The Modern Whig Party: A Party for the Rest of Us
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WHO ARE MODERN WHIGS?

Established in 1833, the Whigs are one of America's oldest mainstream political parties. We were the original party of Abraham Lincoln and four other U.S. Presidents.

Revived by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, the grassroots movement has quickly attracted tens of thousands of members. We represent moderate voters from all walks of life who cherry-pick between traditional Democratic and Republican ideals in what has been called the Modern Whig Philosophy.

This includes general principles of fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and bold social progression.

TAKING ACTION

Mainstream advocacy

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY — The Modern Whig philosophy is to empower the states with the resources to handle their unique affairs.

ENERGY INDEPENDENCE — Reduce dependence on foreign oil by developing practical sources of alternative energy. This will have the simultaneous effect of changing the national security dynamic.

EDUCATION/SCIENTIFIC ADVANCEMENT — Increased public and private emphasis on fields such as space, oceanic, medical and nanotechnology. Also, providing common-sense solutions to enhance our educational system from pre-school to university-level studies.

STATES RIGHTS — Each state can generally determine its course of action based on local values and unique needs.

SOCIAL PROGRESSION — Government should refrain from legislating morality.

VETERANS AFFAIRS — Vigilant advocacy relating to the medical, financial, and overall well-being of our military families and veterans.

Write your Congressperson! 

MODERN WHIGS IN THE NEWS

JUL 2009
VoterRadio.com

Les Merritt from the Foundation of Ethics and Public Service featured the Modern Whig Party in a segment on the "rebirth of the Whigs."

JUN 2009
Fox News Radio

The Modern Whig Party  was discussed on the "Tom Sullivan Show."

MAY 2009
Arizona Daily Star

"The Modern Whig Party is coming to Tucson... The party is progressive on social issues and conservative on government spending and efficiency."

MAY 2009
WTFK 107.1 FM & WJNC 1240 AM

The Modern Whig Party  was featured on "Viewpoints" with Lockwood Phillips.

MAY 2009
KRXA 540 AM

The Modern Whig Party was featured on "A Different Perspective" with Jack Hart.

MAY 2009
Times-Standard

"Make no mistake. These aren't a bunch of dreamers. They started helping veterans and their families and continued to do so, and now their message is going mainstream. They're busy crafting a political movement they say is “... realistic, rational and places common-sense ahead of ideology.”

Imagine that? Sounds like a party for the people. It also sounds like a party that could attract disillusioned moderate Republicans. After all, the Whig Party is where the Republican Party originated. I'll bet some right-leaning Democrats will (or already have) found this middle-of-the-road party attractive as well."

MAY 2009
Oregon Commentator

"They're back! The Whigs, that is."

APR 2009
The News & Observer

"Whigs Rise Again:  Tired of Democrats and Republicans? Do Rush Limbaugh, Keith Olbermann, Ann Coulter and Rachel Maddow leave you cold? Well, it may be time to bring back the Whigs."

MAR 2009
The Examiner: Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan resurrect Whig Party

"Without being antagonistic, they are focused and our (Democratic and Republican parties) better pay attention."

MAR 2009
The Huffington Post

"Usually, when a party becomes so impotent, its leaders so misguided, that it can't even provide a coherent alternative to the status quo, that's when there's a chance for a new party to make its move. Jefferson got it done. So did Lincoln. Now it's your turn.The rise of the Whigs starts with you. Make it happen."

FEB 2009
The Richmond Daily News

"If Abraham Lincoln were alive today, he might find some familiar welcome company in Missouri. The Modern Whig Party has made a revival, and... party members are trying to make some noise politically just as Lincoln did in his career.

FEB 2009
KRMS News-Talk 1150 & 97.5 FM

The Modern Whig Party was featured on "Morning Magazine with Michael McSorley."

FEB 2009
St. Joseph (MO) News-Press

"But the modern incarnation of the (Whig Party) plans to hang around, urging rationality in place of ideology and labeling itself 'a party for the rest of us.'"

JAN 2009
Huntsville Voice

"...the Modern Whig Party is already recognized as the fastest-growing mainstream political  movement in the country."

NOV 2008
Miami New Times

"So maybe instead of trying to re-engineer the inner-workings of the Republican party, voters should leave it in mass. May we suggest the Modern Whig PartyUnlike most third parties, this one actually has a platform that many Americans can agree with... As a friend of mine said, 'It's like their platform is talking to me like it's my pal.'

OCT 2008
Illinois Radio Network

"The original party of Abraham Lincoln is making a comeback, in the form of the Modern Whigs."

SEP 2008
The Examiner

"In the United States, (the Modern Whig Party Florida Chapter) has made a sort of comeback among voters searching for alternatives."

SEP 2008
The Other Paper (Columbus, OH)

"...the party initially was reorganized as a military advocacy organization, but grew into a 10,000-strong grassroots party—of which more than half are affiliated with the military—with a general platform of fiscal responsibility, strong national defense and bold social progression."

