In this edition of our presidential election series, we’ll delve into the Election of 1908, where Theodore Roosevelt steps aside to support his friend, William Howard Taft. As Roosevelt exits the Oval Office, Taft must face a familiar adversary seeking one last chance at the presidency. Let’s explore the key players and events of this pivotal election.
Teddy’s Exit and Taft’s Ascent
Since his victory in the Election of 1904, Theodore Roosevelt has pushed forward with progressive reforms, including the Hepburn Act of 1906, which empowered the government to regulate excessive railroad rates. Influenced by Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle, Roosevelt also enacted the Pure Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act to protect consumers from unsafe food and deceptive labels.
Despite his successful reforms, Roosevelt chose not to seek a third term, which would have technically been his third non-consecutive term. Instead, he aimed to ensure a continuation of his policies through his trusted protégé, William Howard Taft. Taft, a former lawyer and Secretary of War under Roosevelt, initially preferred a judicial career but ultimately accepted the Republican nomination.
The 1908 election marked the debut of presidential preference primaries, allowing states to nominate delegates for the Republican National Convention (RNC). Due to Roosevelt’s popularity, Taft became the favored candidate, despite some delegates’ desire for Roosevelt to run again. Taft’s running mate was James Schoolcraft Sherman, a U.S. Representative from New York.
Democratic Revival with Bryan
With Roosevelt out of the race, the Democratic Party turned once more to William Jennings Bryan, who had previously lost to McKinley. Bryan’s return was seen as an opportunity to capitalize on Roosevelt’s progressive policies. His primary opponent, John A. Anderson, Governor of Minnesota, was a reformer but ultimately couldn’t overcome Bryan’s broad support within the Democratic Party.
Bryan secured the Democratic nomination for a third time, with John Kern, a former State Senator from Indiana, as his running mate. Despite their enthusiasm, Bryan and Kern faced criticism from the media, with the New York Times deriding their candidacy.
The Socialist Challenge
The Socialist Party, buoyed by Eugene Debs’ previous performances, once again nominated him for president, with Ben Hanford as his running mate. Debs, despite health rumors, was the party’s choice, and his campaign aimed to capture progressive votes dissatisfied with Bryan. Debs’s efforts were expected to draw significant attention, though the Socialists did not anticipate the level of success initially projected.
Campaign Strategies
William Jennings Bryan traveled extensively, delivering speeches to energize his base. However, his focus on campaign finance reform and direct election of senators seemed outdated compared to Roosevelt’s progressive legacy. Bryan’s campaign slogan, “Shall the People Rule?” aimed to resonate with reform-minded voters, but Taft’s slogan, “Vote for Taft now, you can vote for Bryan anytime,” highlighted Bryan’s past failures.
Eugene Debs also embarked on a whistle-stop tour, giving speeches from the back of a train, though he occasionally relied on his brother Theodore to speak on his behalf.
Election Results
The Election of 1908 saw an increase in electoral votes required to win, with 242 needed. William Howard Taft emerged victorious, securing 321 electoral votes and 51.6% of the popular vote. Taft carried 29 states. William Jennings Bryan, in his final presidential bid, finished second with 162 electoral votes and 43.1% of the popular vote, winning only 17 states. Debs and the Socialist Party, while third, only garnered 2.8% of the popular vote.
Taft’s victory marked the Republican Party’s fourth consecutive presidential win since 1872. As Roosevelt departed for an African safari, Taft assumed office with the challenge of continuing Roosevelt’s progressive policies—a task that would lead to complex results and set the stage for the Election of 1912.
Conclusion
The Election of 1908 concluded with William Howard Taft assuming the presidency, William Jennings Bryan making one final attempt, and Theodore Roosevelt stepping away from politics. The groundwork was laid for the political landscape of the early 20th century, leading to new developments as we approach the Election of 1912.
