Presidential Presidential ProgressivismProgressivism

The legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, The legacy of Theodore Roosevelt, 1858-19191858-1919

By Jeremy Lewis, PhD, By Jeremy Lewis, PhD, for Dean Fedler’s Colloquy, for Dean Fedler’s Colloquy,

Huntingdon College, 15 Feb. 2010Huntingdon College, 15 Feb. 2010

What shaped the young “Teedy”?What shaped the young “Teedy”?

Childhood asthma, young man with heart Childhood asthma, young man with heart problemsproblems

Studied natural history at homeStudied natural history at home But unbalanced home curriculumBut unbalanced home curriculum

Civil war?Civil war? Father supported LincolnFather supported Lincoln

Switched from Democrat to RepublicanSwitched from Democrat to Republican Young TR observed Lincoln’s funeralYoung TR observed Lincoln’s funeral

Mother Southern belle, GA plantationMother Southern belle, GA plantation 2 of TR’s uncles in Confederate navy2 of TR’s uncles in Confederate navy

Happy childhood in close familyHappy childhood in close family

Reasons to see TR asReasons to see TR ashyperhypermasculine model?masculine model?

Harvard: rower, boxer, DKE, Porcellians, magazineHarvard: rower, boxer, DKE, Porcellians, magazine Adult sports, risk taking: Adult sports, risk taking:

boxing, tennis, hiking, rowing, polo, horseback riding, singlestick and judoboxing, tennis, hiking, rowing, polo, horseback riding, singlestick and judo Shot big game, including elephantsShot big game, including elephants

Dakota cowboy, rough rider, deputy sheriff, captured 3 thieves aloneDakota cowboy, rough rider, deputy sheriff, captured 3 thieves alone Expeditions in Africa, Latin AmericaExpeditions in Africa, Latin America

Explored Rio Roosevelt, almost at cost of lifeExplored Rio Roosevelt, almost at cost of life ““Bully!”Bully!” Left Columbia law school to run for NY assemblyLeft Columbia law school to run for NY assembly Completed 90 minute speech after being shot in chestCompleted 90 minute speech after being shot in chest Took up judo after he lost retina to boxingTook up judo after he lost retina to boxing Wrote 18 books, mostly on war and outdoorsman skillsWrote 18 books, mostly on war and outdoorsman skills Honored for support of Boy ScoutsHonored for support of Boy Scouts Skinny dipped in Potomac, regularlySkinny dipped in Potomac, regularly Argued frontier had created a new “race” of assimilated AmericansArgued frontier had created a new “race” of assimilated Americans ButBut praised ‘both masculine and feminine’ qualities in Thee praised ‘both masculine and feminine’ qualities in Thee

TR wrote many tender lettersTR wrote many tender letters TR read 4 books a day, in multiple languagesTR read 4 books a day, in multiple languages

How was “Teddy” How was “Teddy” shaped by loss?shaped by loss?

Close to Thee, father, who consoled and Close to Thee, father, who consoled and strengthened himstrengthened him Deeply bereavedDeeply bereaved

Alice, first wife, re-nicknamed himAlice, first wife, re-nicknamed him Alice died of kidney failure in childbirthAlice died of kidney failure in childbirth TR, grieving, never mentioned her againTR, grieving, never mentioned her again

Dropped from Episcopalian Sunday school Dropped from Episcopalian Sunday school for rewarding a fighting boyfor rewarding a fighting boy

Lost herd in SD, came 3Lost herd in SD, came 3rdrd for Mayor of NYC for Mayor of NYC Remarried Ethel, summitted Mont Blanc, had 5 Remarried Ethel, summitted Mont Blanc, had 5

kidskids

How did “Teddy” How did “Teddy” develop his early career?develop his early career?

1880 Graduated from Harvard U, PBK1880 Graduated from Harvard U, PBK 1882 book, 1882 book, The Naval War of 1812The Naval War of 1812 1882-4 NY Assemblyman, energetic reformer 1882-4 NY Assemblyman, energetic reformer 1884 R national convention, Mugwumps v. 1884 R national convention, Mugwumps v.

