What is your thumbnail sketch of Theodore Roosevelt....?

Question

Consider both the key characteristics of his personality and his style of leadership......

Answer 1

Staring at my thumb trying to divine answer. Bearing in mind 'Mornings on Horseback' by David McCullough..............hmmm.

Theodore Roosevelt an exceptional man from an exceptional family. Public Service, servince to all humanity instilled in him as a child by a pair of 'eccentrics' who encouraged Teddy to develope his own personality and not to live in fear of a frightful ailment, asthma, as well as a less then robust constitution. Teddy tried hard sometimes 'too hard' to compensate for any poerceived short comings in fact he became a Giant not bad for a 'squint eyed runt' whose speaking voice was like a scratchy gramophone whose prose was often verbose & windy yet once in a while he landed solid zingers. It is amusing how Roosevelt is trotted out as an example of a Republican when he was a Progressive. His enthusiasm & energy earned him followers for what else could they do, you didn't have the energy to run ahead of Teddy thus one followed. Teddy learned to be an astute politician but mostly that was Luck. Luck for Him. Luck for America. America Lucked out at the tiurn of the 20th Century but the turn of the 21st Century is more problematical.
T Roosevelt was hustled out of New York's Governor's Mansion and made Vice President to keep him out of everyone's hair. When William McKinnley was assasinated the Republican Party when into a State of Shock. They were equally shocked when Roosevelt relinquished Power in 1908.

Roosevelt had one major flaw. He wanted everyone to like him. However having been born in the throes of Politics, his family in the thick of politics before birth and long after, was Roosevelt truly naive enough to believe he had more friends than enemies among Republicans. See Bob Dole 1996 for more on this topic.

Roosevelt ran amuck but luck was with him while he held power once he let it go it was gone like a balloon but those nearly eight years of his Presidency were among the most fulfilling thrilling in USA history.

Peace..................

(Yes I know that is bigger than a thumb)

Answer 2

I think that Roosevelts own statments describe him best:

After walking out on the Republican Convention and forming the new Progressive Party, President Roosevelt, when suggested by reporters that he was no longer fit for the office, retorted "I'm as fit as a bull moose" (giving the new party its nickname)

"To destroy this invisible Government, to dissolve the unholy alliance between corrupt business and corrupt politics is the first task of the statesmanship of the day."

Answer 3

If we had anyone today who said those words they would be castigated by the media, the democrats, and every illegal in this country. Too many Americans don't even believe in the one flag or one language. They definitely don't believe in one loyalty and that loyalty is to the American people.

Answer 4

the teddy bear