“For more than 40 years, Cal Thomas had a front row seat to some of America's most contentious public policy debates. And for more than four decades, Cal wielded his pen to speak truth to power and to advance traditional conservative values. Cal's stories and tales from that front row—as the watchman—are sure to entertain!” — Vice President Mike Pence

“When Cal Thomas speaks, I try to listen. I’ve been listening to him for a LONG time! His storied career as a network TV journalist led to what has been an almost 40 year run as a must-read syndicated columnist. Cal practiced journalism the old fashioned way—he gathered facts from authoritative sources and let the consumer determine what is “meant.” As a columnist, he added point of view and perspective but never abandoned his addiction to truth above emotion. The result has been that he is the kind of influencer who is willing to even bring objective truth and morality into the discussion. He truly is a “Watchman in the Night.” — Governor Mike Huckabee

"My late brother Rush and I have been frequent readers and fans of Cal's column for many years. He speaks the truth in an age that seems to have forgotten what truth looks like, but he also has friends who are Democrats and liberals, a rarity these days."  — David Limbaugh, New York Times bestselling author

"A new bestselling page-turner." — Washington Examiner

"A WATCHMAN IN THE NIGHT captures so much of Cal’s life and times. I recommend it with enthusiasm, even to those of us who are more on the left-hand side than Cal."  — Tom Johnson, former president of CNN, publisher of the Los Angeles Times & Dallas Times Herald and White House Fellow and aide to LBJ

 “For four decades, Cal Thomas has been a voice of reason, fairness, and open intellectual inquiry, his writing characterized by a genuine fascination with the wonder of the world unfolding around us. Sometimes liberal, sometimes conservative, but always smart, this books makes us long for the days when journalists defined their mission as the unbiased pursuit of truth, not as extensions of one political faction or another. A WATCHMAN IN THE NIGHT is must reading for those of us who love beautiful writing.” — Henry Louis Gates, Jr., host of Finding Your Roots, New York Times bestselling author and Alphonse Fletcher University Professor and Director of the Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University

“Cal Thomas has been writing his columns for very nearly as long as I’ve been selling vowels. Like the best political and social commentators, he is intelligent and opinionated. But mean-spirited? Not Cal. He’s perceptive, funny, kind and spiritual. But don’t let those benign descriptive words deceive you; he’s also committed, tough and penetrating. You don’t have to agree with him, but you have to acknowledge that he’s a damn fine writer. I’m amazed by the sheer volume of his work and delighted that he decided to share the stories behind the columns in this fascinating journal.”  — Pat Sajak, host of Wheel of Fortune

“I’ve known Cal Thomas for many years and he’s always been an engaging watchman and advocate for American values. Even if you disagree with him you have to admire his gifts as a storyteller and his love for the unvarnished truth.”   — Tony Hall, United States Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture and former United States Congressman (Ohio)

“Reporting for the Associated Press in New York City in 1976, I started praying for journalists to apply the Bible to daily news coverage. Cal Thomas became a big answer to those prayers in 1984, as the Lord opened a door for him to write a syndicated column. The Lord opened more and more doors as he wound up on the editorial pages of more than 500 newspapers in the 1990s. Now he has become a good historian, taking us back 40 years to the column launch and walking readers through each year. He has been a watchman on the wall, giving readers wisdom, understanding and prudence in the news of the day and week.” — Russ Pulliam, The Indianapolis Star

"Where our culture gets murky, Cal Thomas shines a bright light that clarifies and inspires. Eloquent, lively, and accurate, Cal Thomas is a journalist for the ages."  — Amity Shlaes, New York Times bestselling author of Great Society

“If journalism is the first draft of history, Cal Thomas gives us his second draft with all the wit and trenchant commentary that he has made famous. He has been faithful as America's watchman, but have enough Americans woken up to play their part in the struggle for the nation?” — Os Guinness, bestselling author of Magna Carta of Humanity

"As Cal Thomas’ longtime syndicate editor, I marvel at his work ethic. A consummate professional, he’s never missed a deadline and his columns are always timely and thought-provoking. Though we share very different political views, we meet at our love for Broadway musicals. Who doesn’t need a little “Damn Yankees” on a Monday morning? Cal makes me think, and I believe I’ve done the same for him. There’s light in open debate. We grow when we talk to each other and tell our stories. The adventure continues." — Tracy Clark, Cal Thomas' longtime syndicated editor and author of bestselling "Chicago Mystery" series

