Grand Old Partisan

Obama the Destroyer

After the polls closed on election night 2008, I was answering the phone at the McCain/Palin national campaign office. A woman called to say she was “now glad to have a terminal disease because [she] won't live to see how Obama will destroy this great country.” The pain and rage and sorrow in her voice came through loud and clear.

Ma'am, whoever and wherever you are, I salute you.

Michael Zak, author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party, also wrote the often-copied, never-cited 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar. Each day, his Grand Old Partisan blog celebrates more than sixteen decades of Republican heritage. And, see Speech Raves for audience feedback from his presentations in thirty-one states so far.

commemorating the National League of Republican Clubs

Grand Old Partisan commemorates the National League of Republican Clubs. This day of 1887, local Republican organizations formed a countrywide organization. One thousand three hundred fifty-three delegates, representing three hundred fifty local clubs, convened at Manhattan's Chickering Concert Hall. They... Read more →

saluting Thomas Young, a "manly man" Republican Governor of Ohio

"His whole career is another signal example of what energy, courage, and patriotism will enable a man to accomplish." Grand Old Partisan salutes Thomas Young, born in Ireland this day of 1832. Immigrating with his parents as a child, he... Read more →

Republicans established the Army-Navy Football Game

Grand Old Partisan cheers for the annual Army-Navy football game. The cadets of West Point and the midshipmen of Annapolis held their first gridiron matchup in 1890. It had been arranged by President Benjamin Harrison's Secretary of War, Redfield Proctor,... Read more →

saluting Robert Harlan, from blue-eyed slave to Republican activist

Grand Old Partisan salutes Robert Harlan, born in Kentucky this day of 1816. Though his father was white, his mother being a quarter-black slave made the pale, blue-eyed boy a slave too. He grew up at his father's home along... Read more →

the last day that the Ways and Means Committee handled both Ways and Means

Grand Old Partisan highlights an important development in congressional history. This day of 1865, the GOP-controlled 39th Congress established the House Appropriations Committee as well as the House Banking and Commerce Committee. This reduced the workload of the House Ways... Read more →

a Republican President hosted the first White House Hanukkah ceremony

Grand Old Partisan appreciates Republican respect for Judaism. This day of 2001, President George W. Bush hosted the first annual White House Hanukkah ceremony. "Tonight, for the first time in American history, the Hanukkah menorah will be lit at the... Read more →

Republicans 'coined' the phrase "In God We Trust"

Grand Old Partisan appreciates Republican reverence. This day of 1863, Treasury Secretary Salmon Chase instructed his Director of the Mint to place the motto In God We Trust on designs for U.S. coins: "I approve your mottoes, only suggesting that... Read more →

the Eisenhower administration supported the plaintiffs in Brown v. Board of Education

Grand Old Partisan highlights Republican dedication to civil rights. This day in 1953, Lee Rankin, Dwight Eisenhower's Assistant Attorney General, argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on behalf of the plaintiffs in Brown v. Board of Education. His opponent, lawyer... Read more →

saluting Ira Joy Chase, pious Republican Governor of Indiana

Grand Old Partisan salutes Ira Joy Chase, born near Rochester this day of 1834. He studied for the ministry at an Ohio seminary. Outbreak of civil war, this father of three enlisted as chaplain of the 19th Illinois Infantry. His... Read more →

spotlighting completion of the Washington Monument

Grand Old Partisan spotlights the Washington Monument. A ceremony this day of 1884 marked its completion. Thomas Lincoln Casey set in place a nine-inch aluminum cap bearing the name of President Chester Arthur and other dignitaries. Featured prominently was the... Read more →

appreciating the Endangered Species Conservation Act

Grand Old Partisan appreciates Republican respect for environmental safeguards. This day of 1969, President Richard Nixon signed the Endangered Species Conservation Act. He called it "the most significant action this Nation has ever taken in an international effort to preserve... Read more →

honoring Congressman Portus Baxter, the "soldier's friend"

