Featured Post from Cedarville University

Another Assassination Attempt. What Now?

Sep 18, 2024

2 min

Mark Caleb Smith, Ph.D.

In a shocking turn of events, another attempt was made on former president Donald Trump’s life on Sunday, September 15. He was playing golf in West Palm, Florida, when there was a suspect found with a gun, intending to assassinate Trump. Though the suspect has been apprehended and the former president is unharmed, this situation stirs up many questions about safety amid election season and how that could affect voters.



Political expert, Dr. Mark Caleb Smith, has offered useful insight on the effect that this unsure election season has on voters. Here are three key takeaways from his recent interview:


  • The multiple assassination attempts and overall tense election season has created a sense of heightened emotions for many Americans. How will the second attempt on Trump’s life affect the decisions and actions of voters?
  • It seems as though Americans are growing more fearful and divided in the midst of this election season. In the wake of Sunday's events, is there hope for unity among Americans? 
  • Many voters are now looking for answers. What action is being taken to ensure that both presidential candidates are safe as the election approaches and tensions only seem to rise?


If you are a journalist covering the recent assassination attempt or the upcoming election – our experts are here to help.


Mark Caleb Smith is the Director of the Center for Political Studies at Cedarville University. Mark is available to speak with the media regarding the recent assassination attempt, election emotions and the upcoming election. Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview.


Connect with:
Mark Caleb Smith, Ph.D.

Mark Caleb Smith, Ph.D.

Professor of Political Science

Dr. Smith is an expert in American politics, campaigns & elections, and constitutional law.

Constitutional LawPresidential PoliticsPresidential Campaigns

You might also like...

Check out some other posts from Cedarville University

1 min

America Sees Another Surge in Political Violence

America has seen its share of political violence, the worst being the Civil War. But unrest is stirring once again in the hearts of Americans as her citizens are being divided by President Trump's deportation of illegal immigrants. Some see it as a solution to cut back violence and drugs in America, while others see it as a cruel, heartless act.  Protests are rising up across America as those who oppose the deportation are showing their dislike. People in Ohio, Florida, Alaska and other states are participating in anti-ICE protests. Texas and California have been the most vocal about it, with LA featured on the news many times.  As unlawful assembly escalated in LA, looted buildings, cars set on fire and blocked roads, President Trump sent 700 US Marines. This only frustrated state officials more who claimed they had it under control. While 338 arrests have occurred, there have been no reported deaths linked to the protests.  This is not the first time LA, California, has seen political violence though, as they have dealt with Watts Riots in 1965, the 1992 Los Angeles riots and in 1997 the North Hollywood shootout.  Dr. Stanely Schwartz is an expert on history and is available to speak to media regarding the protests and political violence throughout history – simply email mweinstein@cedarville.edu or text or call (937) 532-6885 to arrange an interview.

1 min

Farewell to the Penny

Since its creation in 1792, the penny has had a notable role in American currency. But 2026, will mark the end of the one cent after 233 years.  In June of 2025, the U.S. Treasury made its final order for penny blanks. The U.S. Mint stated that it's lost $85.3 million on the 3.2 billion pennies they produced in the 2024 fiscal year. It is estimated that the government will save $56 million annually once the production of the penny stops.  The penny was one of the first coins produced by the U.S. Mint in 1792 and was originally designed by Benjamin Franklin. Since then, the penny has been used to mark significant events in American history as its design has changed over the years. The penny, starting in 1857, has been the smallest form of currency used in America.  Now the nickel will become the smallest coin to be used in cash purchases. With this change it is expected that getting your exact change will become difficult, causing businesses to either round up or round down to the nearest five cents.  Dr. Jared Pincin is an expert on economics and is available to speak to media regarding penny production and the economy – simply click on his icon or email mweinstein@cedarville.edu to arrange an interview.

1 min

What's Happening with the Measles Outbreak?

Fear rises in the hearts of Americans as news of the measles outbreak has surfaced across media platforms. The entrance of the measles vaccine in 1963, enabled the US to eradicate measles by 2000. Due to international contact with those who have not eliminated measles caused it to resurface in 2018. The following year saw 764 cases making it the highest number of cases in 25 years.  This year the measles outbreak has reached the news again with reports of 14 outbreaks and 977 of the 1,088 cases caused by the outbreaks. The year prior to 2025 saw 16 outbreak reports, but fewer cases.   So far 2025 has experienced three deaths (two children and one adult) due to measles. Children and teens under 20 make up 67% of the cases and 96% of infections are found in those who have not been vaccinated, or their vaccination status is unknown.   Dr. Zach Jenkins, professor of pharmacy practice and director of advanced pharmacy practice experiences of at Cedarville University. To schedule an interview, email Mark D. Weinstein, executive director of public relations at Cedarville University at mweinstein@cedarville.edu or click on his icon. 

View all posts
Powered by