In this first session, Dr. Lee Edwards introduces us to the first recognized political conservative leader in congress post-WWII – Sen. Robert Taft (R-OH), and his accomplishments of cutting taxes, balancing the budget, fighting back the unions and countering the rising tide of communism.  Robert Taft brought three great characteristics to the leadership of the Senate in his time:  a voracious intellect, political and personal integrity, and an appetite for hard work.  He used these qualities to become a powerful force for conservatism before there was even a name for it.  His guiding principle of governing was, “to always ask if a considered policy increases or decreases the liberty of the American people.”  Often stating he was a “politician, not a philosopher” he nonetheless espoused many of the ideals being popularized by conservative writers in his day.  Elected to the Senate Hall of Fame for his work, he became known as “Mr. Republican.”