At the 2008 Republican Convention in Minnesota, I had the pleasure of meeting radio host Mike Gallagher.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Gallagher
No, Mike Gallagher is not the comedian who smashes watermelons with the “Sledgomatic.” That is Leo Gallagher.
Mike Gallagher is one of the top conservative radio hosts in America. He was also married to a liberal for over 20 years. When people wonder how the Chicago Cannonball and I make it work, I just let them know that people do not have to love each others’ politics. They just should love each other.
Denise Gallagher passed away in 2008 after a tragic battle with cancer. Mike Gallagher has lost the love of his life, but he soldiers on because that is all he can do. He knows that his wife is in Heaven, and still taking on conservatives.
With that, I present my interview with Mike Gallagher.
1) What are the most important issues of 2008?
MG: “National Security. The theme for this convention is ‘Country First.’ If you watched the Democratic Convention in Denver, they put country last.”
2) What issues are most important to you personally?
MG: “The sanctity of life, the War on Terror, and energy challenges that we face. We need to bring strong conservative values to DC. Sarah Palin will seal the deal in that respect.”
3) Who are your 3 favorite political heroes?
MG: “Ronald Reagan, Ronald Reagan, Ronald Reagan.”
4) Given that the GOP has John McCain, Fred Thompson, and Rudy Giuliani, and the Democrats offer Barack Obama and John Edwards, are the Democrats bigoted against the follically challenged? Can we finally crack the glass ceiling in the modern era and elect a bald President?
MG: “We most certainly can, we most certainly should, and we most certainly will. Republicans are more inclusive that way.”
5) What message should be communicated to all of America?
MG: “We have freedom of religion. The USA is a beacon to the world. We respect the rights of the follically challenged.”
6) How would you like to be remembered 100 years from now? What would you want people to say about Mike Gallagher the person?
MG: “I played a small role in helping shape the discourse. I am a member of the ‘Happy to be here club.’
Also, I deeply thank the many well wishers that have offered kind words regarding my wife.”
Mike Gallagher is a model of friendliness and dignity. Elton John has sang that “The Show Must Go On.”
I cannot imagine how he is able to laugh and smile ona daily basis, or how he feels when the microphone is turned off and the lights are dim.
If there is one thing we can and must learn from Mike Gallagher is that we can fiercely disagree with people, and love them even more fiercely.
Life is too short for acrimony.
May God bless Mike Gallagher, and look after Mrs. Gallagher always.
eric
I never knew much about Gallagher. I just looked up his bio. No offense intended, but man, is he ever aged for his age. Poor guy must’ve been through all #@!!. No one dserves that. I offer to him my sincere condolances. I’d also like to note my sincere appreciation for the way he dealt with those Westboro Baptist loonies. And I mean the way he did it. He fought malevolent expression with free speech. Brilliant. He took the high road and lugged those loonies up with him whether they knew it or not. I think that’s just fantastic. I don’t agree with Gallagher’s politics (I have heard his show many times), but I think he’s a great guy and I hope things get better for him personally in the future.
Peace, JMJ
DONATE.
“The Tygrrrr Express needs to buy the Chicago Cannonball an engagement ring.”
So much for the element of surprise.
I wish I could donate. I can’t even afford an o-ring right now! One of these days I’m going to find a career that doesn’t tank with the economy… Maybe I’ll become a bail-outee.
JMJ
“Maybe I’ll become a bail-outee, I can’t even afford an o-ring right now!”
Dont worry, after the inauguration Obama will be handing out little O-rings for all his supporters to stick on their foreheads so the treasury dept. knows who the recipients are that sold themselves out for about a buck fifty a day.
I can’t believe the line-up he’s putting together. Dashle, Kerry? Really? Even considering Hillary is pathetic. Emanuel I can kinda see, not that I’m a big fan, but at least he’s new blood. So far the rest are all a bunch of status quo shlubs. Obama’s not going to bring much “change” with this bunch.
JMJ
It sure looks like we are going to have a bit of a replay of the Clinton Administration. So much for change and post-partisan politics. It also makes me more concerned about his administration than I was before he was elected. Especially as far as the middle east is concerned if Hillary does become Secretary of State.
Believe it Jersey.
I dont do predictions, but this guys is all too easy to figure out.
Sit back, whip up a batch of popcorn and invite a friend.
The shows just startin.
If you have to do a shot everytime he blames Bush for his problems you’ll have a good buzz most of the time foir the next four years.