri, is a professor in the Department of Communication and director of the Political Communication Institute. His research examines partisan media, political campaigns, presidential debates, social media, and political humor, with a particular focus on the causes and consequences of political polarization. Drawing on theories of persuasion, media psychology, and intergroup communication, Warner’s work explores how communication influences democratic processes and public opinion. He has published widely in leading communication journals and has edited major volumes on media and elections