What is the Difference Between Taft and Roosevelt?

William Howard Taft and Theodore Roosevelt were both American presidents, but they had differing views on presidential powers and policies. Here are some key differences between them:

1. Approach to Presidential Powers: Taft did not believe in stretching presidential powers, whereas Roosevelt was known for doing so. Taft once commented that Roosevelt "ought more often to have admitted the legal way of reaching the same ends".
2. Stance on Trusts: As a "trust-buster," Roosevelt differentiated between 'good' trusts and 'bad' trusts, using his expanded powers as president to make this distinction. Taft, on the other hand, took a more business-centric approach to Republicanism.
3. Relationship with Progressives: Taft alienated many liberal Republicans who later formed the Progressive Party by defending the Payne-Aldrich Act, which unexpectedly continued high tariff rates. Roosevelt, mentored and groomed Taft to be his successor, but became displeased with Taft's approach and ran for president in 1912 to unseat him.
4. Political Style: Taft was known for being large, jovial, and conscientious but also a poor politician. In contrast, Roosevelt was a skilled politician, known for his energetic and dynamic leadership style.

Despite their differences, both Taft and Roosevelt shared some similarities in their policies, such as carrying on and even expanding some of the same initiatives.

Comparative Table: Taft vs Roosevelt

Here is a table comparing the differences between Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft:

The differences between Roosevelt and Taft, particularly in their views on progressivism and government regulation, led to a schism within the Republican Party. This division eventually contributed to the victory of Democrat Woodrow Wilson in the 1912 Presidential election.