"When the first Cal Thomas columns crossed my copy desk, I wondered if his plain speaking commentary could capture a spot on the limited real estate of op-ed pages nationwide. Well, that concern was put to rest fairly soon, as his list of subscribing newspapers soared and "Letters to the Editor" sections flooded with bouquets and brickbats. There was something about the way he could connect with readers, his common-sense take on politics and culture, morality and, as he says, “immutable truths.” He could charm with a tender eulogy for his cat Boo (one of his all-time most popular columns) and take his lumps when a reader sent him an enema tube in the “fan” mail. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed as you join Cal on this journey through the decades. You will learn, you will reflect, and you will get some much-needed clarity on the swirling events of today." — Connie Pollock, former editor Los Angeles Times Syndicate

“In A WATCHMAN IN THE NIGHT Cal Thomas expertly weaves personal experiences, past historical events and present conditions to produce a fascinating, engaging read. The Founding Fathers would heartily approve.” — Cheryl Chumley, Editor at The Washington Times and bestselling author of SOCIALISTS DON’T SLEEP           

“Stunning...A sobering look at the likelihood the USA survives the various attacks and assaults that are being made against her from within our borders...Go get it!”

—Rush Limbaugh

“In America's Expiration Date, Cal Thomas offers a sobering message: that the United States is on the downward slope to self-destruction. You may agree with his analysis or not (I do not), but in view of the fall of other great empires throughout history, Thomas's injunction is well worth pondering.”

—Jay Winik, New York Times bestselling author of April 1865 and 1944

“Cal Thomas brings a lifetime of working to save America and thinking deeply about what threatens us and what the lessons of history are. If we follow Cal's advice, America's expiration date will be put off for decades and decades.”

—Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, US House of Representatives

“I read Cal Thomas, always have, and have the utmost respect for the sincerity, depth, and insight of his work.”

—Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal columnist

“In his timely new book, America's Expiration Date, my friend Cal Thomas shows clearly that unless we in America take seriously the grim lessons of previous empires, we are very soon doomed to follow in their footsteps. But by showing us just how those empires rose and fell, he makes our vital history lesson far easier and more fun that it might otherwise be. Bravo!”

—Eric Metaxas, New York Times bestselling author of Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther, & If You Can Keep It and host of The Eric Metaxas Radio Show

“It's no wonder Cal Thomas is the leading writer/columnist in the country today. What Works is so well done. And I think it is actually important. People say this or that article, is important, but this book really is. It is excellence on each page, written by the best.”

―Rush Limbaugh

"Cal Thomas is a leading warrior in the service of conservatives and cultural values. During five decades of broadcast and print journalism, he has been a gladiator at exposing truth. I appreciate all of his hard work, dedication, and friendship. People like Cal Thomas have urged conservatives to fight for the American people against the waste, fraud, and abuse that are so common among our government leaders. In too many cases, this disease affects and infects both parties. What Works: Common Sense Solutions for a Stronger America exposes the difficulties our nation has faced because our leaders have focused more on their careers than on solving problems. These are not undiscovered remedies, like a cure for cancer. We know what works. We have a history. In What Works, Cal reveals three key principles and intellectual solutions to address the national dysfunction that challenges all of us, no matter our political perspectives. Whether you are a Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, or Independent, this book can be an integral part of improving your future and the future of those around you, as well as the future of the country we love. We as Americans need to be more involved in the decisions that affect us as citizens. This book is a step in the right direction. Cal's ideas―which, really, are old ideas that worked for our parents and grandparents―will test, enlighten, and motivate you to become more involved and influential in the decisions that govern our country. If we remember our past and focus on listening to the right people, then we can―and will―begin to solve our problems."

―Sean Hannity

"You know that old curmudgeonly uncle everyone ignores at holiday time and then someone asks him a question and you realize he knows what he's talking about? That's Cal Thomas."

―Jay Leno

"As producers of successful television programs, we know what works in our industry. Our friend Cal Thomas shows us what can work in Washington if politicians focused less on special interests and more on getting things done."

―Roma Downey, star of Touched by and Angel and co-producer of The Bible; Mark Burnett, producer of The Voice, Survivor, Are you Smarter Than a Fifth Grader? and The Bible

"No one applies common sense to America's problems better than Cal Thomas."

—Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, US House of Representatives

"Cal Thomas's What Works offers a message of hope at this critical juncture in American history. He reveals the policies that have caused our economy to stagnate, and he makes a strong argument for reviving the commonsense principles that have made this nation great: limited government, economic opportunity, and moral truths that bind our families and culture. It is these same pillars that will lead to a renewed faith in the American Dream."

―Senator Ted Cruz

"There's a reason Cal Thomas has so many admirers on both sides of the political aisle, including people you might think would be his adversaries: he strives to find common sense with an uncommon sense of humanity, humor, and love of life. Like the actors and actresses in the Broadway musicals he adores, Cal's words sing, and the best of them stay with you like a beautifully composed showstopper."