AUG 2008
Independent Political Report

"...America's freshest and perhaps most innovative political party."

JUN 2008
Military Times: Modern Whig Party has appeal to some troops; no candidates yet, but with moderate stance, it's starting to catch on

"The Modern Whig Party, which claims that 'about a third' of its... members are active or reserve service members, takes a consciously middle-of-the-road and independent stance."

JUN 2008
The Oregonian

"The Modern Whigs, not to be confused with a couple of fringe parties that also use 'Whig' in their names, is focused on a lot of military issues. Sometimes it breaks Republican and sometimes it breaks Democrat."

UPDATES

4 JUL 2009
Independence Day message

Initially revived by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, the Modern Whig movement makes it a point to pause and reflect upon our roots. Please click here for a holiday message. 

28 JUN 2009
Modern Whig movement continues to grow

Founded by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and based in Washington, DC, the Modern Whig Party has attracted media attention as "the fastest growing mainstream political movement in the nation." In addition, an independent audit of this recently revived historic Whig Party shows that 26,939 people have so far signed on. While a drop in the bucket in the grand scheme of things, political commentators continue to rave about the realistic approach, non-fringe platform and potential viability of the Modern Whig Party. With candidates and other novel and bold strategies about to be implemented, please consider taking that equally bold step of registering your name.

22 JUN 2009
Support for Iranian protesters

The Modern Whig Party national headquarters is based on the same Washington, DC block as the Iranian government interest building. As such, we encounter the daily protesters who are advocating for freedom in their native land. Beyond the little efforts such as bringing them water and moral support, the Modern Whig Party also stands by all those who desire to invoke their fundamental rights to free speech, assembly, and freedom from tyranny.

21 JUN 2009
Plan of action

Founded by Iraq/Afghanistan veterans, the Modern Whig movement has gained traction with tens of thousands of mainstream voters who value common sense, rational solutions ahead of unproductive bickering and ideology. Our strategy has been to be savvy while maintaining our very realistic view of what we are trying to accomplish. Tonight at 8 ET/7CT, we will outline a detailed plan to include talking points, candidate assistance, and commitment to continuing on a mainstream, non-fringe approach that caters to disenchanted Republicans and moderate Democrats. To participate in this one-hour online Father's Day meeting, please RSVP here.

26 MAY 2009
Continuing to build

The Modern Whig Party continues to catch on with people who value common sense, rational solutions rather than partisan ideology. This political organization and its tens of thousands of members is recognized by numerous media outlets as the fastest growing mainstream political movement in the nation.

22 MAY 2009
Memorial Day weekend

As a movement founded by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, the Modern Whig Party pauses to honor our fallen. Although our organization has branched out to propose common sense solutions for many of the mainstream issues of our time, we continue to recognize the legacy and honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our nation.

20 MAY 2009
Modern Whigs enter new phase

The National Online Meeting was another resounding success as the past and future of this grassroots movement was laid out. Immediately after the event, we received countless offers to assist from across the country. These offers came from disenchanted Republicans and moderate Democrats who value common sense, rational solutions ahead of partisan fighting and ideology. In addition, the Modern Whig Party and its Florida Whig Party announced the candidacy of the first viable federal Whig candidate since the 1850s. More info to come.

30 APR 2009
More meetings scheduled

Fresh off the successful mass meeting in Washington, DC, members and supporters of the Modern Whig movement are scheduling more events throughout the country. Contact us to help organize an event in your area. In addition, a second national online meeting is being scheduled. For a list of confirmed events and locations, click here.

25 APR 2009
Whigs gaining momentum

The recent mass meeting in Washington, DC was a resounding success. Mainstream voters from all political stripes met to help continue building a viable grassroots movement that places common-sense, rational solutions ahead of ideology. All this on a day when the Modern Whigs received a significant influx in new members due to promotion from outlets such as this online media and this mainstream newspaper column.

17 APR 2009
Mass Meeting

During the run of the historic Whigs, luminaries such as Abraham Lincoln organized "mass meetings" to build the party from the ground up and gain mainstream support. In that tradition, the Modern Whig Party continues to host such events for our thousands of members. Gatherings have already taken place in numerous places such as Missouri, New York and Texas, as well as substantial online venues. Deployed service members also have quietly organized meetings.

The next Modern Whig Party Mass Meeting will take place at 7 pm on Friday, April 24, 2009 in Washington, DC. Since this is a movement based on common-sense and rational thought, all are welcome regardless of political affiliation or membership. For more info, click here.

28 MAR 2009
Recent national meeting

Members of the Modern Whig Party came together recently for a public discussion on continuing to craft a mainstream political movement that is realistic, rational and places common-sense ahead of ideology. Feedback from this event was overwhelmingly positive. More events both in-person and online are being scheduled around the country.

