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)

August 18, 2019

honoring John Jacob Rogers, "father of the Foreign Service"

Grand Old Partisan honors John Jacob Rogers, born near Boston this day of 1881. He studied at Harvard University and Harvard Law School. His political career began on a town council. In 1912, the Republican attorney won the first of... Read more →

Posted at 08:28 AM | | Comments (0)

August 17, 2019

a Democrat President named a Ku Klux Klansman to the Supreme Court

Grand Old Partisan laments the confirmation of a Klansman, Democrat Senator Hugo Black, for the U.S. Supreme Court. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt had nominated him knowing he had been in the Ku Klux Klan. Republicans protested, but the Democrat-controlled Senate... Read more →

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

August 16, 2019

honoring George Coe, Michigan's first Republican Lieutenant Governor

Grand Old Partisan honors George Coe, born near Rochester this day of 1811. After studying law, he relocated to Michigan. The anti-slavery Whig was a county prosecutor, then served one term in the state house and two in the state... Read more →

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August 15, 2019

Ronald Reagan: "Our party speaks for human freedom, for the sweep of liberties that are at the core of our existence"

Grand Old Partisan highlights one of Ronald Reagan's finest speeches. This day of 1988, he addressed the Republican National Convention: "It was our Republican Party that gave me a political home. When I signed up for duty, I didn't have... Read more →

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August 14, 2019

saluting George Nash — Civil War defender of Washington, DC and Republican governor of Ohio

"one of Ohio's foremost citizens, with the good will of everybody, and the architect of a career in public and private life that is rarely equaled" Grand Old Partisan salutes George Nash, born near Cleveland this day of 1842. During... Read more →

Posted at 10:03 AM | | Comments (0)

August 13, 2019

appreciating the GOP's anti-discrimination President’s Committee on Government Contracts

Grand Old Partisan appreciates Republican measures to promote fairness in government. This day of 1953, Dwight Eisenhower issued Executive Order 10479. He intended to undo the racially discriminatory practices of the FDR and Truman administrations. "It is the obligation of... Read more →

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August 12, 2019

saluting Warner Miller, patriotic Republican Senator from New York

Grand Old Partisan salutes Warner Miller, born this day of 1838. Outbreak of civil war, the young school teacher enlisted in the 5th New York Cavalry. He fought at Gettysburg and Chattanooga. Union restored, Miller established a wood-pulp processing factory.... Read more →

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August 11, 2019

Equality of Man before his Creator — epitaph of Thaddeus Stevens, Majority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives during the Civil War

Grand Old Partisan honors one of the GOP's greatest heroes, Thaddeus Stevens. He appears on the cover of Back to Basics for the Republican Party. This indomitable Congressman led the Republican House majority though the Civil War and early Reconstruction.... Read more →

Posted at 12:16 PM | | Comments (0)

August 10, 2019

saluting the other William Henry Harrison

Grand Old Partisan salutes William Henry Harrison, born in Terre Haute this day of 1896. His great-great-grandfather had been the 9th President and his grandfather the 23rd President. He served in the Air Corps during WWI and was elected to... Read more →

Posted at 08:44 AM | | Comments (0)

August 09, 2019

saluting Elisha Ferry, first Governor of Washington State

Grand Old Partisan salutes Elisha Ferry, born near Detroit this day of 1825. He established a law practice in Waukegan, Illinois and was elected mayor. He cast an electoral vote for Abraham Lincoln. Outbreak of civil war, the Republican Governor... Read more →

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August 08, 2019

Abraham Lincoln launches his presidential campaign with a "Giant Republican Rally in Springfield, Illinois"

Grand Old Partisan commemorates the start of Abraham Lincoln's presidential campaign. This day of 1860, seventy-five thousand Republicans gathered at the Fair Grounds in Springfield, Illinois to cheer The Railsplitter. A newspaper at the time described this rally as "the... Read more →

Posted at 11:47 AM | | Comments (0)

August 07, 2019

honoring Melvin Evans, Republican Statesman from the Virgin Islands

"a devoted public servant, a beloved Governor, family friend, family physician, and a loyal friend and citizen of the Virgin Islands of the United States" Grand Old Partisan honors Melvin Evans, born on Saint Croix this day of 1917. He... Read more →

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

August 06, 2019

commemorating the Voting Rights Act

Grand Old Partisan commemorates the Voting Rights Act, signed this day of 1965. The legislation had been written by Republican Senator Everett Dirksen and Democrat Senator Mike Mansfield. Its stated purpose was to enforce a measure passed by the GOP,... Read more →

Posted at 10:17 AM | | Comments (0)

August 05, 2019

honoring Byron Diman, abolitionist Co-Founder of the Rhode Island Republican Party

Grand Old Partisan honors Byron Diman, born this day of 1795. Over the years, he prospered in the banking and whaling and textile industries. The enterprising Whig was delegate to his party's 1839 national convention and served two terms as... Read more →

Posted at 10:49 AM | | Comments (0)

August 04, 2019

honoring Frederick Frelinghuysen, of the Famous Frelinghuysen Family

Grand Old Partisan honors Frederick Frelinghuysen, born this day of 1817. He was delegate to the 1860 Republican National Convention and then served as New Jersey's attorney general during the Civil War. In 1866, he was appointed to fill a... Read more →

Posted at 10:44 AM | | Comments (0)

August 03, 2019

saluting William Woods, northern Democrat state legislator and southern Republican Supreme Court Justice

Grand Old Partisan salutes William Woods, born in Ohio this day of 1824. He attended Case Western Reserve University and Yale. He was a mayor and speaker of the state house. During the Civil War, Woods enlisted as Lieutenant Colonel... Read more →

Posted at 11:17 AM | | Comments (0)

August 02, 2019

saluting Paul Laxalt, "First Friend" in the Reagan Administration

"a light and a compass, a testament to what a man should be" Grand Old Partisan salutes Paul Laxalt, born in Nevada this day of 1922. After serving as a medic during World War II, he attended law school at... Read more →

Posted at 10:01 AM | | Comments (0)

August 01, 2019

Condoleezza Rice's Father was a Victim of Democrat Oppression

Grand Old Partisan honors Condoleezza Rice, the first African-American woman to serve as U.S. Secretary of State. This day of 2000, she addressed the Republican National Convention. Highlight of her speech was explaining how her father, John W. Rice, overcame... Read more →

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July 31, 2019

honoring Amos Lawrence — Abolitionist Founder of Lawrence, Kansas and Republican Philanthropist

Grand Old Partisan honors Amos Lawrence, born in Massachusetts this day of 1814. After graduating from Harvard College, the enterprising young man prospered in the textile industry. He also was a leader of the abolitionist movement. As treasurer of the... Read more →

Posted at 12:02 AM | | Comments (0)

July 30, 2019

It is IN GOD WE TRUST, not E PLURIBUS UNUM

Grand Old Partisan notes that Republicans first placed In God We Trust on coins during the Civil War. This day of 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower signed into law a bill making the phrase our national motto. A forerunner of this... Read more →

Posted at 10:26 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.