To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes David French: Free Speech, Cancel Culture, and the Kimmel Moment
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Sep 25, 2025 
David French, a constitutional lawyer and civil liberties advocate, joins the conversation to unpack the implications of Jimmy Kimmel's viral monologue. They delve into how cancel culture often backfires, benefitting those it targets. French emphasizes the importance of free speech and distinguishes between governmental pressure and private criticism. He also explores Trump's evolving stance on Ukraine and the national security risks associated with TikTok, highlighting the tension between media power and geopolitics.
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Cancel Culture Often Backfires
- Cancel culture often backfires and can rocket the careers of those targeted by the opposite side.
- David French says intra-party cancellations stick while inter-party cancellations tend to amplify the canceled person's platform.
Kimmel Turned It Into A First Amendment Moment
- Jimmy Kimmel’s monologue reframed the debate as a First Amendment moment rather than only a ratings story.
- Charlie Sykes felt Kimmel addressed criticism gracefully and made a persuasive case for free expression.
Return To First Principles
- Relearn and defend first principles of free speech rather than treating them as partisan tools.
- David French urges returning to historical foundations like Frederick Douglass’s 1860 plea to anchor free-speech arguments.
