Featured Post from Cedarville University

Who will Biden’s running mate be?

Mar 17, 2020

2 min

It seemed a bit of the cuff and unplanned, but the most recent DNC Primary debate, Joe Biden let it be known that’s he’s already set aside some very specific criteria for his would be V.P. should he win the Democratic nomination.

"If I'm elected president, my Cabinet, my administration will look like the country, and I commit that I will, in fact, appoint a, pick a woman to be vice president," Biden said at the CNN-Univision debate in Washington, DC.

Biden continued, "There are a number of women who are qualified to be president tomorrow. I would pick a woman to be my vice president."

The comments come as Biden is seeing a surge in the presidential race over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and seeks to broaden his appeal and unify the Democratic Party. March 15 - CNN

There’s a long list of extremely qualified females for the job – but his comments have pundits and political junkies speculating on just who it could be?

Kamala Harris is a solid candidate but being from Democratic friendly California and the scathing comments she levelled his way during the early primary may take her out of contention.

Elizabeth Warren and Amy Klobuchar are also political heavy weights, both with very different perspectives on what America needs.

What about the outliers like Tulsi Gabbard?

The list goes on and on.

And there’s always a dreamer’s chance Michelle Obama could make the ticket? It may be crazy, but not entirely impossible.

Photo courtesy: Los Angeles Times

Either way, there’s a lot of speculation out there, and if you are a journalist looking to rank the contenders or help figure out who has a chance – then let our experts help.

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

Connect with:

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

Find Experts

Nov 6, 2026

2 min

Upcoming Jobs Report Will Test the Strength Behind Employment Headlines

The next U.S. jobs report will offer a fresh look at the labor market as households and businesses assess the economy’s direction. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is scheduled to release October employment figures Friday, November 6, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern. The release will provide updated measures of hiring, unemployment and earnings, helping clarify whether employers are expanding their workforces and how workers are faring. Understanding the report requires looking beyond a single headline. Payroll growth and the unemployment rate come from separate surveys that measure different aspects of employment. The payroll survey counts jobs and tracks hours and earnings, while the household survey measures people’s employment status and produces the unemployment rate. Because their definitions and methods differ, the measures can move in different directions without contradicting each other. For example, employers can add jobs while unemployment rises if more people enter the labor force and begin searching for work. Wage gains also require context: a larger paycheck provides less financial relief when everyday prices rise just as quickly. Examining hiring alongside participation, earnings and industry differences can therefore reveal more about workers’ circumstances than the overall job count alone. For families, the stakes include job opportunities, income and confidence in making major purchases. For businesses, the figures can inform decisions about staffing and expansion. Dr. Jared Pincin, associate professor of economics at Cedarville University, brings relevant expertise to interpreting those connections. The central question is what the report’s combined measures reveal about economic opportunity—and whether the gains Americans see in national statistics translate into greater financial stability.

Nov 4, 2026

2 min

Rising Measles Cases Put Public Health Communication in Focus

The continued spread of measles is drawing attention to both disease prevention and how health officials explain risks to the public. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 4,852 confirmed U.S. cases through October 29, more than twice the 2,289 cases recorded during all of 2025. With 96% of this year’s cases associated with outbreaks, the figures underscore the importance of helping communities understand how the disease spreads and who faces the greatest risks. Measles spreads through the air and can cause complications including pneumonia and brain inflammation. Young children, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems are among those at higher risk of severe complications. The CDC identifies vaccination as the best protection, with two doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine approximately 97% effective at preventing measles. Communicating those facts clearly gives families a foundation for discussing their circumstances with health professionals. The communication challenge extends beyond publishing case totals. Families need understandable explanations of what an exposure means, how local conditions affect their risk and where to turn with questions. Effective outreach must also distinguish established evidence from uncertainty, acknowledge concerns respectfully and explain the reasoning behind recommendations. Those tasks become particularly consequential when people encounter conflicting claims about the same disease. How can health professionals communicate urgency while building trust? Dr. Zach Jenkins, professor of pharmacy practice at Cedarville University, has training and clinical experience in infectious diseases and has helped community stakeholders, policymakers and media outlets understand public health issues. His background provides a relevant perspective on explaining outbreak risks and translating medical evidence into information families can use.

Nov 2, 2026

1 min

Manufacturing Gains Highlight the Tension Between Growth and Rising Costs

U.S. manufacturing activity strengthened in October, offering an encouraging sign for the economy while highlighting continued pressure on business costs. The Institute for Supply Management’s report released November 2 showed its manufacturing index rising to 55.5 from September’s 54.5. A reading above 50 indicates expansion. Production accelerated, but manufacturers also reported rising input prices and slower supplier deliveries, illustrating why stronger factory activity does not necessarily bring immediate relief from inflation. The report’s pricing measure declined from September but remained well above the threshold indicating increasing costs. That distinction matters: fewer manufacturers reporting price increases does not mean the materials they purchase have become cheaper. Survey respondents also described uncertainty surrounding pricing, trade policy and delivery times. Together, those pressures can complicate decisions about purchasing equipment, adding employees and committing to long-term contracts, even when orders remain strong. For consumers, the question is how businesses respond. Manufacturers facing higher expenses may absorb some costs through lower profit margins, seek more efficient production methods or pass increases along to customers. Stronger production could help meet demand, but its effect on affordability depends partly on whether supply keeps pace and cost pressures ease. These developments raise a broader question: How much can manufacturing grow before rising expenses begin to limit its gains? Dr. Jared Pincin, associate professor of economics at Cedarville University, brings relevant expertise to examining how business costs, consumer prices and economic policy interact—and why encouraging production figures can coexist with financial strain.

View all posts