1908

2001_067_33DP1DB.jpg

Campaign Textile for William H. Taft (1857-1930), 1908

Unidenified Maker

United States

Gift of Robert A. Frank, 2001.067.33

Photograph by David Bohl

Upon his election in 1904, Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919) promised not to run for a third term in 1908.  He did, however, choose William H. Taft (1857-1930) as the next Republican candidate and help him run his campaign.  A reluctant campaigner, Taft called the period between his nomination and his election "the most uncomfortable four months of my life" and did not enjoy his time as president.  The cartoon on this handkerchief gave a positive spin to Taft's obesity, suggesting it took a big man for a big job.