Bull Moose Births a New Political Party

What a year in 1912...

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress

The former Rough Rider himself, President Teddy Roosevelt, had had enough of Taft's conservatism.  After leaving the presidency in 1909, Roosevelt ran for President in 1912 on the Progressive ticket.  (Presidents, 2013).  

The irony of the Roosevelt's run for president is that he supported his close friend, William Taft, and selected him to succeed him as presidential candidate in 1908. However, "Roosevelt became increasingly disillusioned with Taft and eventually decided to mount a challenge for the next Republication nomination. 'My hat is in the ring,' Roosevelt declared in February 1912. 'The fight is on and I stripped to the buff.'" (Greenspan, 2012)

By all accounts, the campaigning during the primary was vicious.  Campaigning around the country, Roosevelt attacked Taft by any means necessary.  There was name calling on both sides... Statements like "fathead" and "brains of a guinea pig" were not uncommon during the primary. (Greenspan, 2012)  

Does any of this sound familiar?  For some reason I am having flashbacks of the 2012 GOP Primary... Mitt Romney, Ron Paul... Just to name a few.  We tend to think that the dirty campaigns and name callings have only recently appeared in politics, but these tactics have been going on for at least the past 100 years.  

Unfortunately, Teddy came up short of delegates at the Republican National Convention in Chicago.  (Greenspan, 2012)  His unsuccessful bid for the Republican nomination caused him to form the Progressive Party, which was also known as the Bull Moose Party. "Nicknamed the Bull Moose Party from a quote by Theodore Roosevelt.  When asked whether he was fit to be president, he responded that he was fit as a 'bull moose.'" (Kelly, 2013)

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress

So, on August 7, 1912, the Progressive Party was formed.  The platform called for the direct election of U.S. senators, woman suffrage, reduction on the tariffs, and many social reforms.  (History.com, 2013)  The Progressive Party also wanted easier processes to amend the U.S. Constitution.  (Kelley, 2013)

During his presidential campaign, there was an assassination attempt on his life. On October 14, 1912, Roosevelt was shot on the right side of his chest outside of the Hotel Gilpatrick.  (Rauchway, 2008) "Roosevelt who suffered only a flesh wound from the attack went on to deliver his scheduled speech, declaring, 'You see, it takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose!'" (History.com, 2013)

Although Roosevelt recovered from this ordeal, it was not enough to capture the presidency for a third term.  "Taft and Roosevelt came away with a combined popular vote of 50% whereas Wilson ended up with 43% of the vote.  Many historians believe the Bull Moose Party split the Republican vote thereby leading Wilson's victory..." (Kelly, 2013)

Another familiar message... The Republicans and the Tea Party?  Does any of this ring a bell?  In present day, the extreme message of the Tea Party is giving a perception that the entire Republican party shares these far right views.  It is creating tensions within the Republican party; particularly with the Moderate Republicans.  Most recently, debates have broken out regarding the viability of the Republican party to put forth a viable candidate in the 2016 election.   

Unfortunately, Roosevelt's loss in 1912, marked the near end of the Progressive Party. "The party did hold a convention in 1916 and nominated Roosevelt to run again.  When he refused, the party tried to give the nomination to Charles Evan Hughes, governor of New York, which caused the party to be entirely dissolve."  (Kelly, 2013)

Bringing this back to present day American politics, it makes me wonder if the Tea Party will ever be dismantled.  Will American politics find a way to ensure that they are working properly for the people?  Or, will we continue to birth more and more radical movements and be subjected to the likes of people such as Rush Limbaugh and Sarah Palin.  In the words of our dearly departed, Rodney King, can't we all just get along?

Will we continue to elect a Congress that would rather shut down the government than come to the table to hash out our disagreements for the sake of the American people? Will we continue to use derogatory remarks of disrespect against our President to show that we are NOT a United States?  Terms such as "Obamacare" and "Food Stamp President" seem to really get under my skin.  Moreover, the media has significantly contributed to the exaggerations and hype over issues, such as, Benghazi and the IRS scandal.  All of these recent tactics by both parties have taken away from the nation's need to unite and rebuild a stronger and much improved United States.

Finally and off subject, the 1912 Presidential Election was historical in its own rights.  This election proved to be the only election in U.S. history that would pit a former president, a current president and a future president against each other.  (Greenspan, 2012)

Here is an additional article on this Election of 1912 - Roosevelt & Taft... In case you are interested. http://www.britannica.com/blogs/2012/10/the-election-of-1912-a-century-ago-a-bruiser-that-foreshadowed-todays-political-melee/

Works Cited

Greenspan, J. (2012, November 2). Remembering the 1912 Presidential Election. Retrieved from History.com: http://www.history.com/news/remembering-the-1912-presidential-election

History.com. (2013, August 7). This Day in History. Retrieved from A&E Television Networks: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/teddy-roosevelt-nominated-as-bull-moose-candidate

Kelly, M. (2013). Bull Moose Party. Retrieved from About.comAmerican History: http://americanhistory.about.com/od/politicalparties/p/bull_moose.htm

Keppler, U. J. Salvation is free, but it does not appeal to him. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D.C.

Presidents. (2013). Retrieved from The White House: http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/theodoreroosevelt/

Rauchway, E. (2008, October 14). I am all right, and you cannot escape listening to my speech either. Retrieved from The Chronicle Blog Network: http://chronicle.com/blognetwork/edgeofthewest/2008/10/14/i-am-all-right-and-you-cannot-escape-listening-to-my-speech-either/

Theodore Roosevelt Picture Gallery. Reproduction #:LC-USZ62-7220. Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division, Washington, D.C.