David Cole is an American writer and legal scholar known for his work on civil liberties and constitutional law. He has contributed to various publications, including The New York Times and The Atlantic, where he discusses issues related to free speech, privacy, and government surveillance. In addition to his writing, Cole serves as the national legal director for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He has authored several books, including Engines of Liberty, which explores the role of grassroots movements in shaping legal change in the United States.