Bill Whalen

Virginia Hobbs Carpenter Distinguished Policy Fellow in Journalism
Biography: 

Bill Whalen, the Virginia Hobbs Carpenter Distinguished Policy Fellow in Journalism and a Hoover Institution research fellow since 1999, writes and comments on campaigns, elections and governance with an emphasis on California and America’s political landscapes.

Whalen writes on politics and current events for Forbes.com. His commentary can also be seen on the opinion pages of the The Washington Post and Real Clear Politics, as well as Hoover’s “California On Your Mind” web channel.

Whalen hosts Hoover’s “Area 45” podcast on politics and policy in the age of the Trump presidency and he serves as one of the moderators of Hoover’s “GoodFellows” broadcast on the social, economic and geopolitical consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

Whalen has been a guest political analyst on the Fox News Channel, MSNBC and CNN. He’s also a regular guest on the nationally syndicated radio shows hosted by John Batchelor and Lars Larson.

Whalen has served as a media consultant for California political hopefuls and aspiring policy leaders. His past clients have included former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, former congressman Tom Campbell and former Los Angeles mayor Richard J. Riordan.

Prior to joining the Hoover Institution, Whalen served as chief speechwriter and director of public affairs for former California governor Pete Wilson. In that capacity, he was responsible for the governor's annual State of the State address, as well as other major policy addresses.

Before moving to California, Whalen was a political correspondent for Insight Magazine, the national newsweekly and sister publication of the Washington Times, where he was honored for his profiles and analysis of candidates, campaigns, Congress, and the White House.

In addition to his time in Washington as a political journalist, Whalen served as a speechwriter for the Bush-Quayle reelection campaign and was a senior associate with the public relations firm Robinson-Lake/Sawyer-Miller, offering media and political advice for domestic and foreign clientele.

Whalen currently resides in Palo Alto, California.

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Recent Commentary

California's Rain Delay

by Bill Whalenvia Eureka
Friday, January 17, 2014

So there you have it: California Gov.

Analysis and Commentary

Eureka: Un-Abel To Go On

by Bill Whalenvia Advancing a Free Society
Thursday, January 16, 2014

Un-Abel To Go On

by Bill Whalenvia Eureka
Thursday, January 16, 2014

Thursday’s big news in California political circles: former Lt. Gov.

Analysis and Commentary

A 'Meh' Year for California Voters

by Bill Whalenvia San Francisco Chronicle
Friday, January 3, 2014

On the first Sunday of the new year, let's ponder the first Tuesday in November and what could be another jolt to the political status quo - in Washington, D.C., that is, not California.

Analysis and Commentary

What Hillary Will and Won't Be Doing in 2014

by Bill Whalenvia FoxNews.com
Friday, January 3, 2014

Hillary Clinton’s approach to 2014 midterm vote may serve as tip-off for how she’ll run for president should she decide to seek the prize that eluded her in 2008.

Analysis and Commentary

An Election Year Quiz

by Bill Whalenvia Sacramento Bee
Friday, January 3, 2014

While you wait for the political fun to begin in earnest, take this quiz to consider the issues in what could be an intriguing election year in the Golden State and nationally.

Analysis and Commentary

Putting California’s GOP Back Together

by Bill Whalenvia Sacramento Bee
Friday, December 20, 2013

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Analysis and Commentary

The Perfect Christmas Presents For President Obama, John Boehner, Hillary Clinton And Chris Christie

by Bill Whalenvia Forbes
Wednesday, December 18, 2013

What to give to those who seemingly have everything.

William L. Whalen

Whalen on Opinion Journal: “this is the sort of spring training Hillary Clinton needs if she’s going to run for president”

by Bill Whalenvia Opinion Journal (Wall Street Journal)
Friday, December 6, 2013

Hoover research fellow Bill Whalen discusses California governor Jerry Brown and his potential for the presidency on Opinion Journal. Topics include the need for competition against Hillary Clinton, what makes 2016 a unique race for Democrats, and Brown’s California record.

Analysis and Commentary

Five Reasons Why Jerry Brown Makes Sense as a Presidential Candidate

by Bill Whalenvia Sacramento Bee
Friday, December 6, 2013

If it’s a spirited debate that Democrats crave for 2016, here’s a suggestion: Try to convince Jerry Brown to give the presidency one last try.

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