Grand Old Partisan honors Portus Baxter, born in Vermont this day of 1806. His farm gained renown for advanced techniques, and local railroad construction received his financial support. He was delegate to several Whig national conventions. Baxter cast an electoral... Read more →

honoring Simon Sobeloff, who argued for the Eisenhower administration in Brown v. Board of Education

"Moderate to the Extreme" Grand Old Partisan honors Simon Sobeloff, born in Baltimore this day of 1894. Graduating from the University of Maryland Law School, he was assistant city solicitor, then deputy city solicitor. President Herbert Hoover named him U.S.... Read more →

commending Alvin Hawkins, first Republican Tennessee Governor after Reconstruction

Grand Old Partisan commends Alvin Hawkins, born this day of 1821. He settled in Tennessee, from Kentucky, as a child. Unhappy with brief stints farming and blacksmithing and teaching, the ambitious young man studied law. He won a term in... Read more →

Abraham Lincoln and "the last best hope of earth"

Grand Old Partisan commemorates Abraham Lincoln's second annual address. He delivered it to Congress this day of 1862. His Emancipation Proclamation going into effect within weeks, the first Republican President focused on what caused the Civil War: "Without slavery the... Read more →

praising Oliver Winchester, classic gunmaker and Republican Lieutenant Governor

Grand Old Partisan praises Oliver Winchester, born in Boston this day of 1810. He began his career building churches, then opened a furnishing shop. Later ventures included a clothing factory. Winchester relocated to New Haven and bought a controlling interest... Read more →

lauding Sarah Grimké, courageous South Carolina Abolitionist

Grand Old Partisan lauds Sarah Grimké, born to wealthy South Carolina parents this day of 1792. While visiting Philadelphia at age twenty-six, local Quakers persuaded her to denounce slavery and to reside there. Along with her younger sister Angelina, she... Read more →

honoring William Francis, African-American Republican advocate for Anti-Lynching laws

"The rights of the humblest citizen are as worthy of protection as those of the highest." Grand Old Partisan honors William Francis, born this day of 1869. One of the first African-American lawyers in Minnesota, he worked at the legal... Read more →

applauding Jon Runyan, stellar Football Player and Republican Congressman

Grand Old Partisan applauds Jon Runyan, born this day of 1973. After excelling at the University of Michigan, he played fourteen seasons of professional football, mostly for the Philadelphia Eagles. This intimidating offensive tackle was a 2003 Pro Bowl selection.... Read more →

honoring Estelle Reel, pioneering Wyoming Republican educator

"She was determined to hit the campaign trail with as much vigor and enthusiasm as the men who were running, and this showed people everywhere that women politicians could be equals with men." Grand Old Partisan honors Estelle Reel, born... Read more →

the Eisenhower Administration banned racial discrimination on interstate bus and train travel

Grand Old Partisan commemorates one of the Eisenhower administration's many civil rights achievements. This day of 1955, the Interstate Commerce Commission banned racial discrimination on interstate bus and train travel. No longer could Democrats force African-Americans to the back of... Read more →

saluting William Shallenberger, patriotic Pennsylvania Republican Congressman

Grand Old Partisan salutes William Shallenberger, born near Pittsburgh this day of 1839. Graduating from Bucknell University, this young Republican enlisted in the 140th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. He survived three wounds – at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and the Wilderness. Union restored,... Read more →

celebrating the tax-cutting Revenue Act of 1921

Grand Old Partisan celebrates the Revenue Act of 1921. It was passed by the GOP-controlled 67th Congress and signed by President Warren Harding on this day that year. By cutting taxes, Republicans ended the economic recession following the First World... Read more →

honoring Franklin MacVeagh, modernizing Treasury Secretary

Grand Old Partisan honors Franklin MacVeagh, born in Pennsylvania this day of 1837. He attended Yale University and Columbia Law School. This savvy businessman established a grocery wholesaler and later headed the National Bank of Chicago. President William Howard Taft... Read more →