4 MAR 2009
Membership spikes

The Modern Whig Party has received an influx in new members over the past week. This spike was attributed to the recent divisive controversy between moderate Republicans and extreme social conservatives within the GOP. As such, these new members are seeking a viable political home where they can find common ground with moderate Democrats in a manner where common-sense and rational thought trump ideology.

12 FEB 2009
Original party of Lincoln officially revived

On the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's birthday, the "fastest-growing mainstream political movement in the nation" announces the official modern revival of the historic Whig Party. Like the longtime party of Lincoln, we cater to those who subscribe to mainstream, common-sense values across the political spectrum, but in a modern context.

19 JAN 2009
MLK & Inauguration Day

This week, our nation celebrates the birthday of one of our most honored civil rights visionaries. In addition, we also are experiencing the realization of a dream for so many and the potential beginning of a new day for all. Through it all, the Modern Whig Party has become the fastest-growing mainstream political movement in the country. It is important to note that we continue to be recognized as an inclusive organization with thousands of members from all walks of life.

24 NOV 2008
Dear Joe assists 10 military families

Since we began the "Dear Joe" initiative this past Veterans Day, our subject-matter experts have already assisted 10 military families. Initially founded by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, we have grown to thousands of members from all walks of life. But no matter how caught up we may get with our campaigns and politics, we will always continue to actively advocate and assist our military families.

20 NOV 2008
"Future Voters" to assist in campaign efforts

The Modern Whig Party has established a Future Voters Chapter catering to politically aware students who are not yet old enough to vote. They are joining with thousands of veterans and non-military voters to assist as we begin to field moderate and mainstream candidates for 2009.

13 NOV 2008
Whig movement now up to 25 chapters

In just a few months, the Modern Whig Party has added thousands of new members. Many have joined since the election. In addition, 25 official state chapters have been established. The latest chapters are in Nevada and Oregon.

12 NOV 2008
"Target Fairfax"

The Modern Whig Party is set to announce a 2009 candidate to run for office in Fairfax County, VA. As such, the organization will focus the energy of thousands of service members, veterans and non-military alike as we work to expand this mainstream, non-ideological and common-sense grassroots organization into the Northern Virginia region. This will then be a model for campaigns in other states. To be a part of "Target Fairfax", please email virginia@modernwhig.org.

11 NOV 2008
Veterans Day initiative

As a grassroots movement founded by Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, the Modern Whig Party has quickly become the fastest-growing mainstream political organization for military and civilians alike. Still, we have not forgotten our roots. As such, a new initiative called "Dear Joe" is now operational that seeks to assist veterans, current service members and military familes. For more information, please click here.

5 NOV 2008
Membership surges after election

The Modern Whig Party was inundated with new members -- both military and civilian -- from across the country in the hours after the election results were announced. As we near our next goal of 20,000 members, this grassroots movement continues to be widely recognized as the fastest-growing mainstream political organization in the country.

4 NOV 2008
First member elected to local office

The Modern Whig Party congratulates Ken Belcher on becoming our first member elected to public office. Mr. Belcher will serve Lee County, AL as a Constable. We now set our sites on 2009 and a handful of state and local races.

21 SEP 2008
Whigs now organized in 19 states

The Modern Whig Party recently recognized new chapters in Minnesota, New Jersey and North Carolina. In keeping with the diversity of the movement, our co-chairs in MN are Iraq veterans, the NJ chair is a teacher and the NC chair is a golf professional. In just five months, this grassroots organization continues to catch on as the fastest-growing mainstream political party in the nation.

1 SEP 2008
Interview with Modern Whig chairman

The Peoria Pundit recently conducted a wide-ranging interview that describes the rapid growth of the Modern Whig movement from its origins on the Iraq battlefield to military/advocacy organization to ultimately mainstream political party. Read for yourself.

24 AUG 2008
Whigs on YouTube

A Modern Whig Party promotional campaign has commenced on YouTube. See for yourself at http://www.youtube.com/user/ModernWhigParty.

11 AUG 2008
10,000 members and counting

We are pleased to announce that we have reached our initial phase goal of 10,000 members, a modest milestone that is well ahead of schedule. Ten state chapters also have been recognized so far. It also should be noted that 6,500 official members are affiliated with the military, to include hundreds of deployed soldiers from all branches of service.

15 JUL 2008
Whigs unveil long-term political strategy

Last week, we unveiled our long-term plan to expand the Party's infrastructure and place Modern Whigs in elected positions. Whigs across the U.S. responded positively. One member, a deployed Army colonel, praised the plan for being "bold, innovative, [and] realistic, and avoid[ing] the common traps and mistakes that every other so-called third party has made."

GET INVOLVED
Sign up to become a member and connect with Modern Whigs in your area.

Please click here to register 


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© 2008 The Modern Whig Party
2141 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite C-2, Washington, DC 20007
membership@modernwhig.org