StalwartsStalwarts TR neither for Blaine (R) nor Cleveland (D)TR neither for Blaine (R) nor Cleveland (D)

1884-87 deputy sheriff in Badlands, till lost 1884-87 deputy sheriff in Badlands, till lost stockstock

1887 Oyster Bay, NY, but ‘cowboy’ only 31887 Oyster Bay, NY, but ‘cowboy’ only 3rdrd for for MayorMayor

Climbed Mont Blanc, fellow of Royal SocietyClimbed Mont Blanc, fellow of Royal Society

Roosevelt’s national careerRoosevelt’s national career

1888-1895 Civil Service Commissioner, 1888-1895 Civil Service Commissioner, vigorously pro-meritvigorously pro-merit Appointed by Harrison (R) and then Cleveland (D)Appointed by Harrison (R) and then Cleveland (D)

1895-97 NY police commissioner (anti-1895-97 NY police commissioner (anti-corrupt’n)corrupt’n)

1897-98 Asst Sec US Navy, but resigned for …1897-98 Asst Sec US Navy, but resigned for … 1898 Spanish war, Rough Riders cavalry1898 Spanish war, Rough Riders cavalry Kettle & San Juan Hill assault, despite malariaKettle & San Juan Hill assault, despite malaria

Medal of Honor disapproved (till 2001)Medal of Honor disapproved (till 2001) 1899-1900 Gov. of NY, then campaigned VP1899-1900 Gov. of NY, then campaigned VP

What provoked the progressive What provoked the progressive movement?movement?

Reaction to large organizations:Reaction to large organizations: monopolies, labor unions, boss-machine systemmonopolies, labor unions, boss-machine system

1883 Pendleton Act, merit-based service1883 Pendleton Act, merit-based service Muck-raking journalism exposed:Muck-raking journalism exposed:

Child labor, meat packing, plundering public lands, Child labor, meat packing, plundering public lands, newly rich and powerful, corrupt police, brothelsnewly rich and powerful, corrupt police, brothels

Indignation of new, professional, middle classIndignation of new, professional, middle class 1896, conflictual, sectional election: 1896, conflictual, sectional election:

McKinley N+E, Bryan S+WMcKinley N+E, Bryan S+W

(Burns, 1978, 198)(Burns, 1978, 198)

How did TR ascend to the How did TR ascend to the Presidency?Presidency?

Boss Platt foisted TR on Mark Hanna, as VPBoss Platt foisted TR on Mark Hanna, as VP 1900 landslide re-election of McKinley over 1900 landslide re-election of McKinley over

BryanBryan Gold std & prosperity, victory v . Free silverGold std & prosperity, victory v . Free silver TR defended Philippine colonyTR defended Philippine colony

March-Sep 1901, VPUS , for McKinley (R) March-Sep 1901, VPUS , for McKinley (R) Sep 1901 Assassination of McKinleySep 1901 Assassination of McKinley

VP TR became youngest POTUS, at 42VP TR became youngest POTUS, at 42 Continued cabinet and policiesContinued cabinet and policies (Cowboy quote, consultant Mark Hanna)(Cowboy quote, consultant Mark Hanna)

TR’s first term, 1901-05TR’s first term, 1901-05 1902, UMW PA coal strike settled1902, UMW PA coal strike settled

Newlands conservation Act (taxes to regulate land Newlands conservation Act (taxes to regulate land developm’t) developm’t)

E.O.s for parks & forestsE.O.s for parks & forests 1903 Dept of Commerce & Labor1903 Dept of Commerce & Labor 1904 Court upheld Sherman Act v. Northern Securities1904 Court upheld Sherman Act v. Northern Securities

Foreign PolicyForeign Policy 1902 Cuban Republic recognized w/ sugar imports1902 Cuban Republic recognized w/ sugar imports Venezuelan debts settled (with Europeans)Venezuelan debts settled (with Europeans) Got Panama Canal zone; settled Alaska boundaryGot Panama Canal zone; settled Alaska boundary Immigration Act banned anarchistsImmigration Act banned anarchists 1904 TR corollary to Monroe doctrine1904 TR corollary to Monroe doctrine

TR’s second term, 1905-09TR’s second term, 1905-09 1904 Landslide re-election, 7.5 M – 5 M votes1904 Landslide re-election, 7.5 M – 5 M votes

