David Keene

Editor at Large — David Keene, a trusted adviser to presidents, a longtime champion of personal liberty and one of conservatism’s most respected voices, is the former opinion editor of The Washington Times. An author, columnist and fixture on national television, Mr. Keene has championed conservative causes for more than five decades while offering advice to Republican presidents and countless candidates. He additionally served as chairman of the American Conservative Union and president of the National Rifle Association. He can be reached at me@davidakeene.com.

Columns by David Keene

Biden's Obedient News Media Puppy Illustration by Greg Groesch/The Washington Times

Hypocritical press takes orders from the White House on covering Biden impeachment inquiry

If reporters had made any effort to determine the validity of the allegations as they surfaced, Congress might not have been forced to begin the current impeachment process at all. Published September 20, 2023

This combination of photos shows former President Donald Trump, left, and President Joe Biden, right. Biden and Trump are preparing for a possible rematch in 2024. But a new poll finds a notable lack of enthusiasm within the parties for either man as his party's leader, and a clear opening for new leadership. The poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research finds a third of both Democrats and Republicans are unsure of who they want leading their party. (AP Photo/File)

Voters are stuck between a rock and a hard place with 2024 presidential candidates

Much of the American electorate is unhappy with the prospect of being forced to choose between Presidents Biden and Trump when they go to the polls in 2024. Published July 20, 2023

Illustration on American voters' reaction to "Woke-ism" by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

In today’s America, the future for conservatives looks bright

Corporate executives ensconced in isolated high-income enclaves around the country believe the American public shares their new "woke" values. Published June 12, 2023

Illustration on electric vehicle supporters and Toyota by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

Smug environmentalists’ effort to oust Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda

In March 2006, the "South Park" episode "Smug" aired on television's Comedy Central. Those who saw and applauded it enjoyed a takedown of the environmentalists' then-love affair with the Toyota Prius. Published June 8, 2023

Boring Presidential Campaign Illustration by Greg Groesch/The Washington Times

Biden vs. Trump again: An uninspiring 2024

The political world has realized for some time that President Biden's best shot at another four years in the White House flows through a rematch with former President Donald Trump. Published May 30, 2023

Soviet Communist party leader Leonid Brezhnev makes a point to U.S. President Richard Nixon during a walk through the grounds of Brezhnev's dacha on the Black Sea in Yalta, June 30, 1974. (AP Photo)

Biden’s policies smack of our pre-Reagan dealings with USSR

The Biden administration's suggestion that it might be wise to entice China into helping broker a cease-fire or settlement to end the Russo-Ukrainian war smacks of the pre-Reagan establishment dealings with the Soviet Union. Published May 10, 2023

Illustration on the enduring National Rifle Association (NRA) by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

National Rifle Association alive and thriving, 5 million members strong

Those who have been busily predicting the demise of the National Rifle Association must have been shocked as more than 77,000 NRA members flocked to Indianapolis for the group's annual meeting. Published April 25, 2023

Florida gun laws and concealed carry Illustration by Linas Garsys/The Washington Times

No evidence that guns for self-defense lead to crime

The knee-jerk White House reaction to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signing legislation making Florida a "constitutional carry" or permitless carry state was predictable. Published April 11, 2023

Social Security and Medicare reform illustration by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

Serious politicians need to tackle Social Security and Medicare reform

As he prepared for reelection in 2004, President George W. Bush decided to tackle entitlement reform, a difficult policy question that most politicians studiously ignore. Published March 22, 2023

Protecting Gun Rights in Montana Illustration by Greg Groesch/The Washington Times

Liberals will never leave gun owners alone

Montanans call their state "The Last Best Place," and for gun owners, it may be just that. Their political leaders actively defend the constitutional rights of Montanans and the rest of us as well. Published March 15, 2023

Debt load and inflation Illustration by Greg Groesch/The Washington Times

America’s unsustainable debt load

Last Thursday, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell appeared before the Senate Banking Committee to discuss what they are doing about the persistent inflation plaguing the economy. Published March 13, 2023

James Lane Buckley Portrait by Greg Groesch/The Washington Times

James Lane Buckley’s century of American service

James Lane Buckley celebrates his 100th birthday Thursday. He is believed to be the only living American who has served at the highest levels in all three branches of our federal government. Published March 8, 2023

Unconstitutional Voting Laws in Wisconsin Illustration by Greg Groesch/The Washington Times

Wisconsin earthquake: Republicans could lose it all if they don’t get their act together

Wisconsin voters know how quickly life can change in the wake of an election. In 1970, Republicans controlled both houses of the state Legislature and the governorship. Published March 6, 2023

Black Marxist Angela Davis illustration by Greg Groesch / The Washington Times

When Black Marxist Angela Davis found out her ancestors owned slaves

Television proved fittingly delicious last week as Angela Davis learned she was a descendant of Puritans who came over on the Mayflower and others who owned slaves. Published March 1, 2023

** FILE ** Gov. Mitch Daniels, Indiana Republican

Club for Growth’s misguided attack on former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels

Many who know former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels were taken aback by the Club for Growth's decision to launch a jihad against him. Published January 24, 2023

Illustration on gas stoves by Linas Garsys/The Washington Times

Trumka’s banning gas stoves was ultimately a bunch of hot air

Biden administration cheerleaders who had never considered gas stoves a threat rallied around the idea led by people like Sens. Elizabeth Warren, who have never encountered a regulation that troubles them. Published January 18, 2023

2000 Republican primaries illustration by Linas Garsys / The Washington Times

Who will lightning strike in the 2024 presidential campaign?

As the 2000 Republican primaries approached, Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah called me. We had been friends for years, and he was calling to let me know that he was about to announce his candidacy for president. Published January 4, 2023

Illustration on left censorship by Alexander Hunter/The Washington Times

The left’s never-ending campaign to banish those who question its narrative

Transparency is fast emerging as the major obstacle in the way of the woke left's campaign to banish those who question its narrative from the public square. Published January 2, 2023

Exit Stage for Ronna McDaniel Illustration by Greg Groesch/The Washington Times

Ronna McDaniel’s time has expired with the RNC

The Republican National Committee's 168 members are scheduled to meet in January in California for their annual winter meeting. Published December 7, 2022

Republicans ballot harvesting illustration by Linas Garsys / The Washington Times

Republicans must learn how to ballot harvest, get the vote out early

Republican candidates were outmaneuvered by their Democratic opponents this fall as the hoped-for "red wave" failed to materialize. Published November 28, 2022