Fanning the flames: Religious media consumption and American politics

Religiosity, secularism, and social health: A research note

On the prospect of linking religious right identification with political behavior: Panacea or Snipe Hunt?

Politics With a Fresh PerspectiveThis week from the archives of the Cedarville Stories podcast, we hear from a professor who has become a breath of fresh air in the confusing and complicated world of politics.Dr. Mark Caleb Smith brings a balanced and insightful perspective on what can be a strange landscape for Americans to navigate: modern-day politics. But because of his thoughtful, articulate approach, he has become a favorite of media locally, regionally, and around the country. He has recorded more than 1,000 television, radio, print, and online interviews so far in his 16 years at Cedarville University.Part of Dr. Smith’s appeal is his preparation. He diligently keeps up on current events, reading up on the latest happenings in the world of politics and public policy from one to three hours each day. He is ready to go when news crews show up on campus for interviews, and he has a ready, well-reasoned answer to the pointed questions of his students when they want to hear his take on what’s happening in the nation and around the globe.Dr. Smith’s fair and objective analysis makes him a trustworthy source and a breath of fresh air for those wanting to understand the world of politics. His biblical worldview ensures that his perspectives are true and unbiased and ultimately bring glory to God.Dr. Smith is chair of Cedarville University’s Department of History and Government and also director of the Center for Political Studies.During a chapel message in 2018, Dr. Smith encouraged students, faculty, and staff to stand for truth and love those who oppose us in a politically divided nation.

S4:E22 | Mark Caleb Smith (June 2021)

Cedarville University, located in southwest Ohio, is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,550 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, strong graduation, and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.

Cedarville University

Dr. Smith serves as Professor of Political Science and the Director of the Center for Political Studies at Cedarville University. He teaches courses in American Politics, Constitutional Law, and Research Methodology/Data Analysis. Dr. Smith has authored numerous refereed journal articles, book chapters, and other publications. His primary research interest is in the field of religion and American politics. He received his B.A. in history from Bryan College (1992), an M.A. in the history of Christianity from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (1995), and an M.A. (1997) and Ph.D. (2001) in political science from the University of Georgia. Before arriving at Cedarville in 2004, Dr. Smith taught at Tulane University and Calvin College.

Constitutional Law

Presidential Politics

Presidential Campaigns

Get Ready for Contentious Battle

The Race for Ohio Governor

Source says emails came in Weiner investigation

Locals weigh in on ongoing Clinton email scandal

Forum at Cedarville U. helps sort out history-making presidential race

Alec baldwin mixed his emmy-winning impression of president donald trump and the advocacy of a serious democratic activist monday, headlining a state party banquet in des moines. the actor known lately for his recurring role on saturday night live wowed more than 2,000 party faithful, at...

Alec baldwin mixes trump spoof with activism in iowa speech

On Monday, Alec Baldwin took to the stage not in New York – but Des Moines, Iowa as the keynote speaker at the Iowa Democratic Party's fall fundraiser.

Known for his visceral Donald Trump imitations that have been one-part in the resurgence of Saturday Night Live, the Golden Globe and Emmy award winning actor took a serious tone in front of an audience of 3,000 party loyalists. On Monday he was calling for unity and pledging that he’s ready to fight to help the Democrats win.

It’s also a known fact that the Iowa Democratic Party fall fundraiser has also been the starting point for campaigns.

Is Alec Baldwin considering a run for the Oval Office in 2020?

Does he have what it takes to win the Democratic primary?

Could he beat Trump?

And, is a battle of big screen celebrities what America needs in a leader?

These are all interesting questions – and that’s where the experts from Cedarville University can help. 

Dr. Mark Caleb Smith is Professor of Political Science and the Director of the Center for Political Studies at Cedarville University. He is an expert in the areas of American politics and particularly presidential politics. Dr. Smith is a media-regular and was interviewed often during the last presidential election. He is available to speak to this latest development in politics. To book an interview – simply click on Dr. Smith’s icon to arrange a time.

Baldwin 2020? It could be happening

Alabama’s senior republican senator is rooting against a fellow republican who could become his colleague next week, saying his state “deserves better” than roy moore. “i couldn’t vote for roy moore. i didn’t vote for roy moore,” senator richard shelby said during an appearance on cnn.

