Political Commentary & Opinion
Analysis, commentary, and opinion essays on politics and policy from The Daily Signal’s contributors and experts.
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opinion
Slaughter of Innocents Shows Our Culture’s Moral Rot
The uproar over New York state’s Reproductive Health Act, which allows late-term abortions performed by “health-care practitioners” when the “patient is within 24 weeks from the commencement of pregnancy, or there is an absence of fetal viability or the abortion is necessary to protect the patient’s life or health,” should come as no surprise. These… -
opinion
Why a Bipartisan Bill to Federalize Animal Abuse Crimes Is Well-Intentioned but Wrongheaded
A pair of congressman from Florida announced Jan. 23 they would be introducing a bill in Congress that would make it a federal crime to abuse and torture animals. Reps. Ted Deutch, a Democrat, and Vern Buchanan, a Republican, said those convicted of the crime would face a maximum of seven years in federal prison…. -
opinion
Civil Disagreement Should Be Possible in America
The veins in his forehead visibly pulsed as he barked talking points at a fellow guest. The volley back was equally intense. The volume and rapid breathlessness of the two combatants’ speech escalated to the point of being incoherent. I turned off the TV. I don’t know who they were or remember why they were arguing—just… -
opinion
Reintroducing Tax Subsidies That Benefit Only a Few Americans Is a Terrible Idea
Every few years, Congress renews a list of expiring tax subsidies called “tax extenders” at the behest of powerful industry lobbyists. Instead of returning to business as usual in the swamp, Congress should focus on fixing a few mistakes in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that would benefit all Americans. The 2017… -
opinion
Podcast: A Freshman House Member Shares What He Plans to Fight For
Rep. Denver Riggleman, R-Va., is a former distillery owner and a veteran. “If you don’t fight for what you think is right, if you’re not willing to stand up, you will get rolled over,” the newly-elected Riggleman tells The Daily Signal, adding, “I don’t want to be in politics, but I think people who hate… -
news
6 of the Notable Guests Invited to the State of the Union Address
Congressional Democrats are inviting an array of controversial guests to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night—including illegal immigrants, military service members who identify as transgender, and a woman who sought to defeat the Senate confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. At least one Republican lawmaker is also getting in… -
opinion
Remembering Reagan’s Army Secretary, John O. Marsh Jr.
America lost a patriot Monday with the death of John O. Marsh Jr. Marsh, who died at 92, was the secretary of the Army for the first nine years of my 36-year Army career. Even as a junior officer, it was evident to me, way at the bottom of the organization, the respect and appreciation… -
opinion
Stacey Abrams’ Full Embrace of Identity Politics Is a Recipe for Disaster
Following the 2016 elections, liberal intellectuals like Mark Lilla and Francis Fukuyama counseled Democrats to stop embracing identity politics and instead appeal to Americans as Americans, not as divided groups. The Democrats’ choice of Stacey Abrams to deliver the response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address may be a sign that’s not… -
news
Catholic Bishop Condemns Northam’s Infanticide Comments
The Catholic bishop of the Diocese of Arlington in Virginia is condemning comments made by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat, defending infanticide. “In a staggering admission, Governor Northam stated that after an infant is delivered, the mother and the family should keep the baby comfortable, resuscitate the child ‘if that’s what the mother and… -
opinion
What’s Driving Rapid-Onset Gender Dysphoria
Parents used to worry about “peer pressure” encouraging their kids to experiment with alcohol or drugs, or to have sex. Now, they have to worry that it may encourage their kids (especially daughters) to change sex altogether. If you are a parent of a child or teenager, you owe it to yourself to read World magazine’s latest cover story, which… -
opinion
‘Vice’ Is a Travesty in Storytelling
Biographers usually paint their subjects in either a positive light or a morally complex one. Director and screenwriter Adam McKay chose a different path in his new film about Dick Cheney, instead casting his subject as a heartless and cruel man who embodies pretty much everything wrong with modern America. “Vice” includes enough kernels of… -
opinion
Gov. Northam, Step Down and Let the Healing Begin
As a young girl growing up in Virginia, I experienced racism firsthand. I know what it looks like and how it feels. I’ve also spent a good part of my life defending the rights of preborn children to live and love among us. It’s my personal mission to fight for and defend the value and… -
news
In Med School Yearbook, Virginia Gov. Northam’s Page Includes Photo of Men in Blackface, KKK Robe
A recently unearthed yearbook page for Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, a Democrat who has been under fire this week for his comments about a late-term abortion bill, includes a photo featuring one man in blackface and another man in Ku Klux Klan attire. “Racism has no place in Virginia,” said Jack Wilson, chairman of the… -
news
8 Things to Know About Stacey Abrams
Stacey Abrams, the former minority leader of the Georgia House of Representatives who lost a race for governor in November, will deliver the Democrats’ rebuttal Tuesday night to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address. Here’s eight things you should know about Abrams: 1. She ‘Wouldn’t Oppose’ Noncitizen Voting Abrams, 45, said on the… -
opinion
It’s Long Past Time for Leadership Change at US Agency for Global Media
After two years of stalling, it’s time for the Trump administration to get its own leadership in place at the U.S. government’s global media complex. After a few cliffhanging and nail-biting developments in late 2018, the Senate is positioned to move forward with the nomination for the top job at the U.S. Agency for Global… -
news
Jewish Therapist Sues New York City Over Law Banning Faith-Based LGBT Counseling
Licensed psychotherapist Dr. Dovid Schwartz is suing the city of New York for infringing on his and his patients’ religious faith and freedom of speech by way of a new ordinance imposing limits on counseling services to LGBT patients that the city discredits. Schwartz is a member of the Chabad Lubavitch Orthodox Jewish Community in… -
opinion
Despite Government Shutdown, Job Growth Soars in January
The U.S. economy has rolled expert predictions yet again. On Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that employers added 304,000 jobs in January, crushing expert predictions that estimated only 170,000 jobs. This shows the continued strength of the U.S. economy, even in spite of the uncertainty created by the government shutdown. In addition to… -
news
Gov. Ralph Northam: ‘I Don’t Have Any Regrets’ About Infanticide Comments
Virginia Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam said he doesn’t regret statements he made appearing to condone infanticide and late-term abortion, at a Thursday afternoon press conference with Virginia Democratic leaders. A reporter asked Northam if he has any regrets about his comments or the way he said them. “No, I don’t,” Northam replied. He later added that… -
opinion
California Restaurateur Compares MAGA Hats to White Hoods
Editor’s note: A California restaurateur tweeted this week that he wouldn’t serve anyone who came to his restaurant, Wursthall in San Mateo, if they wore a “Make America Great Again” hat. “It hasn’t happened yet, but if you come to my restaurant wearing a MAGA cap, you aren’t getting served, same as if you come… -
opinion
The Latest Crime News Provides Evidence in Favor of Armed Citizens
As lawmakers around the country moved to impose restrictions on the ability of law-abiding Americans to keep and bear arms, some of those same citizens spent the first month of 2019 proving that armed civilians play an important role in defending the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and property. Gun ownership surveys routinely find that…