honoring Ralph Metcalf, first Republican Governor of New Hampshire

Grand Old Partisan honors Ralph Metcalf, born this day of 1796. He studied law after graduating from Dartmouth College. His political career began in 1831 with election as secretary of state. Following this were two years in Washington at the... Read more →

saluting Jacob Campbell, patriotic Republican Congressman

Grand Old Partisan salutes Jacob Campbell, born in Pennsylvania this day of 1821. He began his career as a printer for the local Whig newspaper. He later worked for a magazine in Pittsburgh and several newspapers in New Orleans. His... Read more →

honoring Martin Conway, first U.S. Representative from Kansas

"earnest, devoted and very capable" Grand Old Partisan honors Martin Conway, born in Maryland this day of 1827. He apprenticed as a printer and helped establish the National Typographical Union. Law studies followed. Conway relocated to Kansas in 1853, reporting... Read more →

honoring J. C. Watts, the first African-American in congressional leadership

Grand Old Partisan honors Julius Caesar Watts, born this day of 1957. After studying journalism at the University of Oklahoma, he played five seasons with the Canadian Football League. An ordained Baptist minister, Watts won a seat on the corporation... Read more →

saluting Andrew Harris, the last Civil War General to serve as Governor

Grand Old Partisan salutes Andrew Harris, born in southwest Ohio this day of 1835. A year after graduating from Miami University, he enlisted in the Union Army. His leadership skills recognized, he rose to command the 75th Ohio Infantry. Colonel... Read more →

saluting Charles Buttz, from Union Army cavalryman to South Carolina congressman

Grand Old Partisan salutes Charles Buttz, born this day of 1837. He studied law in New Jersey. Outbreak of civil war, this patriot enlisted as lieutenant in the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry. Mustered out after being wounded, Buttz headed the Exchange... Read more →

saluting Thurlow Weed, early Republican strategist

"He possessed a geniality and tact that drew all to him, and it is said that he never forgot a fact or a face." Grand Old Partisan salutes Thurlow Weed, born in upstate New York this day of 1797. He... Read more →

a Republican President issued the First Pardon of a Thanksgiving Turkey

Grand Old Partisan spotlights the beginning of an American holiday tradition. Dating back to the Ulysses Grant administration, turkeys had been gifted to the White House each year. Not until this day of 1989 did they receive an official presidential... Read more →

President Benjamin Harrison attended opening ceremonies for the Catholic University of America

Grand Old Partisan appreciates Republican reverence for religious freedom. This day of 1889, Benjamin Harrison attended ceremonies for the opening of Catholic University, in the nation's capital. Entering what is now Caldwell Hall, to Hail to the Chief and applause,... Read more →

a Democrat President evicted an African-American civil rights activist from the Oval Office

Grand Old Partisan denounces Democrat devilry. This day of 1914, Woodrow Wilson evicted an African-American civil rights activist from the Oval Office. Monroe Trotter criticized the President's imposition of racial segregation on federal government employees. In response, an "insulting and... Read more →

President Reagan dedicated the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Statue

Grand Old Partisan appreciates the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Statue, "Three Fighting Men". This day of 1984, President Ronald Reagan keynoted dedication ceremonies for that classic monument adjacent to The Wall: "The memorial reflects as a mirror reflects, so that when... Read more →

saluting Newton Knight, the Republican who Established the Free State of Jones

Grand Old Partisan salutes Newton Knight, born in Jones County, Mississippi this day of 1829. He worked a small farm in anonymity until the Civil War. Unusually for the time and place, he opposed slavery. Knight was forced into the... Read more →

honoring Robert Tayler, "Watchdog of the Treasury"

