In early 1838, Yancey took over the "Cahaba Southern Democrat", and his first editorial was a strong defense of slavery. From his current economic perspective, Yancey began to identify the anti-slavery movement negatively with issues such as the establishment of a national bank, internal improvements, and the expansion of federal power. As the former nationalist moved to a states' rights position, Yancey also changed his attitude toward Calhoun, for example, by applauding Calhoun's role in the Gag rule Debates. Yancey also began to attack Henry Clay for his support of the American Colonization Society, which Yancey equated with attacks on Southern slavery.