Alabama 'deserves better' than roy moore, says republican senator

Tomorrow is Election Day in Alabama - and all eyes are on a special senatorial election that should have flown under the radar for this traditionally Republican-friendly state.

That was until Judge Roy Moore won the primary and his past suddenly became public. To date, eight women have come forward with accusations ranging from sexual impropriety to molesting of a 14 year old girl when Moore was in his 30s.

When the accusations surfaced, at first the Republican establishment started to abandon Moore - recently that mood has changed.

With a Moore victory on Tuesday the GOP stands to bolster its hold on power in the Senate. A loss would reduce the Trump administration’s grip on control.

However, Republican victory could also be a double-edged sword. What does it say to Americans if a person with so many allegations is elected to office? Will Moore have any credibility once he arrives in Washington? And will his election signal a revolt to the Democratic side come the mid-term elections in 2018?

With polling showing a virtual tie between the Republicans and Democrats in Alabama - what will Tuesday’s result mean for America and the ongoing scandals emerging in Washington, Hollywood and across the country.

There are a lot of scenarios that could play out and even more questions to be asked - that’s where the experts from Cedarville can help.

Dr. Mark Caleb Smith is Professor of Political Science and the Director of the Center for Political Studies at Cedarville University. He is an expert in the areas of American politics and particularly presidential politics. Dr. Smith is a media-regular and was interviewed often during the last presidential election. He is available to speak to this latest development in politics. To book an interview – simply click on Dr. Smith’s icon to arrange a time.

Will a Roy Moore win be a blessing or a curse for the GOP?

Speaker Paul D. Ryan will tell colleagues in the house that he will retire at the end of the year, signaling the peril that the republican majority faces.

Paul Ryan, the house speaker, will not seek re-election in November

It’s news that didn’t come as much of a surprise to a lot of political insiders – but it still has all of Washington talking.  Paul Ryan, the popular Speaker of the House and a leading Republican is retiring.

Though he has been on the Hill for more than two decades, Ryan, who is only 48 is calling it a career.

Or is he?

Some wonder if he’s just putting enough political distance between himself and Donald Trump in an effort to preserve his reputation and potentially mount a campaign for 2020.  With speculation of a contested GOP primary or Trump not seeking re-election – Ryan may be the safe-bet Republicans are looking for?

There is a lot of speculation about Ryan’s next move.  Will he take a tour of the private sector and opt for a career with a lot more money?  

What’s next is anyone’s guess – and that’s where our experts can help. 

Mark Caleb Smith is the Director of the Center for Political Studies at Cedarville University. Mark is available to speak with media regarding Paul Ryan and his announced retirement.  Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.

Time with family or time to make some distance?

Cedarville Stories podcast shares the stories of individuals who have been impacted from their experiences at Cedarville University, all for God's glory.  Each week you’ll hear unique stories of how Cedarville’s mission of transforming lives through excellent education and intentional discipleship in submission to biblical authority is being lived out in the lives of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the University.

Listen in each Wednesday and be blessed by some of the amazing ways God is working in and through the lives of the Cedarville family.

Cedarville Stories

the-anxiety-of-election-season

Professor of Political Science

After the results of the U.S. presidential election were announced, many Americans celebrated. But many voters instead found only stress and anxiety. After an election of rhetoric that foretold the end of democracy if the opposing candidate won, there seems to be a unique amount of post-election stress. How did election rhetoric affect this outcome, and can we expect future elections to cause this same stress?

 Political expert, Dr. Mark Caleb Smith, discussed the anxiety that many Americans felt even before the election and how it can be dealt with moving forward. Here are some key takeaways from his recent interview: This election cycle caused so many Americans to lose sleep that the term "electsomnia" was coined. Has the anxiety of election season always been present, or has the presence of social media paved a way for this problem? Constant access to information about the election is a probable reason for many voters' anxiety. How can Americans keep themselves informed without causing unnecessary damage to their mental health? This is not the first complicated or difficult election that the United States has faced. Now that this election season is over, how can Americans—both those who are satisfied and those who are frustrated by the results—move forward while recognizing that politics does not define them?  If you are a journalist covering the election results and voters' responses, our experts are here to help with all of your questions and stories.