―Bob Greene, New York Times bestselling author

"Cal Thomas's book What Works reminds us that the solutions to the nation's many problems may already have been found. He wisely suggests that before our politicians resort to tired old talking points and corrosive partisanship, they should simply look to the past (calmly) for solutions."

―Bob Beckel

“A man of bearing and depth, Cal Thomas writes with a passion born of confidence and the relentless pursuit of the truth. I am indeed fortunate to count Cal as one of my friends. (H)e…has done much to help me understand and expand upon my natural conservative instincts. Call him a mentor. His ability to think as an individual, coupled with his courage to articulate and promote his convictions, qualifies him as an excellent role model for anyone who seriously longs for truth and high ideals. He will make you think, which is an incredible gift. Far from preaching to the choir, Cal Thomas challenges those mired in conventional wisdom to honestly assess their surroundings and seek substantive, positive change. The man is winning converts. He is qualified to unmask sham, whether it be the Clinton administration’s claim that it represents a generation of “new Democrats,” the cultural phoniness of the entertainment industry, the misspending of taxes on programs that don’t work, the abysmal failure of 'alternative lifestyles' that have brought misery to millions, or so-called 'free expression,' which has censored all but the corrupt, the cruel, and the base. Don’t just read Cal Thomas. Absorb him. You will be profoundly enthused.”

―Rush Limbaugh

“Syndicated columnist and radio commentator Thomas delivers a message on the principal values that Americans should follow. Religion, hard work, low taxes, and a return to the ethics of earlier times are his priorities.”

―Library Journal

“(A) collection of articles by syndicated columnist Thomas, who considers liberalism the greatest threat to contemporary America… ‘Common sense’ is a litany in these columns… Baby boomers come under particular attack for ‘their relentless pursuit of social anarchy.’ Thomas shows no patience for those who, in his opinion, use their freedom of expression improperly… Thomas's prose is blunt, his arguments visceral.”

―Publishers Weekly

“Rush Limbaugh enthusiastically introduces this book... Rush's roots audience will easily go for Thomas, but softer Rushophiles may find him more resistible. Not because his ideals are different from Rush's or bad; few would argue that the things of Thomas' title―'faith in a personal God who is knowable, family, freedom to pursue one's dreams, and keeping most of the gain one gets through hard and honest work'―are not good for individuals and for society. Thomas is much better when he argues not historically but as a moralist about contemporary events and popular culture. Then he speaks to our hearts and souls quite effectively indeed.”

―Booklist

"Short, acerbic takes on contemporary mores from a widely syndicated newspaper columnist who views the state of the union with considerable alarm. Thomas (whose monosyllabic first name could easily stand for Calvinist) trains his fire on two targets: 'the secular, libertine vision' of the tuned-in, turned-on 1960s and the havoc that vision subsequently wrought upon an America Thomas idealizes as 'the virtuous, religious republic of our history.' Offers a heartfelt, deadly earnest jeremiad detailing how the radical anti-establishment precepts embraced by many baby boomers in their salad days have endured--and helped to undermine traditional values. Thomas accuses boomers of having unwarranted confidence in big government's capacity to solve socioeconomic problems and of harboring ruinously permissive attitudes toward drugs, pornography, sex, and even violent crime. In brief, the author's ethic centers on what he views as the bedrock graces and verities of Western civilization: church, family, community, discipline, self- sufficiency, industry, individual initiative, objective standards of good and evil, and above all, an abiding faith in God. For the most part, however, Thomas proves an articulate, principled spokesman for the conservative agenda."

―Kirkus Reviews

"Beckel and Thomas, political analysts and columnists for USA Today, examine the problem of political polarization by asking, Why are you reading this book? The answer: Bottom line... you are ticked off at politics. Rigid partisan beliefs, they think, have become more than a product of opposing ideologies—they have created an environment for the sole purpose of retaining political power, raising money, or making more money... benefit[ing] a few at the expense of many. Using a mix of arguments and anecdotes, Beckel and Thomas (a liberal and a conservative, respectively) assert that polarization creates conscientious nonvoters and congressional roughhousing and deceit. The book's ultimate purpose is to disarm partisan warfare by encouraging voters and candidates to align themselves with principles that directly benefit the largest possible number of citizens. The lucid political discussion between a conservative and liberal is refreshing... Their proposition that independent thinking can be more effective than an adversarial pack mentality is a step in the right direction, though."

