Eric Golub is a politically conservative Jewish blogger, author, public speaker and comedian. His book trilogy is Ideological Bigotry, Ideological Violence and Ideological Idiocy. He is Brooklyn born, Long Island raised and has lived in Los Angeles since 1990. He received his Bachelors degree from the University of Judaism and his MBA from USC.
A stockbrokerage professional since 1994, Golub began blogging on March 11, 2007, the three year anniversary of the Madrid bombings and the midpoint of 9/11. He has been inflicting his world view on his unfortunate readers since then on a blog called Tygrrrr Express. He blogs about politics Monday through Friday, and about football and other human interest items on weekends.
Golub has written for Andrew Breitbart’s Big Hollywood, been linked to by Hugh Hewitt and Mark Steyn, and been published in the Washington Times and Commentary Magazine. He has been a guest of Dennis Miller, Hugh Hewitt, Armstrong Williams and many other radio personalities. He wants you all to know that if he ever says anything that offends you in any way, you probably deserved it.
Orange County Jewish Life caught up with Golub, who was in town in August to speak to the Jewish Conservatives.
How did you decide to become a conservative? I was always a conservative. My parents were Republicans, and I was never much of a rebel outside of having long hair. Working on Wall Street reinforced my belief in supply-side tax cuts, and 9/11 reaffirmed my Neocon views on foreign policy. However, I have always been 100-percent alcohol, tobacco, drug, and liberalism free.
How did you get your start in comedy? A hot Republican Jewish brunette suggested I start a blog. I had no idea what she was talking about. I just wanted to romance her. I told her yes, and then went home to look up what a blog was and what I had just agreed to do. I thought she was out of her mind. Nobody would care what I have to say nor should they. Surprisingly, they did.
Then my friend Larry Greenfield asked me to be on a political panel. I thought he was crazy as well. I spoke off the cuff for 15 minutes, brought down the house, and then others asked me to speak to their groups. I realized this could be worth money, so naturally that caught my interest. The Republican Women’s Federated helped me go national, particularly the delegation from Texas.
A few months ago I went back to the girl who got me started and told her I would give it all up if we could be a happy couple. She told me I was so good at faking sincerity and that is why she believed in me. I lost the girl, made the money and have never been happier.
Is it difficult to espouse your views in LA Jewish social circles? No. I am a battering ram. People who refuse to accept me for who I am are people I have zero desire to associate with. Most liberal Jews need a medical procedure known as “cranial-glutial extraction surgery.” Once they have it I get along with them fine.
What have been some of your more memorable performances? Speaking in front of Senators, Governors, and presidential candidates has been a thrill. When I spoke in Idaho in front of Governor Butch Otter and Congressman Raul Labrador, I said, “The Idaho police are looking for me. I found out just because your leadership is led by an otter and a labrador does not mean it’s ok to pet them without permission. “The crowd erupted in laughter, and Governor Otter gave me a vigorous handshake and said, “Eric, welcome to Idaho.” It is an honor to come to a place not knowing anyone and leave with lifelong friends.
How fulfilling is it to do something you love? I have the best job in the world, and one of the best lives in this world. Like many people, I am guilty from time to time of ingratitude and losing perspective. Then I remember I could be in a war zone like Afghanistan or Detroit and am glad I have the best friends and family a guy could ask for.
What makes this election different from all other elections? On this night we only recline to the left. Oh no wait, that is Passover. This election hopefully we will lean to the right. Every election is the biggest election in our lifetimes until the next one. In some ways, this election is yet another example of two competing philosophies…Conservatives tend to be more optimistic, and winning this election would spread that optimism.
I want to live in a nation where free enterprise and entrepreneurship thrive, and that we do not become a permanent dependency class. If Sandra Fluke needs me to subsidize her devices, then she should pay for my scented candles and Marvin Gaye and Barry White records. Then the state should provide me with a Republican Jewish brunette since I do not have time to do my own recruiting. Unlike Sandra Fluke, I am busy working.