New Right: Republicans

Nelson Rockefeller was many things in his life. He was Governor of New York, Vice President under Gerald Ford, he was a noted businessman, an art collector, a philanthropist and a member of the richest family in the country.

Rockefellers importance to the Republican party is immense. Not only did he serve in office and in constructive ways but his moderate beliefs were a good balance to the ultra-conservative, religious-based type of conservatism that was beginning to take over the party. Republicans, even today, who are moderate to liberals are referred to as Rockefeller Republicans, and its a good name. He believed in medical care, firm support for the arts and education, environmental and conservation issues, and creating more mass transportation. He was tough on crime, tough on civil rights violations and tough on drugs. He achieved some fame and infamy for his response to the Attica prison riots while he was governor. The prisoner take over ended bloodily when 39 people were killed due to his reluctance to negotiate with the prisoners. Largely, the country agreed with him. He was a great pragmatist who started many public works, and his legacy

Read more: Nelson Rockefeller - A Moderate Republican

Theodore Teddy Roosevelt lead the Republican party and the country as President during some very formative years. He became President in 1901 and served for two full term after having spent a lifetime in public service whether elected or volunteered.

Roosevelt was from the same wealthy family that his cousin, Franklin Roosevelt was from. As a child, he was asthmatic so spend his time reading - primarily about natural history. In order to balance his bad health, he sought a life of strenuous activities which included many out door pursuits, which later in life formed his image as a cowboy and a model of masculinity. He was Secretary of the Navy, Vice President to William McKinley, and became President upon McKinleys assassination. He was only 42 when he became President, and many of our economic laws were part of Roosevelts administration. The coined the terms square deal and speak softly, carry a big stick. He is responsible for what is known as trust busting which increased regulations on businesses. His domestic agenda worked to give the average American a fair shake, and promoted progressive policies. He was responsible for building the Panama

Read more: Theodore Roosevelt - The Rough Rider

When John McCain chose Sarah Palin of Alaska to be his running mate, no one knew a thing about her. They didnt win but the whole world knows a lot about Palin these days, and not all of it is very flattering.

Palin had been Governor of Alaska and used to being out of the limelight and running her own show. Her entry into national politics was fraught with mistakes, scandal, and rumor yet she has become a surprising presence in the Republican party. Whether it will last or not is totally unknown.

Sarah Palin has a funny accent, is very pretty, is a soccer mom, mother to a special needs baby, has a husband who seems to do little more than hunt bears, and a daughter whos boyfriend was paraded across the stage of the Republican convention.
Did I mention that the daughter was pregnant by the boy? Sarah Palin may be popular simply because in many ways her life seems like it is in the same kind of mess that most Americans are, and they can identify with a woman who works and who has to multitask all the other stuff at the same time. Palin

Read more: Sarah Palin - Soccer Mom and Politician

Henry Kissinger has never run for an office, yet his influence on the Republican party has been enormous. From National Security Adviser and Secretary of State under two Presidents, his power within the Republican party is enormous even though it reaches into all Oval Offices regardless of who is the sitting President.

Kissinger was Harvard educated and essentially a professor when he became involved advising the National Security Council and working with such organizations as the Council on Foreign Affairs. It was Nelson Rockefeller who brought him into the folds of the Republican party and it is there that he has stayed all these years. After leaving office, Kissinger has remained as powerful if not more than when he was Secretary of State. Every President consults with him and he is sought out by foreign leaders to give his opinion and advice. Politically, he has been more supportive of moderate, Rockefeller Republicans, but has been loyal to whatever or whomever is in office. That is a true diplomat. Kissinger is good about wielding and sharing his political power ..he campaigns for candidates at Senatorial and Congressional levels as well as whoever is the

Read more: Henry Kissinger - Politician and Diplomat