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.

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 →

saluting Daniel Pratt, eminent Indiana Republican Senator

Grand Old Partisan salutes Daniel Pratt, born this day of 1813. He moved from Maine to attend Hamilton College, then relocated to Indiana in 1832. The ambitious Whig studied law, worked at the secretary of state's office, and won two... Read more →

saluting Isaac Wiles, the Republican who wrote the State Motto and designed the State Seal of Nebraska

Grand Old Partisan salutes Isaac Wiles, born this day of 1830. He relocated from Indiana to Nebraska at age twenty-five. During the Civil War, he was a cavalry lieutenant then a militia captain. In 1866, the Nebraska GOP proclaimed: "The... Read more →

"The Lost Cause, Worse Than Slavery"

Grand Old Partisan highlights a classic denunciation of the Democratic Party. This day of 1874, Harper's Weekly magazine published a Thomas Nast cartoon entitled The Lost Cause, Worse Than Slavery. Depicted are Democrat terrorists shaking hands while African-Americans tremble in... Read more →

saluting Albert Fountain, restless Rootin' Tootin' Republican state legislator

Grand Old Partisan salutes Albert Fountain, born on Staten Island this day of 1838. The ambitious young man attended Columbia College, then studied law after relocating to Sacramento. He narrowly escaped death by firing squad while reporting on events in... Read more →

celebrating the Tax Reform Act of 1986

Grand Old Partisan celebrates the Tax Reform Act. This day of 1986, Ronald Reagan signed "the most sweeping overhaul of our tax code in our nation's history." He thanked Treasury Secretary James Baker and Chief of Staff Don Regan for... Read more →

honoring Sara Spencer, first woman to address a political party National Convention

Grand Old Partisan honors Sara Spencer, born in western New York this day of 1837. She taught school in St. Louis eight years before relocating to the nation's capital. Her husband's business college created an influential handwriting style. In 1871,... Read more →

saluting John Lodge, from Hollywood Heartthrob to Republican Congressman and Governor and Ambassador

Grand Old Partisan salutes John Lodge, born this day of 1903. Soon after graduating from Harvard Law School, he achieved considerable success in Hollywood. Among his movie roles were playing Marlene Dietrich's lover and Shirley Temple's father. His older brother,... Read more →

honoring Consuelo Bailey, the first woman elected Lieutenant Governor

Grand Old Partisan honors Consuelo Bailey, born in Vermont this day of 1899. Graduating from Boston University School of Law, she became the first woman admitted to practice before the state supreme court. Age twenty-five, she was elected county prosecutor.... Read more →

honoring Charles Russell Train, anti-slavery Republican Congressman

Grand Old Partisan honors George Russell Train, born in Massachusetts this day of 1817. He attended Brown University and Harvard Law School. The young Whig was elected state representative and district attorney. He declined President Millard Fillmore's offer of a... Read more →

appreciating financial wisdom from Richard Nixon

Grand Old Partisan appreciates financial wisdom from Richard Nixon. This day of 1960, the Vice President took his presidential campaign to Connecticut. His common-sense approach is even more relevant to us today: "We tap all the resources of America. We... Read more →

highlighting the first time a Republican presidential nominee campaigned in the South

Grand Old Partisan highlights the first time a Republican presidential nominee campaigned in a southern state. This day of 1908, a very busy William Howard Taft addressed crowds in eleven east Tennessee towns. Starting in Chattanooga, he proceeded to Cleveland,... Read more →

commemorating the seventh Lincoln Douglas debate

Grand Old Partisan commemorates the seventh and final Lincoln-Douglas debate. This day of 1858, the Railsplitter shared a stage with incumbent Senator Stephen Douglas. Six thousand people attended the event, at a park in Alton, Illinois. Contrasting himself with his... Read more →

saluting Andrew Applegate, the first Lieutenant Governor of Alabama

Grand Old Partisan salutes Andrew Applegate, born near Cincinnati this day of 1833. His parents were farmers from Kentucky. He studied law. Democrat nominee Stephen Douglas received his vote in the 1860 presidential election. During the Civil War, Applegate served... Read more →

honoring John Rock, first African-American lawyer to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court

Grand Old Partisan honors John Rock, born in New Jersey this day of 1825. He apprenticed to a dentist. Graduating from the American Medical College in Philadelphia placed him among the nation's first African-American physicians. In 1858, Rock decided to... Read more →

saluting Senator Preston Plumb, "a great man and a great Kansan"

Grand Old Partisan salutes Preston Plumb, born in Ohio this day of 1837. His career began with editing a newspaper. In 1856, he relocated to Kansas in support of anti-slavery activists: "I am going to Kansas and help fight this... Read more →

a Senate Office Building is named for a notorious Democrat Racist

Grand Old Partisan denounces Democrat dishonor. This day of 1972, the Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate named one of its office buildings for a notorious racist, Richard Russell. The resolution had been introduced by a Democrat Klansman, Senator Robert Byrd. Russell filibustered... Read more →

acclaiming William Henry Robertson, civic-minded New York Republican statesman

Grand Old Partisan acclaims William Henry Robertson, born in New York this day of 1823. After studying law, he won terms in both houses of the legislature. His motto was Education for all, Liberty for all. This former Whig joined... Read more →

commemorating the Universal Postal Union

Grand Old Partisan commemorates the Universal Postal Union. One the first international organizations, it established rules for cross-border postal service. This undertaking had originally been brainchild of President Lincoln's Postmaster General, Montgomery Blair. At a conference in Switzerland this day... Read more →

honoring Nathaniel Smithers, the first Republican Congressman from Delaware

Grand Old Partisan honors Nathaniel Smithers, born in Dover this day of 1818. He studied law at Dickinson College. The former Whig was delegate to the 1860 Republican National Convention, then Delaware secretary of state. Delegate to the GOP's 1864... Read more →

re-naming DCA the "Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport"

Grand Old Partisan recalls that on this day of 1997, a Republican congressman introduced a bill to re-name the airport at our nation's capital after the 40th President. The measure would be signed into law four months later. Passed with... Read more →

honoring Clara Cressingham, one of the first three female state legislators

Grand Old Partisan honors Clara Cressingham, born this day of 1863. Her typesetter husband relocated the family, in 1890, from Brooklyn to Denver. In 1894, she won a term in the Colorado state house. Two other Republican women were elected... Read more →

highlighting the first attempt at establishing the Illinois Republican Party

Grand Old Partisan highlights an early attempt to create the Illinois Republican Party. May 1854, Democrats passed a federal law extending slavery into the western territories. Outraged, friends of freedom organized themselves as the Republican Party of Michigan and Wisconsin... Read more →

commemorating the National Equal Rights League

Grand Old Partisan commemorates the National Equal Rights League, our country's first human rights organization. It was established at a National Convention of Colored Citizens, begun in a Syracuse church this day of 1864. One hundred forty-four delegates attended, from... Read more →

saluting Edward Noyes, "noble, chivalrous, honorable" Republican Governor of Ohio

Grand Old Partisan salutes Edward Noyes, born in Massachusetts this day of 1832. Orphaned at age three, he apprenticed to a printer. While an undergraduate at Dartmouth, he co-founded the New Hampshire GOP. Next came studies at the Cincinnati Law... Read more →

honoring Jennette Bradley, first African-American Woman to be Lieutenant Governor

Grand Old Partisan honors Jennette Bradley, born in Ohio this day of 1952. After earning a bachelors degree in psychology, she worked for the Columbus metropolitan housing authority. Age twenty-eight, this rising star became its executive director. She would later... Read more →

honoring Michel Vidal, from France and the Republic of Texas to Louisiana Republican Congressman

Grand Old Partisan honors Michel Vidal, born in France this day of 1824. Completing university studies, he emigrated to the Republic of Texas. Two years, he travelled in the United States and Canada before settling among Louisiana's French-speaking community. Vidal... Read more →