Working for the most renowned Speaker in decades, Blankley became one of the leading spokesmen for the Contract with America. Prior to his career on Capitol Hill, Blankley served President Reagan as a speechwriter and senior policy analyst.
After leaving Gingrich’s office in February 1997, Blankley joined the staff of John F. Kennedy Jr.'s George magazine. As a contributing editor, Blankley’s monthly column "Between the Lines" featured his inside-the-beltway insights. Blankley also appears regularly on CNN’s Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, as well as CNBC’s Hardball with Chris Matthews, Rivera Live, The News with Brian Williams and MSNBC. In June 1999, Blankley joined The Washington Times as a weekly political columnist. In June 2002, he was named editorial page editor.
The same depth of knowledge and sharp wit that kept reporters turning to him during his time on Capitol Hill have made Blankley one of today’s leading media commentators. His opinions and analysis of political events have been featured on the front pages of The New York Times, USA Today, and other major publications, and he was a syndicated columnist for the Los Angeles Times Syndicate.
Executive vice president of Edelman Public Relations in Washington, DC and a visiting senior fellow in national security communications at the Heritage Foundation, Blankley is also the author of The West's Last Chance: Will We Win the Clash of Civilizations and American Grit: What It Will Take to Survive and Win in the 21st Century, both published by Regnery.
In his business life, Blankley serves as advisor to various financial organizations, including The National Association of State Insurance Commissioners; S & P, Proshares Fund; Magnetar Fund.
He has quickly become a favorite speaker of corporate and association audiences around the country. He uses his background in both the executive and congressional branches to design speeches which provide insight into today’s headlines, and the issues that will fill tomorrow’s.
In addition to being a popular speaker, Blankley is an accomplished debater. Clients have paired him with the likes of Bill Press and Bob Beckel, among other noted Democratic pundits, to create a uniquely informative and provocative program. Whether delivering a keynote or debating, Blankley gives his audience more than just analysis. Focusing on the personalities and stories which make politics interesting, he helps audiences remember the information long after they leave the event.
Tony Blankley on KCRW
More from KCRW
All the Southern California semi-finalists for the 2024 James Beard Awards
Food & DrinkWith 18 semi-finalists, Southern California had a good showing.
Ray McGovern: The Imprisonment of the Palestinian People Was Not an Act of God
InternationalIsrael’s current war on Gaza and the Palestinians draws pessimism and hopelessness, reminding two veterans of its origin in another such war in the region in 1967, The Six Day War,…
LA district attorney, City Council: Primary race results so far
PoliticsThough votes are still being tallied, LA Magazine Reporter Jon Regardie weighs in on which LA races will go to a run-off in November and which saw early wins.
NPR Special Coverage - State of the Union
PoliticsOn Thursday, March 7, President Biden will deliver the State of the Union address to a Joint Session of Congress. Tune into KCRW to follow along NPR's live coverage at 6 p.m. PST.
Prioritizing happiness in state laws is focus of new committee
PoliticsA committee wants to invest in the happiness of Californias with data-proven ideas. But a multi-billion dollar state budget deficit looms over their efforts.
With likely rematch, Biden and Trump start shaping their visions
PoliticsWill the potential candidates’ visions for the country match what voters are looking for? Plus, a Supreme Court case spotlights dueling approaches to compassion.
NPR Special Coverage: Iowa Cacuses
PoliticsMonday, January 15, the Iowa Democratic and Republican parties hold the first presidential nominating contest of 2024.
Biden’s age and Trump’s foreign policy: How much should we worry?
PoliticsHow serious were Donald Trump’s NATO claims? Are skeptics of Biden and Trump’s ages missing the bigger picture? Plus, a legal DEI battle unearths difficult questions.
Border access dispute raises tensions over immigration deal
PoliticsWill the U.S. response to an attack on troops in Jordan prevent wider conflict? Can state and federal officials resolve a dispute over border access in Texas?