Richard Benedetto

Richard Benedetto is an adjunct professor of Journalism at American University, where he has taught since 2006. A retired White House correspondent and columnist for USA Today and political columnist for Gannett News Service, he is a founding member of USA Today (1982) who covered the White House under four presidential administrations and continues to write political commentary for outlets like Politico.

His academic credentials include a PhD, M.A., and B.A. from Syracuse University.

Benedetto's expertise centers on political journalism and communication, with decades of experience covering government and politics at all levels. His work emphasizes the human dimension of political figures and processes, particularly in presidential campaigns, national conventions, and White House dynamics. This focus bridges journalism practice with political science analysis.

His publication 'Politicians Are People, Too' (2006) exemplifies his exploration of media-politics intersections, examining how personal narratives shape political perception. The work falls within political science and journalism disciplines, with specific contributions to understanding campaign strategies, media ethics, and the evolving relationship between politicians and press.

At American University, Benedetto teaches GOVT-441: Politics of Mass Communication, guiding students through the complexities of political messaging and media influence. While specific advising details aren't provided, his course directly applies his extensive field experience to academic instruction.