1908: William Howard Taft Elected President
He became president AND Chief Justice. So why does everyone keep talking about his bathtub?
Featured birthday guest
Samantha Reed
From Cincinnati, OH
Birthday memory: My grandfather giving me a 1908 Indian Head penny on my 10th birthday.
Participating scholar
Professor Jonathan Sterling
Presidential Historian & Author
Providing historical context, primary-document vetting, and intellectual substance during today's lively discussion.
Are you a historian? Apply to join an episodeHistorical overview
On November 3, 1908, William Howard Taft defeated William Jennings Bryan to become the 27th President of the United States. We examine his legal genius, antitrust victories, and legendary relationship with Theodore Roosevelt.
Wait… that happened today?
"Taft is the only person in U.S. history to serve as both President of the United States and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court!"
Questions explored in this episode
- 1.How did Taft's judicial mindset differ from Roosevelt's executive action style?
- 2.Why did the bathtub legend overshadow Taft's historical achievements?
- 3.What led to the famous political fallout between Roosevelt and Taft in 1912?
The big question
"Was Taft actually a more effective Trust-Buster than Teddy Roosevelt?"
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