David French, a New York Times columnist and visiting professor of public policy at Lipscomb University, has a diverse background that includes working as a constitutional litigator, a contributor to The Atlantic, and a senior editor at The Dispatch. French, who holds degrees from Lipscomb and Harvard, discusses various political and legal issues in media, academia, and his podcast Advisory Opinions.
He considers himself a conservative independent with values in classical liberalism and emphasizes the importance of character in politics. French notes that he feels the Republican Party has shifted away from his conservative beliefs, prompting him to identify as an independent.
His experiences at Lipscomb and Harvard contrast the different atmospheres between the two institutions, with Lipscomb being more tolerant of dissent and respectful disagreement. French also praises Morning Joe for its thoughtful discussions and occasionally appears as a guest on the show.
French believes that America would benefit from more political parties, resulting in more options for voters and encouraging compromise. He stresses the importance of historical perspective in understanding the current socio-political divisions in the United States.
Despite the challenges posed by social media and increasing political polarization, French remains hopeful that the nation has weathered worse divisions in the past. Overall, his unique experiences and insights serve to inform his work in media, academia, and public discourse.
Source
Photo credit www.nashvillepost.com
