Abraham Lincoln launched his second Senate campaign in Chicago
Grand Old Partisan celebrates more than seventeen decades of Republican heroes and heroics. Today, I commemorate the launch of Abraham Lincoln's second campaign for the U.S. Senate. He was in the audience when Stephen Douglas, the Democrat incumbent, promoted slavery. Next evening – July 10th 1858 – Lincoln addressed supporters from the same spot, the balcony of Chicago's Tremont Hotel.
Clearly and logically, he advocated freedom. Most notably, he said:
"I think that the Republican Party is made up of those who, as far as they can peaceably, will oppose the extension of slavery, and who will hope for its ultimate extinction."
Amid a chorus of cheers, Lincoln concluded his remarks:
"I thank you for this most extensive audience that you have furnished me tonight. I leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosoms until there shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created free and equal."
Six days later, at Springfield, Lincoln formally accepted the Illinois GOP's nomination. He and Douglas went on to debate in seven other places around the state.
Back to Basics for the Republican Party is my civil rights history of the GOP. To quote the book: "The more we Republicans know about the history of our party, the more Democrats will worry about the future of theirs. For more information, see www.grandoldpartisan.com.
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Michael Zak is author of Back to Basics for the Republican Party, a history of GOP civil rights achievement.
Each day, his YouTube videos and TikTok videos and Rumble videos and Grand Old Partisan blog celebrate more than seventeen decades of Republican heroes and heroics. And, see Speech Raves for audience feedback from his presentations in thirty-one states.
Clarence Thomas cited Back to Basics for the Republican Party in a Supreme Court decision.
"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!"
"Your book is a national treasure. I'm always recommending it."
"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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