His father, Charles G. Barone, was a surgeon of Italian descent, and his mother, Alice Darcy Barone, a teacher of Irish heritage. Their backgrounds contributed to Barone's broad understanding of immigrant experiences, a recurring theme in his analyses.

Career in Political Analysis

Michael Barone is a Senior Political Analyst at the Washington Examiner, where he contributes columns twice a week and writes regularly for the outlet’s blog. His political commentary also extends to television, where he serves as a contributor for Fox News Channel, primarily covering election-related topics.

Known for his conservative political stance, Barone distinguishes himself by his nuanced view on immigration. He often emphasizes the positive contributions immigrants make to American society, shaped in part by his own family background.

Professional Experience

Throughout his career, Barone has held notable positions in journalism and political research, including:

· Senior Political Analyst
· Fox News Channel contributor since 2001
· Senior Writer at U.S. News & World Report
· Staff Editor at Reader’s Digest
· Member of the Editorial Board at The Washington Post
· Vice President at Peter D. Hart Research Associates (1974–1981)

Published Works and Commentary

Barone is a prolific writer whose publications analyze American political and economic development. One of his recurring themes is the evolution of the American economy from the era of Franklin D. Roosevelt to that of Ronald Reagan. His notable books include:

· Hard America, Soft America
· Our First Revolution
· Our Country

He is also the co-author of The Almanac of American Politics, a reference guide to federal and gubernatorial political figures, published biennially. This work is highly regarded for its detailed analysis of American political geography and trends.