Kane is the author of the book Bleeding Talent: How the U.S. Military Mismanages Great Leaders and Why It's Time for a Revolution.

[3][4] He co-authored Balance: The Economics of Great Powers from Ancient Rome to Modern America with Glenn Hubbard.

He attended public schools from K-12 in Columbus, and received his appointment to the United States Air Force Academy from Congressman Chalmers P. Wylie.

He came to identify as a Republican after becoming concerned with high taxation that inhibited job creation and his ability to hire employees.

Between 1995 and 2001, Kane attended the University of California, San Diego, earning a PhD in economics.

Kane has provided commentary for The New York Times, USA Today, CNN, CNBC, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, MSNBC, Bloomberg Television, and PBS’ Nightly Business Report.