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)

December 18, 2018

acclaiming John Harris, early Louisiana Republican Senator

Grand Old Partisan acclaims John Harris, born this day of 1825. Age twenty-two, he relocated from New York to Milwaukee. His career trajectory there went from merchandising clerk to realtor to bank president. In 1863, Harris settled near Natchez and... Read more →

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December 17, 2018

lauding Harriet Taylor Upton, the first female Vice Chairman of the Republican National Committee

Grand Old Partisan lauds Harriet Taylor Upton, born in Ohio this day of 1853. Her father, a judge, would be elected as a Republican to the U.S. House of Representatives. She was treasurer of the National American Women Suffrage Association,... Read more →

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December 16, 2018

saluting William Grose, Indiana's first Republican National Committeeman

"an inspiration to every young man, every old man, and to every one that lives in the community and to everyone who knows him" Grand Old Partisan salutes William Grose, born this day in 1812. The family relocated from Ohio... Read more →

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December 15, 2018

saluting Harrison Havens, Iowa Unionist Officer and Missouri Republican Congressman

Grand Old Partisan salutes Harrison Havens, born near Columbus this day of 1837. After studying law, he settled in Iowa to set up a practice and edit a newspaper. During the Civil War, he enlisted as captain in that state's... Read more →

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December 14, 2018

honoring Terry Branstad, the nation's longest-serving Governor

Grand Old Partisan honors Terry Branstad, the nation's longest-serving governor. Today in 2015, the accomplished Republican served his 7,642nd day in office as Governor of Iowa. This tenure surpassed the 7,641 days in office of George Clinton, Governor of New... Read more →

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December 13, 2018

saluting George Washington Steele, Union Soldier and Republican Congressman and first Oklahoma Territorial Governor

Grand Old Partisan salutes George Washington Steele, born in Indiana this day of 1839. He studied law at Ohio Wesleyan University. Outbreak of civil war, Steele recruited volunteers and was commissioned Captain in the 12th Indiana Infantry. He later served... Read more →

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December 12, 2018

a Republican President hosted the first White House Dinner for a foreign Head of State

Grand Old Partisan commemorates the first White House visit by a foreign head of state, this day in 1874. President Ulysses Grant hosted the King of Hawaii, David Kalakaua, for a twenty-course dinner. The thirty-six guests enjoyed French cuisine —... Read more →

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June 19, 2018

celebrating the 163rd Birthday of the DC Republican Party

Grand Old Partisan celebrates the birthday of the DC Republican Party. This day in 1855 — before all but a few state GOP organizations came into existence — anti-slavery activists established the "Republican Association of Washington". Under the leadership of... Read more →

Posted at 04:08 AM | | Comments (0)

January 20, 2018

that great and good man, Donald Trump, by the grace of God president of the United States

This day a year ago: "I, Donald Trump, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the... Read more →

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November 03, 2017

President Trump echoing Ronald Reagan on cutting taxes

Grand Old Partisan notes that President Trump’s appeal for lowering taxes echoes President Reagan’s words of wisdom. This day of 1986, the Gipper addressed the California GOP: "I have pledged that we will not be satisfied until this expansion reaches... Read more →

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September 22, 2017

Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump explaining free market economics to the United Nations

Grand Old Partisan appreciates the economic policies of Ronald Reagan and Donald Trump. This day in 1986, Reagan shared these words of wisdom with the United Nations General Assembly: "How ironic it is that some continue to espouse such ideas... Read more →

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August 25, 2017

the Republican Party should get Back to Basics

Grand Old Partisan "should be giving the talk that he gave to us 3-5 days per week in a different city in the country until he had spoken in every city with a population of 100,000 or more at least... Read more →

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June 20, 2017

"the Democratic Party may be described as a common sewer and loathsome receptacle into which is emptied every element of treason...every element of inhumanity and barbarism"

Grand Old Partisan commemorates a classic Republican reproach of Democrat devilry. This day of 1866, Oliver Morton, Governor of Indiana, excoriated the Slavery Party for supporting the Confederacy. The speech became famous nationwide when the Indiana GOP reprinted it as... Read more →

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December 21, 2016

Richard and Pat Nixon praising Donald Trump

Grand Old Partisan highlights a prescient Republican instance. This day of 1987, former president Richard Nixon wrote a letter to Donald Trump: "Dear Donald, I did not see the program, but Mrs. Nixon told me you were great on the... Read more →

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October 27, 2016

A Time For Choosing... Donald Trump and Mike Pence

Grand Old Partisan highlights a classic exposition of Republican principles. This day of 1964, Ronald Reagan spoke to a nationwide television audience on behalf of the GOP's presidential nominee. Ronaldus Magnus was also speaking to us today: "If we lose... Read more →

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Tags: A Time for Choosing, GOP, Grand Old Partisan, Grand Old Party, Michael Zak, Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan, Republican Party, Ronald Reagan

October 15, 2016

"Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan would have gladly voted for Donald Trump"

Grand Old Partisan appreciates a recent article about Back to Basics for the Republican Party. Fred Lucas, White House correspondent for The Daily Signal wrote: "Hillary Clinton walked right into one key Donald Trump line after strangely invoking Abraham Lincoln... Read more →

Posted at 03:23 PM | | Comments (0)

September 21, 2016

Donald Trump and "Back to Basics for the Republican Party"

Grand Old Partisan highlights a recent article entitled Finally! Trump takes the party back to basics. Alicia Colon writes: "For those Republicans who want to learn more about the proud history of the GOP, may I suggest they read Michael... Read more →

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

August 02, 2016

a Stellar Review of Back to Basics for the Republican Party

Grand Old Partisan celebrates a stellar review for my pro-GOP history of the GOP. This day of 2009, Rachel Woods, President of the McLennan County (Texas) Republican Women, recommended Back to Basics for the Republican Party. Click here for the... Read more →

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March 11, 2016

a "phenomenal history" "perhaps the best-kept secret in all political and history books in America" Back to Basics for the Republican Party

Grand Old Partisan a typical five-star Amazon review of Back to Basics for the Republican Party: "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... Read more →

Posted at 08:17 AM | | Comments (0)

January 29, 2016

As in the "Lincoln" movie, Thaddeus Stevens is a hero of "Back to Basics for the Republican Party"

Not only is Thaddeus Stevens a hero of Steven Spielberg's Lincoln, he is on the cover of Back to Basics for the Republican Party. Though his movie does cast 19th century Democrats negatively, Spielberg is on record saying that the... Read more →

Posted at 08:42 AM | | Comments (0)

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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
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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

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    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.