Dr. Mark Caleb Smith is the Director of the Center for Political Studies at Cedarville University. Mark is available to speak with the media regarding election emotions and the election results. Simply click on his icon or email mweinstein@cedarville.edu to arrange an interview.



The Anxiety of Election Season

the-47th-president

Former President Donald Trump was re-elected as the 47th president of the United States. 

He will be only the second president to serve two nonconsecutive terms—the first being Grover Cleveland in the 1800s. Much of the country shifted right this election cycle, resulting in Trump earning the electoral vote and the popular vote. This is the first time the Republican candidate has the earned the popular vote since 2004, during George W. Bush's reelection campaign.

 Political expert, Dr. Mark Caleb Smith focused in on how the Christian vote may have affected this outcome.In a recent Christianity Today article, Dr. Mark Caleb Smith provides some insight into how Christians voted in the most recent election.

 Here are some key points from the recent article:
President Joe Biden is a lifelong Catholic, but since he dropped out of the presidential race, many Catholics voted for Trump rather than Vice President Kamala Harris. How did the Catholic vote for Trump shift from the last election? Trump's victory seems to indicate the importance of economics for American voters. Did Trump's economic policies sway the votes of evangelicals, rather than his stances on social issues like abortion? Although Trump had the majority of the evangelical vote, there is still a minority that rejects Trump on account of his character and tone. Did these voters lean towards the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris, or did their votes go to third-party candidates?  If you are a journalist covering the election results and transition of power, our experts are here to help with all of your questions and stories.

Dr. Mark Caleb Smith is the Director of the Center for Political Studies at Cedarville University. Mark is available to speak with the media regarding election emotions, the election results, and upcoming transition of power. Simply click on his icon or email mweinstein@cedarville.edu to arrange an interview.





The 47th President

heading-to-the-ballot-box

The impending U.S. presidential election is already breaking records. 

Voters are beginning to cast their ballots as early as 45 days before Election Day. Voting early by in-person or mail-in absentee ballot is typically a popular choice amongst Democrat voters, but this election season has seen an uptick in Republican voters choosing to cast their ballot before November 5. This has led to record numbers of early turnout in vital swing states such as Georgia and North Carolina. Will these increased numbers impact the election and voter turnout overall?

 Political expert, Dr. Mark Caleb Smith, pointed out the anxiety that this election is causing Americans and how that may affect voting. Here are three key takeaways from his recent interview: Both the Republican and Democrat political parties speak about the upcoming election in terms of fear, claiming drastic consequences if the other party wins the presidential office. Has this heightened anxiety pushed more Americans to cast their ballot early? Smith points out that many voters feel immense pressure as they prepare to choose a candidate. As Americans worry about the perceived high stakes of this election, will the U.S. see an increase not only in early voting but in voting overall? As nearly 19 million Americans head to the polls early, will their ballots be affected by this highly-charged election season and increased threat of misinformation spread on social media?  If you are a journalist covering this election season, our experts are here to help with all of your questions and stories.

Dr. Mark Caleb Smith is the Director of the Center for Political Studies at Cedarville University. Mark is available to speak with the media regarding election emotions, the upcoming election, and the aftermath. Simply click on his icon or email mweinstein@cedarville.edu to arrange an interview.




Heading to the Ballot Box

Cedarville University professor of political science Dr. Mark Caleb Smith talks about John Boehner's replacement tonight on WDTN TV 5 on 2.

Mark Caleb Smith on John Boehner's Replacement

Dr. Mark Caleb Smith gives his perspective on the three state issues on the ballot.

Cedarville prof: Issue 3 was too complicated

Dr. Mark Caleb Smith, director of the Center for Political Studies at Cedarville University, talks with WHIO anchor James Brown about the early Super Tuesday election returns and the direction of the race. Smith believes there could be some politicking behind closed doors that is helping to shape the presidential landscape.

It was a Super Tuesday for Trump; Cruz, Kasich Point to Ohio

Former President Trump will go down in history as the only president impeached twice. But after his acquittal from the second impeachment trial, many are wondering if he will run again in 2024. Will it be under the Republican party, or a new third party? How does the Republican party move forward, under the shadow of the 45th U.S. president? Dr. Mark Caleb Smith, Professor of Political Science at Cedarville University, speaks to NewsPoint360 about the senate's decision to acquit, his effect on the Republican Party's image, and the performance of third parties in American politics in history.

