Grand Old Partisan highlights the nation’s first Young Republican organization. July 8th 1856, friends of freedom held a "large and enthusiastic meeting" at Clinton Hall in New York City. They established the Young Men's Fremont and Dayton Union, in support of the GOP’s first presidential ticket, John Fremont and William Dayton.
Benjamin Franklin Manierre delivered the keynote address. He was co-founder of the Equitable insurance company as well as the city’s Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA). Another speaker, Benjamin Phelps, went on to practice law with Chester Arthur and serve nine years as Manhattan district attorney.
There came after the election a name change, to the Young Men’s Republican Union. It was this organization that invited Abraham Lincoln to speak at the Cooper Union. His magnificent oratory propelled him to leading contender for the 1860 presidential nomination.
During the campaign, these New York YRs were the first group to place Lincoln’s name on their banner. They published a steady stream of campaign literature, including an illustrated biography. Another influential pamphlet called on northerners to resist Democrat plans to make slavery "the universal condition of the laboring classes of society." "This doctrine, so monstrous and shocking as almost to seem incredible, is now openly avowed and defended."
Here is a Video Version of this article on YouTube: https://youtu.be/3afIT7ntRwg
Michael Zak is author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party, a history of GOP civil rights achievement.
Each day, Michael Zak's grandoldpartisan YouTube channel and Grand Old Partisan blog celebrate more than sixteen decades of Republican heroes and heroics. And, see Speech Raves for audience feedback from his presentations in thirty-one states.
He also wrote the 2005 Republican Freedom Calendar.
Clarence Thomas cited Back to Basics for the Republican Party in a Supreme Court decision.
See www.youtube.com/q?v=IzxKCiXc5Qc for a brief video of a Texas Republican praising Back to Basics for the Republican Party.
"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!"
"Michael Zak wrote the definitive history of the GOP."
"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."
"Back to Basics for the Republican Party is more important to our party now than ever before."
and
"one of the best books I ever read"
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