CAL THOMAS is a journalist, pundit, author, tv & radio commentator and one of the most widely syndicated columnists in America. His fifty-year journalism career includes anchoring, reporting commentary for NEWSMAX, KPRC-TV in Houston, NBC News in Washington, and other outlets. For ten years he co-wrote the "Common Ground" column for USA Today with his colleague, Bob Beckel. Thomas began his journalism career at the age of sixteen and 2019 marked the thirty-fifth anniversary of his column. He is the bestselling author of America's Expiration Date, What Works, The Things That Matter Most, Common Ground, Uncommon Sense, Blinded by Might, The Death of Ethics in America, Book Burning, Liberals for Lunch, The Freedom Dream and Public Persons and Private Lives.Thomas is a wide-ranging social commentator, not a "beltway insider," who supports traditional conservative values and the American "can-do spirit." A native of Washington, D.C. and graduate of American University, Thomas is married to Christie Jean ("CJ"). He lives and works in the Miami metro area.calthomas.com

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

• TABLE OF CONTENTS to A WATCHMAN IN THE NIGHT: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America by Cal ThomasFOREWORD by Tom JohnsonINTRODUCTIONPREFACE19841985198619871988198919901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSEPILOGUE

CAL THOMAS is a journalist, pundit, author, tv & radio commentator and one of the most widely syndicated columnists in America. His fifty-year journalism career includes anchoring, reporting commentary for NEWSMAX, KPRC-TV in Houston, NBC News in Washington, and other outlets. For ten years he co-wrote the "Common Ground" column for USA Today with his colleague, Bob Beckel. Thomas began his journalism career at the age of sixteen and 2019 marked the thirty-fifth anniversary of his column. He is the bestselling author of America's Expiration Date, What Works, The Things That Matter Most, Common Ground, Uncommon Sense, Blinded by Might, The Death of Ethics in America, Book Burning, Liberals for Lunch, The Freedom Dream and Public Persons and Private Lives.Thomas is a wide-ranging social commentator, not a "beltway insider," who supports traditional conservative values and the American "can-do spirit." A native of Washington, D.C. and graduate of American University, Thomas is married to Christie Jean ("CJ"). He lives and works in the Miami metro area.calthomas.com

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

• TABLE OF CONTENTS to A WATCHMAN IN THE NIGHT: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America by Cal ThomasFOREWORD by Tom JohnsonINTRODUCTIONPREFACE19841985198619871988198919901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSEPILOGUE

CAL THOMAS is a journalist, pundit, author, tv & radio commentator and one of the most widely syndicated columnists in America. His fifty-year journalism career includes anchoring, reporting commentary for NEWSMAX, KPRC-TV in Houston, NBC News in Washington, and other outlets. For ten years he co-wrote the "Common Ground" column for USA Today with his colleague, Bob Beckel. Thomas began his journalism career at the age of sixteen and 2019 marked the thirty-fifth anniversary of his column. He is the bestselling author of America's Expiration Date, What Works, The Things That Matter Most, Common Ground, Uncommon Sense, Blinded by Might, The Death of Ethics in America, Book Burning, Liberals for Lunch, The Freedom Dream and Public Persons and Private Lives.Thomas is a wide-ranging social commentator, not a "beltway insider," who supports traditional conservative values and the American "can-do spirit." A native of Washington, D.C. and graduate of American University, Thomas is married to Christie Jean ("CJ"). He lives and works in the Miami metro area.calthomas.com

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

• TABLE OF CONTENTS to A WATCHMAN IN THE NIGHT: What I’ve Seen Over 50 Years Reporting on America by Cal ThomasFOREWORD by Tom JohnsonINTRODUCTIONPREFACE19841985198619871988198919901991199219931994199519961997199819992000200120022003200420052006200720082009201020112012201320142015201620172018201920202021ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSEPILOGUE