Obama the Destroyer

Obama speechAfter 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.

Book coverMichael 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.

Posted at 11:27 AM | | Comments (10)

September 17, 2019

honoring John Brough, tireless War Governor of Ohio

"patriotic, far-sighted, clear in his convictions of duty, firm in their maintenance, and fearless in their execution" Grand Old Partisan honors John Brough, born this day of 1811. Apprenticed to a printer when his parents died, he later studied at... Read more →

Posted at 12:07 AM | | Comments (0)

September 16, 2019

saluting Clement Sinnickson, patriotic New Jersey Republican Congressman

Grand Old Partisan salutes Clement Sinnickson, born this day of 1834. He attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Union College, then studied law. Outbreak of civil war, he enlisted as captain of Company I, 4th New Jersey Infantry. In 1874, Sinnickson... Read more →

Posted at 09:15 AM | | Comments (0)

September 15, 2019

commemorating the third Lincoln–Douglas debate

Grand Old Partisan commemorates the third Lincoln-Douglas debate. This day of 1858, the Railsplitter shared a stage with incumbent Senator Stephen Douglas. One thousand five hundred people attended the event, at Jonesboro in southern Illinois. Contrasting himself with his pro-slavery... Read more →

Posted at 11:21 AM | | Comments (0)

September 14, 2019

celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

Grand Old Partisan appreciates Republican respect for our multi-ethnic cultural fabric. This day of 1989, President George H. Bush issued the proclamation establishing National Hispanic Heritage Month: Ever since Hispanic explorers discovered the vast, uncharted territory of the New World... Read more →

Posted at 08:49 AM | | Comments (0)

September 13, 2019

Democrats gonna Democrat — Klansmen parade in DC

Grand Old Partisan laments the Ku Klux Klan's second March on Washington. It occurred this day in 1926. Led by Democrat activist Hiram Evans, thousands of racists marched along Pennsylvania Avenue. They were celebrating their terrorist organization's resurgence fifty years... Read more →

Posted at 12:04 AM | | Comments (0)

September 12, 2019

honoring Alice Wells, the first Female Police Officer

Grand Old Partisan honors Alice Wells, the nation's first female police officer. Born in 1873, she attended Oberlin College and Hartford Theological Seminary. This day of 1910, the Republican mayor of Los Angeles hired her. There had been police matrons,... Read more →

Posted at 12:05 AM | | Comments (0)

September 11, 2019

honoring Charles Scrutchin, heroic African-American Republican attorney

Grand Old Partisan honors Charles Scrutchin, born in Richmond this day of 1866. He grew up in Atlanta and Spokane. After graduating from the University of Washington, limited employment opportunities forced him to work as a Pullman porter and hotel... Read more →

Posted at 12:03 AM | | Comments (0)

September 10, 2019

honoring Mary Booze, the first African-American Republican National Committeewoman

Grand Old Partisan honors Mary Booze, daughter of former slaves. This day of 1924, she became the GOP's first African-American Republican National Committeewoman. Her father, a Mississippi cotton farmer, was a political ally of Booker T. Washington. She attended college... Read more →

Posted at 09:57 AM | | Comments (0)

September 09, 2019

honoring Robert Emmet, keynote speaker at the first Republican National Convention

Grand Old Partisan honors Robert Emmet, born in Dublin this day of 1792. He arrived with his family in New York at age twelve. His uncle and namesake was the famous Irish rebel executed by the British. Emmet studied at... Read more →

Posted at 09:35 AM | | Comments (0)

September 08, 2019

saluting Henry Baxter, valiant son of a Michigan Republican pioneer

Grand Old Partisan salutes Henry Baxter, born this day of 1821. The young man led a wagon train of 49ers to California. Returning to Michigan after three years, he operated a grain mill. His father, Levi, gaveled to order that... Read more →

Posted at 03:12 AM | | Comments (0)

September 07, 2019

President Lincoln praises the Bible

Grand Old Partisan appreciates Republican reverence for religion. This day of 1864, a delegation representing 'Loyal Colored People of Baltimore' met with Abraham Lincoln at the White House. They thanked him for emancipation and presented him with a Bible. "MR.... Read more →

Posted at 10:59 AM | | Comments (0)

September 06, 2019

commemorating the first election in which women could vote — thanks to the GOP

Grand Old Partisan commemorates the first election in which women could vote in the United States.* It was this day of 1870, when Wyoming selected its congressional delegate and county officials. The territory's Female Suffrage Act had been signed into... Read more →

Posted at 12:13 AM | | Comments (0)

September 05, 2019

honoring William Newell, the first Republican Governor of New Jersey

Grand Old Partisan honors William Newell, born this day of 1817. The young Whig attended Rutgers College and the University of Pennsylvania Medical School. In 1846, he won the first of two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. His... Read more →

Posted at 09:08 AM | | Comments (0)

September 04, 2019

honoring Benjamin French, a DC delegate to the first Republican National Convention

Grand Old Partisan honors Benjamin French, born in New Hampshire this day of 1800. Age thirty-two, the former state legislator was hired as Assistant Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives. Promotion to Clerk came during the Polk administration. From... Read more →

Posted at 12:03 AM | | Comments (0)

September 03, 2019

commemorating the Southern Loyalists Convention

Grand Old Partisan commemorates the Southern Loyalists Convention. This day of 1866, four hundred delegates gathered at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. They came from the eleven former Confederate states plus Missouri, Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. These patriots were... Read more →

Posted at 10:56 AM | | Comments (0)

September 02, 2019

honoring William Abijah White, the first Chairman of the Wisconsin Republican Party

Grand Old Partisan honors William Abijah White, born to a prominent Massachusetts family this day of 1818. He edited several newspapers after graduating from Harvard. In his twenties, the gifted orator became a popular anti-slavery speaker. At one event he... Read more →

Posted at 02:55 AM | | Comments (0)

September 01, 2019

saluting Daniel James, the Air Force's first African-American Four-Star General

"This is my country and I believe in her, and I will serve her, and I'll contribute to her welfare whenever and however I can. If she has any ills, I'll stand by her until in God's given time, through... Read more →

Posted at 10:06 AM | | Comments (0)

August 31, 2019

honoring Joseph Fowler, Tennessee's first Republican U.S. Senator

Grand Old Partisan honors Joseph Fowler, born in Ohio this day of 1820. Moving to Kentucky at age twenty-four, he taught school while studying law. Opposed to slavery and secession, he fled from Tennessee during the Civil War but returned... Read more →

Posted at 12:04 AM | | Comments (0)

August 30, 2019

Republicans passed the Second Land-Grant College Act

a notorious Democrat response: "Education is ruining our Negroes. They're demanding equality." Grand Old Partisan celebrates a landmark Republican achievement for higher education. This day of 1890, Republican President Benjamin Harrison signed the Second Land-Grant College Act. The law made... Read more →

Posted at 09:04 AM | | Comments (0)

August 29, 2019

saluting William Warnock, patriotic Ohio Republican Congressman

Grand Old Partisan salutes William Warnock, born this day of 1838. He taught school for twelve years. During the Civil War, the young Republican enlisted as captain in the 95th Ohio Infantry. He fought at Vicksburg and Nashville. Union restored,... Read more →

Posted at 07:38 AM | | Comments (0)

IMG_3806
each day, a video celebrating Republican heroes and heroics
My father, of blessed memory, wrote a book now available on Kindle: Soldier Boy: a Memoir of Life and Death and Survival during WWII

Back to Basics for the Republican Party

  • "We need to promote Back to Basics for the Republican Party to every single proud Republican!!!!"
  • "Every precinct committeeman, every candidate and every teacher with a Republican affiliation should read this book and pass it on to another."
  • "Michael Zak takes a novel approach to the culture wars by boldly boasting the historical record of the Republican Party. Rather then sheepishly bow to the Democrat's ongoing myths (and frequently, outright lies) about the GOP, he brings the history and heroes of the Republican Party into the fray."
  • “Why is it that we Republicans are so easily outmaneuvered by Democrats?
    Why do Republicans so readily fight among themselves?
    Why is it so difficult for Republicans to advance their policy agenda?
    Here's why."
    Back to Basics for the Republican Party
  • “The past is the cause of the present, and the present will be the cause of the future. All these are links in the endless chain stretching from the finite to the infinite.”
    Abraham Lincoln
  • “The Founding Fathers knew a government can't control the economy without controlling people. And they knew when a government sets out to do that, it must use force and coercion to achieve its purpose. So we have come to a time for choosing.”
    Ronald Reagan

Speech Raves

  • "Your words at the Lincoln Day dinner were truly inspiring. Thank you so much for your dedicated work and contributions to our Party."
  • "Your book is outstanding, and it's nice to have the information come alive during your presentation. You are at once informative and motivating. We've got to get back to basics -- as you say."
  • "Thank you for speaking at the luncheon. I've already received many favorable comments. You're absolutely right that the Republican leadership should know our party's history."
  • "Thanks for all that you do for the Republican Party and our Nation."
  • “Your speech was great and just what some of us depressed Republicans needed. The GOP has taken its eye off of the major issue: freedom v. socialism. You spoke to the core of that issue.”
  • “Thank you so much for speaking at the state convention. We received wonderful feedback from everyone in attendance. Everyone was impressed with the depth and breadth of your knowledge, as well as your clear speaking style and sense of humor. You made an outstanding presentation, and we are deeply grateful to you for your efforts.”
  • “You have a great vision and hope for the Party, and I think you are embarking on important work.”
  • “Thank you so much for speaking at our event. You are offering a tremendous service not only to Republicans, but also to the United States and the world.”
  • Click here for more audience feedback.
grand_old_partisan@hotmail.com
My Photo

About

grand_old_partisan@hotmail.com

I am offering the solution to a problem most Republicans don't know they have -- that they can be outmaneuvered and thrown on the defensive endlessly, on nearly any issue, because they accept as true Democrat lies about the Republican Party. To correct that misperception and to help the Republican Party get 'back to basics' is why I'm a man on a mission.

A few years ago, after one of my speeches, a man told me "Do you know what your problem is? You're too far ahead of your time!" My efforts to show Republicans how they would benefit from celebrating the heritage of our Grand Old Party have been arduous, but if this were easy someone else would have already done it.

Among my speech topics are Reconciling the Tea Party and the GOP; Barack Obama, the Worst President Ever; Socialism, the new Slavery; Appreciating the Heritage of our Grand Old Party; Returning to the Founding Principles of the United States; The Women’s Rights Achievements of our Grand Old Party; Abraham Lincoln, Republican; Frederick Douglass, Republican; Martin Luther King and the Republican Civil Rights Legacy.

event photos

  • IMG_4976
    Michael Zak is a popular speaker to conservative organizations around the nation -- thirty states so far. His message is that Republicans would benefit tremendously from appreciating the heritage of our Grand Old Party.

Book Reviews

  • "Your book is a national treasure.
    I'm always recommending it to people."
  • "Thank you, Michael!!! Every person who calls himself a Republican, and every person who just wants to know the truth. should know your book!!!"
  • "If you're a Republican and love history, this book by my friend Michael Zak is a must read. And if you happen to be looking for a Lincoln/Reagan Day dinner speaker, I highly recommend him."
  • great information on our rich heritage
    "Get a copy of Michael Zak's book, Back to Basics for the Republican Party"
  • "I recommend Back to Basics for the Republican Party to everyone who wants to be educated on the true history of the GOP and America!!!!
  • Phenomenal history
    Anyone who liked the Lincoln movie will love this book. This book is perhaps the best kept secret in all political and history books in America. It is something every politico should read. It puts things into historical perspective like few other books I've read. It challenges conventional through thorough documented history. This is a must read for any student of American history and political science. One regret is that I read the book more than a decade after it was published. It truly is something you feel you missed out on. It is also a book that leaves you wanting to learn more about certain individuals such as Thaddeus Stevens. It's an incredible body of work."
  • "Thank you for writing your book. I am two chapters into it, and find it fascinating and motivating. This may be a very significant contribution to the rise of the GOP in the coming years."
  • "I am a believer in pro-free market and pro-constitutional rights who recently purchased your book Back to Basics for the Republican Party and have not been able to put it down. It is simply amazing you composed a book in 2003 that hits home on the most serious of topics we face today. I completely agree that we must educate and focus on the original plan as laid out by the founders of our party if we are ever to move forward in a positive direction."
  • Praise from Alaska
    "I purchased your book at our Juneau, Alaska Republican Women's Luncheon last month principally because the title intrigued me. I just finished it, reading the last chapter three times. I wanted to burn the wisdom presented into my brain. Thank you again for all your hard work to research and write your book. Thank you for all you are doing to educate Americans on the incredible truth of the founding of our great country.""Thank you for doing all the research to write this book. As a History/American Studies major, I THOUGHT I knew the difference between Republicans and Democrats, the roles of Lincoln and Stevens and Sumner and Reagan, and the history of our country from the revolutionary war through the civil war. Boy, was I soooo wrong."
  • Read it and MEMORIZE it!
    "My copy is dog-eared with notes and underlined parts.   “Back to Basics for the Republican Party has been tremendously helpful setting mis-educated Democrats straight on history!"
  • It's a fantatic buy!
    “Back to Basics for the Republican Party is very informative and gives you an insight into the history of the party from the early days to the modern day presidencies of Ronald Reagan and George Bush Sr. What the author has done is provide a balanced view, giving the reader a fascinating 150-year journey of the Republicans. This book is a REAL political page turner which will open minds to a wealth of knowledge and history which most are not even aware of.
  • “Back to Basics for the Republican Party is the most significant contribution to the Republican Party in the last twenty years apart from Ronald Reagan.”
  • “This is the most amazing book about politics that I have ever read. The Overview should be required reading for anyone with even a minor interest in government. The remainder is an enthralling history lesson that I will never forget. For years, we have all been misled about the true nature of the GOP. This is the real deal! Read it and be proud!”
  • “Back to Basics for the Republican Party is more important to our party now than ever before.”
  • "one of the best books I ever read"
  • “Your book, Back to Basics for the Republican Party, is most timely during this 2010 pre-election period. It is a message that needs to be emphasized to all grassroots activists. From the precinct, county, district and national levels your respected views need to be heard and read on how to take back our country.”
  • from the first page: “Democrats control most of the media, but they also write most of the history books, thereby controlling what even Republican activists think they know about our Party's glorious heritage.”
  • Click here for more book reviews.