Learn more about Mark Caleb Smith's expertise here: 
https://expertfile.com/experts/markcaleb.smithphd

NewsPoint360 is a news organization focused on giving credible experts a platform through video interviews that are uniquely designed for media and other key audiences looking for knowledgeable perspectives on trending stories.

Visit other NewsPoint360 channels:
Website: https://newspoint360.net/
Twitter: http://np360media.net/Twitter
LinkedIn: http://np360media.net/LinkedIn
YouTube: http://np360media.net/YouTube

Dr. Mark Caleb Smith on Division Within the Republican Party

The Equality Act has been a pillar of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement for more than half a century. The landmark bill would amend civil rights legislation, banning discrimination against people based on sexual orientation and gender identity, but it's a contentious issue. The House of Representatives voted to pass the Equality Act in February 2021, but it's not the first time the bill has made it this far. Critics contend the legislation attacks religious freedoms recognized in the First Amendment. Will the bill get the 60 votes required to bypass a filibuster in the Democrat controlled senate? Dr. Mark Caleb Smith, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Centre for Political Studies at Cedarville University, examines the issues and explores the potential for a path forward.  

Learn more about Mark Caleb Smith's expertise here: 
https://expertfile.com/experts/markcaleb.smithphd

NewsPoint360 is a news organization focused on giving credible experts a platform through video interviews that are uniquely designed for media and other key audiences looking for knowledgeable perspectives on trending stories.

Visit other NewsPoint360 channels:
Website: https://newspoint360.net/
Twitter: http://np360media.net/Twitter
LinkedIn: http://np360media.net/LinkedIn
YouTube: http://np360media.net/YouTube

Dr. Mark Caleb Smith on the Equality Act

It didn't take Republican legislators very long to remove Rep. Liz Cheney from her leadership role. Dr. Mark Caleb Smith talks with The National Desk anchor Jan Jeffcoat about Cheney's ouster.

The Republican's Have Spoken: Liz Cheney is Out

Campus Reform Reporter Alexa Schwerha spoke with Cedarville University professor and Director of the Center for Political Science Mark Caleb Smith about the fate of affirmative action in higher education. 

On Jan. 24, the Supreme Court of the United States agreed to hear joint challenges against the admission processes at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina. The challenges, delivered by Student for Fair Admissions, argue that the institutions unfairly discriminate against students by using race as a factor in admissions.

"The argument is Harvard is discriminating against Asian Americans, in particular, who are arguing they're being admitted at a much lower rate than white [who] are similarly qualified," Smith explains.

Read the story here: https://www.campusreform.org/article?id=19025
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Follow us on Twitter ► http://twitter.com/campusreform
Like us on Facebook ► http://www.facebook.com/CampusReform

Campus Reform, a project of the Leadership Institute, is America's leading site for college news. As a watchdog to the nation's higher education system, Campus Reform exposes bias and abuse on the nation's college campuses.

Our team of professional journalists works alongside student activists and student journalists to report on the conduct and misconduct of university administrators, faculty, and students.

Campus Reform holds itself to rigorous journalism standards and strives to present each story with accuracy, objectivity, and public accountability.

The Future of Affirmative Action on College Campuses

Unity was a key phrase Dr. Mark Caleb Smith shared when talking about President Biden's first State of the Union address with WJLA anchor.

President Biden's first State of the Union

Dr. Mark Caleb Smith discusses key political topics with The National Desk Anchor Jan Jeffcoat.

The National Desk on the State of the Union

How are Americans able to deal with their roller-coaster emotions after the assassination attempt of former President Donald Trump? Cedarville University's Dr. Mark Caleb Smith talks with medical reporter Liz Bonis about this developing story.

Dealing with Emotions after Trump Assassination Attempt

To many Americans, the selection of JD Vance by former president Donald Trump was a surprise--but not to Cedarville University political science professor Dr. Mark Caleb Smith. Why did Smith believe Vance's selection made sense?

A Surprise Selection: JD Vance

What will the presidential race look like without President Joe Biden, now that he has withdrawn from the race? The leading political scientist in Ohio, Dr. Mark Caleb Smith from Cedarville University speaks to the stunning news of Biden's departures with @WSYXABC6.

Select Inquiry Type