Grand Old Partisan honors Robert Tayler, born this day of 1812. He studied law and was admitted to the Ohio bar. He won a four-year term as county prosecutor. In 1851, this outspokenly anti-slavery activist was elected mayor of Youngstown.... Read more →

honoring Cydnor Tompkins, one of Ohio's first Republicans in Congress

Grand Old Partisan honors Cydnor Tompkins, born this day of 1810. He studied law after graduating from Ohio University and went on to be a county prosecutor. In 1855, Tompkins attended the Ohio Republican Party's founding convention. The following year,... Read more →

remembering Fletcher, one of the four Proctor governors of Vermont

Grand Old Partisan remembers Fletcher Proctor, born this day of 1860. He was one of four members of the Proctor family elected Governor of Vermont. His father, brother and son were also Republican Governors. After graduating from Amherst College, Fletcher... Read more →

spotlighting the first Cabinet meeting in the West Wing

Grand Old Partisan spotlights the West Wing. This day of 1902, Theodore Roosevelt held the first Cabinet meeting there. At the President's request, the GOP-controlled 57th Congress had appropriated funds for temporary offices next to the White House. The new... Read more →

saluting Truman Newberry, industrious Michigan Republican Senator

Grand Old Partisan salutes Truman Newberry, born in Detroit this day of 1864. After studying science at Yale, he rose to be manager of a railroad and then a spring factory. He later co-founded the Packard car company. This young... Read more →

honoring Minnie Craig, first female Speaker of a state House of Representatives

Grand Old Partisan honors Minnie Craig, born this day of 1883. She attended the New England Conservatory of Music and taught school. Age twenty-four, this young Republican and her banker husband relocated to North Dakota. In 1922, Craig first won... Read more →

honoring Joseph Martin, "fiercely partisan but also fiercely civil" Republican Speaker of the House

Grand Old Partisan honors Joseph Martin, born in Massachusetts this day of 1884. Despite not having attended college, he excelled early on as a newspaper reporter and publisher. This young Republican was elected to the state house in 1912 and... Read more →

saluting Harris Plaisted, meritorious Maine Soldier and Statesman

Grand Old Partisan salutes Harris Plaisted, born this day of 1828. He studied at Colby College and Albany Law School. During the Civil War, he commanded the 11th Maine Volunteer Infantry. Union restored, Plaisted was a state representative and delegate... Read more →

yes, the Republican Party Abolished Slavery in Maryland

Grand Old Partisan acclaims the Republican Party for abolishing slavery in Maryland. This day of 1864, a new state constitution came into effect. Article 24 proclaimed: "Hereafter, in this State, there shall be neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except in... Read more →

saluting a California Republican, Romualdo Pacheco, the first Hispanic Governor

Grand Old Partisan salutes Romualdo Pacheco, born at Santa Barbara this day of 1831. He apprenticed in Hawaii as a shipping agent. The savvy entrepreneur later prospered in ranching and mining. In 1857, he was elected a state senator. Outbreak... Read more →

saluting James Wadsworth, courageous Republican General

Grand Old Partisan salutes James S. Wadsworth, born to a prominent New York family this day of 1807. He studied law after attending both Harvard and Yale. Opposition to slavery led him out of the Democratic Party, to the Free... Read more →

Sojourner Truth meeting with Abraham Lincoln

Grand Old Partisan commemorates a landmark White House event, this day of 1864. Page 78 of Back to Basics for the Republican Party describes Abraham Lincoln's meeting with Isabella Baumfree, better known as Sojourner Truth. The renowned abolitionist was famous... Read more →

honoring Burt Van Horn, resolute New York Republican Congressman

Grand Old Partisan honors Burt Van Horn, born in western New York this day of 1823. He studied at what is now Colgate University. His business activities were farming and cloth manufacturing and banking. While a state legislator, the young... Read more →

honoring Whitelaw Reid, distinguished Republican Statesman

Grand Old Partisan honors Whitelaw Reid, born near Dayton this day of 1837. Reporting from battlefields during the Civil War made him famous. His political sentiments aligned closer with the Radical Republicans than with President Lincoln. He later became an... Read more →