1906 Meat Inspection Act; Pure Food and Drug Act1906 Meat Inspection Act; Pure Food and Drug Act 1906 Hepburn Act, strengthened ICC; 1906 Hepburn Act, strengthened ICC; ““Square Deal” – but negotiated with JP Morgan in 1907 Square Deal” – but negotiated with JP Morgan in 1907

panicpanic 1909 first narcotic prohibition1909 first narcotic prohibition West wing; WH press room and press conferencesWest wing; WH press room and press conferences Appointed record 75 federal judges, including 3 SCtAppointed record 75 federal judges, including 3 SCt

Foreign policy:Foreign policy: TR’s corollary to Monroe Doctrine, US to "exercise TR’s corollary to Monroe Doctrine, US to "exercise

international policy power" to help small Latin countriesinternational policy power" to help small Latin countries Russo-Japanese peace treaty & Nobel peace prizeRusso-Japanese peace treaty & Nobel peace prize 1907 Gentleman’s Agreement with Japan (immigration)1907 Gentleman’s Agreement with Japan (immigration) Sent Great White Fleet around world, without CongressSent Great White Fleet around world, without Congress

1909 retired, supporting Taft over VP Fairbanks1909 retired, supporting Taft over VP Fairbanks

TR’s Post-presidency, 1909-11TR’s Post-presidency, 1909-11

African safariAfrican safari (Modern) Kenya, Congo, Sudan(Modern) Kenya, Congo, Sudan 11,397 animals, 591 big game11,397 animals, 591 big game Social as well as scientificSocial as well as scientific

Taft’s moderation split R partyTaft’s moderation split R party Less trust-busting rhetoric, but legislationLess trust-busting rhetoric, but legislation Compromised on lowering tariffsCompromised on lowering tariffs Preferred judicial solutionsPreferred judicial solutions LaFollette formed Progressive R LeagueLaFollette formed Progressive R League

TR rides again: 1912TR rides again: 1912

Taft had rolled up R support during 1911Taft had rolled up R support during 1911 LaFollette suffered nervous breakdownLaFollette suffered nervous breakdown TR picked up progressives’ supportTR picked up progressives’ support TR campaigned against judiciaryTR campaigned against judiciary TR won public + some of new primariesTR won public + some of new primaries Taft won most caucus and convention Taft won most caucus and convention

votesvotes TR exited, to create Progressive partyTR exited, to create Progressive party

What did TR’s Progressive Party What did TR’s Progressive Party stand for?stand for?

““Healthy as a Bull Moose” [personal faction]Healthy as a Bull Moose” [personal faction] Democratization and purification of party (Burns)Democratization and purification of party (Burns)

Onward Christian Soldiers & TR’s Confession of Faith (Link, Onward Christian Soldiers & TR’s Confession of Faith (Link, 16)16)

Against regional monopolies of party (Burns)Against regional monopolies of party (Burns) More democracyMore democracy Direct primary electionDirect primary election Initiative, recall, referendumInitiative, recall, referendum Removal of straight ticket boxRemoval of straight ticket box Non-partisan ballotNon-partisan ballot

Personal factions or responsible parties?Personal factions or responsible parties? Urge to rise above self-interest for societal good Urge to rise above self-interest for societal good

(Hof.)(Hof.) Divided between anti-organization and building Divided between anti-organization and building

counter-organizations (Hofstadter)counter-organizations (Hofstadter)

How can we judge How can we judge success of reform?success of reform?

Reform leaders always torn betweenReform leaders always torn between Transformational ideas [TR, WW, Obama?] andTransformational ideas [TR, WW, Obama?] and Transactional process [FDR, LBJ, WJC]Transactional process [FDR, LBJ, WJC]

(Burns, 1978, 200)(Burns, 1978, 200)

Expression of ideas versus achievementsExpression of ideas versus achievements Preparation, achievement, consolidationPreparation, achievement, consolidation

Achievements compared to political supportAchievements compared to political support(Hargrove and Nelson, 1984)(Hargrove and Nelson, 1984)

What were TR’s achievements in What were TR’s achievements in office, 1901-1909?office, 1901-1909?

