Frank comes from a liberal political perspective and is highly critical of Republican governance, especially the presidency of George W. Bush. However, he has also criticized the Democratic Party for "swearing off economic 'liberalism'". Frank summarized his book, How Conservatives Rule, as "Bad government is the natural product of rule by those who believe government is bad."

He is unusual among writers on the American Left for his polemical style, which has been said to update that of the muckrakers of the same historical era Dead link.

Frank is the founder and editor of The Baffler and the author of several books. Other writings include essays for Harper's Magazine, Le Monde diplomatique, Bookforum, and the Financial Times. His book What's the Matter with Kansas?, published in 2004, earned him nationwide and international recognition.

Beginning in December 2010, Frank will write the monthly "Easy Chair" column for Harper's Magazine.

Frank was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1965. He grew up in a local suburb, Mission Hills, Kansas. Frank graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School. He later attended the University of Kansas. He also attended the University of Virginia and the University of Chicago, where he received a Ph.D. in history in 1994. He currently lives in Washington, DC with his wife, Wendy, and their children.

Thomas FrankThomas Frank