French Press

This is the archive page for The French Press, which is no longer actively sending. Every Tuesday and Sunday David French wrote about the law, politics, faith, culture and global affairs—and often how they interact with each other.

By signing up with your email, you agree to The Dispatch’s privacy policy

Our Nation Cannot Censor Its Way Back to Cultural Health

If we try, we'll violate the social compact and disrupt the founding logic of our republic.

Cancel Culture, Conditioning Culture, and America’s Stun-Gun Style of Discourse

Why the Joe Rogan conversation has been deeply dissatisfying.

Why Christians Bond With Corrupt Leaders

When we drink the water, we sometimes forget its true source.

What if Civil Rights Laws Mean What They Say?

Harvard’s admissions case provides an opportunity to try equal protection, for a change.

The Cult of Ideology vs. The Cult of Personality

The most important clashes aren’t between right and left but within right and left

Yes, You Should Care About Ukraine

And not just for idealistic reasons, either.

Only a Man Can Be a Husband. Only a Man Can Be a Father.

On the great power of a transcendent masculine purpose.

America’s Christian History Is Broader Than Its White Protestant Past

Responding to Ross Douthat about Christian influence in America.

A Nation of Christians Is Not Necessarily a Christian Nation

We cannot equate Christian power with Christian justice.

Stop Screwing Around and Reform the Electoral Count Act

We’re idiots if we don’t. It’s that simple.

The Places Where Truth Goes To Die

How we wall ourselves off from reality.

A Powerful, Implied Indictment in the New York Times

Remarkable reporting highlights American military mistakes, but the real villains are still clear.

The Wounds Politics Cannot Heal

Politics is a false god, and a weak god as well.

Fox Was Frightened By the Monster It Helped Create

It’s still afraid, and it still feeds the beast.

Deconstructing White Evangelical Politics

Where does theology end and culture and tradition begin?

The Race Between Consequences and Corruption

In the quest to avoid another January 6, courts can rule but voters and viewers must choose.