Political Commentary & Opinion
Analysis, commentary, and opinion essays on politics and policy from The Daily Signal’s contributors and experts.
-
opinion
Podcast: What It’s Like in France, Amid Heated Protests Over Green Tax
Alexandre Pesey has been to some of the “yellow jacket” protests going on in France right now over a fuel tax designed to promote green energy policies. Pesey, director and co-founder of the Institut de Formation Politique (the Institute of Political Formation), a nonprofit that trains young people in France, joins us to discuss what’s… -
opinion
Its Critics Are Wrong. There’s No ‘Loophole’ in the ‘First Step’ Criminal Justice Reform Bill.
Fred Barnes has expressed concerns over the proposed First Step Act and a supposed “loophole” in it that would give “shortened sentences” to dangerous criminals. Barnes, the executive editor of the center-right Weekly Standard magazine, is incorrect on several counts about this substantive criminal justice reform bill. First, the provision that Barnes thinks may be… -
opinion
When Federalism and a Law Against Female Genital Mutilation Collide
A federal district court recently invoked constitutional principles of federalism to invalidate a federal criminal statute in a case that involves a grisly crime—female genital mutilation. Congress can amend this statute, whether or not the government appeals the case—and perhaps it should, but not without clarifying the reach of the statute. That’s because, if Congress… -
opinion
Ocasio-Cortez Is Wrong About ‘Death Panels’
Democrat Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who will represent a New York district in Congress come January, has once again shown herself impervious to facts when it comes to single-payer health care. On Sunday, Ocasio-Cortez engaged in a brief Twitter sparring match with Jim Hanson, the president of the Security Studies Group. The exchange began after Hanson commented… -
opinion
The Green Agenda Burns to Ashes in Paris
A riot is an ugly thing. The anarchical mayhem in the streets of Paris in recent days paint a picture of a fractured society with deep-seated problems—a breakdown of the fragile yet essential rule of law. – 70% of French voters believe democracy doesn't work well in France– Only 11% trust political parties– 24% trust… -
news
George H.W. Bush’s Presidency as a Model of Competence
President George H.W. Bush’s lasting legacy won’t be that of a transformational reformer or an ideologue, but rather a skillful manager of a world under extraordinary change, say biographers and experts looking at his presidency. “He didn’t change the presidency at all. To do so would be contrary to who he is,” said Jeffrey Engel,… -
news
10 Fascinating Facts About George H.W. Bush
George H.W. Bush, the nation’s 41st president, leaves a remarkable legacy and lifetime of achievements. Bush, who died Friday evening at his Houston home at age 94, held a variety of titles throughout his life, including decorated war hero, successful businessman, congressman, ambassador, CIA director, vice president, and president. But many knew him as much… -
news
Al Gore Kicks Off 24-Hour Climate Broadcast as Thousands Riot in Paris Over Carbon Taxes
Former Vice President Al Gore kicked off his live 24-hour broadcast calling for solutions to man-made global warming Monday as waves of protests against the very types of policies Gore champions rocked major French cities. “All of it is felt most keenly by the world’s most disadvantaged people,” Gore said during the live broadcast Tuesday… -
opinion
Podcast: Houston Remembers George H.W. Bush
Did you know George and Barbara Bush attended the Houston rodeo? Houston native Ginny Montalbano talks to her dad, who was also involved in the rodeo, about the times the Bushes participated—as well as their impact on the community. Plus: A Michigan lawmaker is promoting a resolution urging fast-food chains to stop classifying kids meals… -
opinion
George H.W. Bush: A Man of Character
I first met the man who would become America’s 41st president in 1968. He was a Houston congressman and I was a young reporter for a local TV and radio station. My first impression was how kind he was to this “kid,” who had just moved to Texas from the Washington, D.C., area and was… -
news
Michigan Lawmakers Urge Fast-Food Chains to Stop Offering ‘Gender-Classified’ Toys
More than a dozen Michigan lawmakers support a resolution in the state’s House of Representatives pressuring fast-food chains like McDonald’s to eliminate “gender-classified” toys from their children’s meals. State Rep. Leslie Love, D-Detroit, who introduced House Resolution No. 49 on Wednesday, told The Daily Signal in a phone interview that the purpose of her resolution… -
news
Film Explores ‘Divine Plan’ for Reagan, John Paul to Bring Down Soviet Union
Both men were actors who climbed to prominent positions on the world stage late in life. Both men were fierce anti-communists who fought to restore religious liberty where it had been suppressed. Both came close to death during assassination attempts that occurred just six weeks apart. And both believed they had been spared to play… -
news
Why Tissue From Abortions Isn’t Needed to Save Other Lives
Fetal tissue obtained during abortions that scientists say is necessary for research can be replaced with other samples to reconcile good science with life-affirming practices, bioethics experts argue. “Why are people so interested in obtaining these tissues, when there are so many ethical alternatives?” Tara Sander Lee, an associate scholar at the pro-life Charlotte Lozier… -
news
George H.W. Bush Was the Last President to Serve in Combat, World War II
George H.W. Bush joined the Navy on his 18th birthday and flew 58 combat missions in World War II, going on to win several honors, including a Distinguished Flying Cross and a Presidential Unit Citation. Bush, who died Friday night in Houston at age 94, was the last American president to have served in combat… -
opinion
A Nightmare Farm Bill for Conservatives
We’re in the holiday season, but that doesn’t mean conservative legislators should take a holiday from their conservative principles. Unfortunately, the farm bill devised by House and Senate negotiators would require them to do just that. Farm bills past have repeatedly disappointed those who believe in free markets, reduced dependency on government, and individual freedom…. -
opinion
Media Misses: Melania Hits Back at Haters Over Christmas Decor
It’s officially the “most wonderful time of the year” at the White House. But tell that to the leftist media grinches who vehemently bashed first lady Melania Trump’s White House Christmas decorations. Magazines and news outlets on the left are running around trying to figure out her “secret message.” The Washington Post calls it “Melania… -
news
No End in Sight: Cohen, Manafort Developments Seen as Keeping Mueller Probe Going Into 2019
Special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation isn’t likely to wrap up anytime soon, as once expected, based on events this week, former federal prosecutors say. President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, pleaded guilty to the Mueller team to lying to Congress about the timing of a proposed Trump building project in Moscow. Mueller is… -
opinion
John Allen Chau’s Crime Was Wanting to Promote ‘Wrong’ Beliefs
“Hey hey, ho ho, Western culture’s got to go.” Those words, chanted by Stanford students in a march led by the Rev. Jesse Jackson in 1987, seem to have won the day, based on the reactions generated by the death of Christian missionary John Allen Chau. Chau, who died during an attempt to evangelize a… -
news
Federal Employees Ordered Not to Discuss the ‘Resistance’ on Work Time
Federal employees received warning on Wednesday not to discuss the “resistance” or the impeachment of President Donald Trump while on the job under new guidance issued by the Office of Special Counsel, the independent agency that enforces the Hatch Act. The guidance, according to The New York Times, informed the federal workforce that engaging in discussions… -
opinion
There Is No ‘Surge’ in Right-Wing Violence
A Washington Post “analysis” of domestic terrorism argues that attacks from white supremacists and other “far-right attackers” have been on the rise since Barack Obama’s presidency and “surged since President Trump took office.” It’s a familiar storyline meant to assure liberals that yes, Trump-motivated right-wing terrorists are running wild. There are, however, a few problems…