―Publishers Weekly

"According to syndicated columnist Thomas and minister Dobson... If conservative religious leaders are to be effective, the authors say, they must use radically different strategies than they have until now. Thomas and Dobson contend that if the Religious Right's goal is to reclaim America for Christ, it must ask itself if both God and the government are the sources of hope. They claim that the government does not have the power to force virtue on people who do not want to be virtuous. Rather, say Thomas and Dobson, the movement should be modeling the message of Jesus as they seek cultural change. Although the authors emphasize their continuing commitment to the Religious Right, they note that "we are calling for a longer-lasting endeavor than the one too many of us have devoted too much time to for too long." The book offers a glimpse into the workings of the Religious Right as well as strong comments on the relationship between religion and politics in America."

―Publishers Weekly

Praise for Cal Thomas, author of A WATCHMAN IN THE NIGHT: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America

"Cal Thomas is a leading warrior in the service of conservatives and cultural values. During five decades of broadcast and print journalism, he has been a gladiator at exposing truth. I appreciate all of his hard work, dedication, and friendship. People like Cal Thomas have urged conservatives to fight for the American people against the waste, fraud, and abuse that are so common among our government leaders."

―Sean Hannity

“A man of bearing and depth, Cal Thomas writes with a passion born of confidence and the relentless pursuit of the truth. I am indeed fortunate to count Cal as one of my friends. (H)e…has done much to help me understand and expand upon my natural conservative instincts. Call him a mentor. His ability to think as an individual, coupled with his courage to articulate and promote his convictions, qualifies him as an excellent role model for anyone who seriously longs for truth and high ideals. He will make you think, which is an incredible gift. Far from preaching to the choir, Cal Thomas challenges those mired in conventional wisdom to honestly assess their surroundings and seek substantive, positive change.”

―Rush Limbaugh

"My late brother Rush and I have been frequent readers and fans of Cal's column for many years. He speaks the truth in an age that seems to have forgotten what truth looks like."

—David Limbaugh, New York Times bestselling author

"No one applies common sense to America's problems better than Cal Thomas."

—Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House, US House of Representatives

"I read your column. You write well."

―David Brinkley, American journalist and New York Times bestselling author

“I read Cal Thomas, always have, and have the utmost respect for the sincerity, depth, and insight of his work.”

—Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal columnist

"He has been a watchman on the wall, giving readers wisdom, understanding and prudence in the news of the day and week.”

—Russ Pulliam, The Indianapolis Star

"Modest, self-effacing and a man who got things done."

―Sander Vanocur, American journalist

“The indispensable."

―Elie Abel, Canadian-American journalist

"Without whose wisdom, foresight and imagination, NBC Washington might well have collapsed."

―Peter Hackes, American journalist

“With sincere appreciation for contributing help when it was needed most."

―Martin Agronsky, American journalist

"Over time, he became the most well distributed columnist of all. I was very proud to have been a strong supporter of him. While our political views are very different, we became friends. His column added a much-needed conservative voice to newspapers, talk shows, and bookshelves."

 —Tom Johnson, former president of CNN, publisher of the Los Angeles Times & Dallas Times Herald and White House Fellow and aide to LBJ

"There's a reason Cal Thomas has so many admirers on both sides of the political aisle, including people you might think would be his adversaries: he strives to find common sense with an uncommon sense of humanity, humor, and love of life. Like the actors and actresses in the Broadway musicals he adores, Cal's words sing, and the best of them stay with you like a beautifully composed showstopper."

―Bob Greene, New York Times bestselling author

"Where our culture gets murky, Cal Thomas shines a bright light that clarifies and inspires. Eloquent, lively, and accurate, Cal Thomas is a journalist for the ages." 

—Amity Shlaes, New York Times bestselling author of Great Society

“If journalism is the first draft of history, Cal Thomas gives us his second draft with all the wit and trenchant commentary that he has made famous. He has been faithful as America's watchman, but have enough Americans woken up to play their part in the struggle for the nation?”

—Os Guinness, bestselling author of Magna Carta of Humanity

"Like the best political and social commentators, he is intelligent and opinionated. But mean-spirited? Not Cal. He’s perceptive, funny, kind and spiritual. But don’t let those benign descriptive words deceive you; he’s also committed, tough and penetrating. You don’t have to agree with him, but you have to acknowledge that he’s a damn fine writer. I’m amazed by the sheer volume of his work and delighted that he decided to share the stories behind the columns in this fascinating journal.” 

—Pat Sajak, host of Wheel of Fortune

"You know that old curmudgeonly uncle everyone ignores at holiday time and then someone asks him a question and you realize he knows what he's talking about? That's Cal Thomas."

―Jay Leno