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)

June 18, 2019

commemorating the Republican Party's first National Platform

Grand Old Partisan commemorates the GOP's first national platform. This day of 1856, the Republican National Convention adopted – with "hearty cheers" – a platform. Among its provisions: denunciation of slavery as a relic of barbarism opposition to extending slavery... Read more →

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June 17, 2019

saluting John Shanks, patriotic Indiana Republican Congressman

Grand Old Partisan salutes Johns Shanks, born in Martinsburg this day of 1826. The young Whig was elected an Indiana county prosecutor, then to the state house. In 1860, he won, as a Republican, a U.S. House of Representatives term.... Read more →

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June 16, 2019

saluting Cushman Davis — "his highest ambition was for the honor, the integrity, and the glory of his country"

"Few public men in the United States since the Civil War have combined skill in diplomacy, constructive statesmanship, talent for political organization, oratorical ability and broad culture to such a degree as Senator Davis." Grand Old Partisan salutes Cushman Davis,... Read more →

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June 15, 2019

honoring Trinidad Romero, beloved Hispanic Republican Congressman from New Mexico

"a man of unblemished integrity and unsullied character" "one of the most widely known and influential politicians of New Mexico in the territorial days" Grand Old Partisan honors Trinidad Romero, born to a prominent Santa Fe family this day of... Read more →

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June 14, 2019

Republicans created Flag Day

Grand Old Partisan celebrates Flag Day. It began with a surge in patriotism throughout northern states during the Civil War. For the first time, people began displaying their own flags. Old Glory appeared on storefronts and churches and schools. Jonathan... Read more →

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June 13, 2019

Republicans passed the 14th Amendment

Grand Old Partisan commemorates yet another Republican civil rights achievement. This day of 1866, the GOP-controlled House of Representatives passed the 14th Amendment. Page 102 of Back to Basics for the Republican Party explains that its purpose was to enshrine... Read more →

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June 12, 2019

saluting George H. W. Bush — "great American patriot, dedicated public servant, tireless humanitarian and a caring family man"

Grand Old Partisan salutes George Bush, born near Boston this day of 1924. He was the Navy's youngest pilot during World War II. He studied economics at Yale University. His father became a Connecticut Republican U.S. Senator. Bush relocated to... Read more →

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June 11, 2019

honoring Jeannette Rankin, the First Woman elected to Congress

Grand Old Partisan honors Jeannette Rankin, born near Missoula this day of 1880. A social worker by profession, this Republican activist led the suffrage movement in Montana. In 1916, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, four years... Read more →

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

June 10, 2019

appreciating the 1921 Budget and Accounting Act

Grand Old Partisan appreciates Republican concern for fiscal responsibility. This day of 1921, President Warren Harding signed the Budget and Accounting Act. It had been written by Republican Representative James Good and passed by the GOP-controlled 67th Congress. This landmark... Read more →

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June 09, 2019

President Ulysses Grant attending a Synagogue dedication in Washington, DC

Grand Old Partisan spotlights the first presidential visit to a synagogue. This day of 1876, Ulysses Grant attended services at the dedication of Adas Israel Congregation in Washington, DC. Decorating the interior were flowers, "festoons of evergreens" and American flags.... Read more →

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June 08, 2019

appreciating the National Monuments (or Antiquities) Act

Grand Old Partisan appreciates Republican commitment to protecting the environment. This day of 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt signed the National Monuments Act. It had been written by Republican Representative John Lacey and passed by the GOP-controlled 59th Congress. This landmark... Read more →

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June 07, 2019

appreciating the Tax Cuts of 2001

Grand Old Partisan appreciates the 2001 Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act. President George W. Bush signed it on June 7th that year. This tax cut package had been introduced by Republican Representative Bill Thomas and passed by a... Read more →

Posted at 08:20 AM | | Comments (0)

June 06, 2019

the first President to Attend a Baseball Game — at Florida Avenue and 7th Street in Washington, DC

Grand Old Partisan highlights a great moment for baseball. This day of 1892, Benjamin Harrison became the first president to attend a major league game. He sat in the press box, wearing a black derby hat and holding an ornamental... Read more →

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June 05, 2019

praising Calvin Hulburd, from recovering Democrat to New York Republican Congressman

"On all subjects, his views have been characterized by liberality, comprehensiveness, and practical common sense." Grand Old Partisan praises Calvin Hulburd, born in upstate New York this day of 1809. He studied at Middlebury College and Yale Law School. Alongside... Read more →

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June 04, 2019

saluting Columbus Delano, patriotic though controversial Republican Statesman

Grand Old Partisan salutes Columbus Delano, born in Vermont this day of 1809. Age eight, he relocated with his family to Ohio. He studied law and became a county prosecutor. After a term in the U.S. House of Representatives, the... Read more →

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June 03, 2019

a Former Slave Chaired the 1884 Republican National Convention

Grand Old Partisan spotlights an unprecedented Republican advancement for African-Americans. This day of June in 1884, delegates elected a former slave to chair the GOP's national convention. Emancipated by the Union army, John Lynch served three terms in the U.S.... Read more →

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

June 02, 2019

commemorating the Tax Cuts of 1924

Grand Old Partisan commemorates the Revenue Act of 1924. Passed by the GOP-controlled 68th Congress, President Calvin Coolidge signed it on June 2nd that year. The law was known as the "Mellon Tax Cut" for its author, Treasury Secretary Andrew... Read more →

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June 01, 2019

saluting Charles Anderson, intrepid Colonel and Governor

Grand Old Partisan salutes Charles Anderson, born in Kentucky this day of 1814. Graduating from Miami University, he studied law and was a county prosecutor at Dayton. The young Whig won election to the state senate, arguing for repeal of... Read more →

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May 31, 2019

Republicans Passed the 1870 Civil Rights Act

Grand Old Partisan commemorates the 1870 Civil Rights Act. Introduced by Republican Congressman John Bingham, it had been passed by the GOP-controlled 41st Congress. President Ulysses Grant signed it this day that year. The official name: "an Act to enforce... Read more →

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May 30, 2019

highlighting the Lincoln Memorial dedication

Grand Old Partisan highlights the Lincoln Memorial, dedicated this day of 1922. Thirty-five thousand people attended the ceremony. Among the Republican luminaries present were President Warren Harding; Vice President Calvin Coolidge; Chief Justice William Howard Taft; House Speaker Frederick Gillett;... Read more →

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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.