Trust-busting (first address to Congress)Trust-busting (first address to Congress) Increased regulation of businessesIncreased regulation of businesses "Square Deal" domestic agenda for "Square Deal" domestic agenda for

average citizenaverage citizen Promoted the conservation movementPromoted the conservation movement "Speak softly and carry a big stick”"Speak softly and carry a big stick” Completed Panama CanalCompleted Panama Canal Sent ‘Great White Fleet’ Sent ‘Great White Fleet’ Negotiated end to Russo-Japanese WarNegotiated end to Russo-Japanese War

won the Nobel Peace Prizewon the Nobel Peace Prize

Was TR really a reformer?Was TR really a reformer?

““TR was keeping one foot in the ranks TR was keeping one foot in the ranks of the old guard, the other in the of the old guard, the other in the reform movement. He was impartial reform movement. He was impartial at least in his hatreds: hardly a day at least in his hatreds: hardly a day passed that he did not rail at the passed that he did not rail at the mossbacks among the old guard or mossbacks among the old guard or at the fools and idiots among the at the fools and idiots among the reformers, and he played each off reformers, and he played each off against the other.” against the other.”

(Burns, JM, 1978, 195)(Burns, JM, 1978, 195)

Was TR really a reformer? (2)Was TR really a reformer? (2)

““Although by [1910] Roosevelt had committed Although by [1910] Roosevelt had committed himself to the progressive cause, he tried himself to the progressive cause, he tried hard to maintain an air of impartiality, and he hard to maintain an air of impartiality, and he labored sincerely during the fall of 1910 to labored sincerely during the fall of 1910 to bring the warring factions together…. But [in bring the warring factions together…. But [in NY] Taft had … aligned himself with the NY] Taft had … aligned himself with the reactionary bosses in the state. Rebuffed and reactionary bosses in the state. Rebuffed and resentful, Roosevelt … amid wildly cheering resentful, Roosevelt … amid wildly cheering crowds [in the West] enunciated the … New crowds [in the West] enunciated the … New Nationalism.”Nationalism.”

(Link, 1954, 6)(Link, 1954, 6)

TR & Taft agreed on reform, butTR & Taft agreed on reform, butdiffered on role of Presidentdiffered on role of President

What to do when powers of Constitution What to do when powers of Constitution do not give clear answer?do not give clear answer?

Federal land purposes case, Sec. of Federal land purposes case, Sec. of InteriorInterior ““protecting the public domain”protecting the public domain” Forestry, irrigation, water power or other …Forestry, irrigation, water power or other …

TR: Stewardship theoryTR: Stewardship theory act for people, unless Constitution forbidsact for people, unless Constitution forbids Match for his vigorous characterMatch for his vigorous character

Taft: Restricted theoryTaft: Restricted theory judiciary limits the presidencyjudiciary limits the presidency Match for his agreeable characterMatch for his agreeable character

TR’s Stewardship TheoryTR’s Stewardship Theory

““I did not usurp power, but I did greatly I did not usurp power, but I did greatly broaden the use of executive power. broaden the use of executive power. In other words, I acted for the public In other words, I acted for the public welfare, I acted for the common well-welfare, I acted for the common well-being of all our people, … unless being of all our people, … unless prevented by direct constitutional or prevented by direct constitutional or legislative prohibition….”legislative prohibition….”

[Rationalized as Jackson-Lincoln view][Rationalized as Jackson-Lincoln view](Autobiography of TR, p. 197)(Autobiography of TR, p. 197)

Taft’s restricted theory:Taft’s restricted theory:

““[T]he president can exercise no [T]he president can exercise no power which cannot be reasonably power which cannot be reasonably and fairly traced to some specific and fairly traced to some specific grant of power or justly implied and grant of power or justly implied and included … as proper and necessary included … as proper and necessary to its exercise.”to its exercise.”

[Rationalized as Madison or Buchanan [Rationalized as Madison or Buchanan view]view]

(Taft, 1913, 138.)(Taft, 1913, 138.)

Taft sided with reactionaries Taft sided with reactionaries over insurgentsover insurgents

1909 TR installs Taft as successor, leaves on Safari1909 TR installs Taft as successor, leaves on Safari 1909-10 Taft upheld R old guard over insurgent reformers1909-10 Taft upheld R old guard over insurgent reformers

To keep House Speaker Cannon (R) To keep House Speaker Cannon (R) In Senate, against HR’s lower tariff billIn Senate, against HR’s lower tariff bill Summer: Taft booed by R across MidWestSummer: Taft booed by R across MidWest 1909-10 upheld Sec. Interior Ballinger over Pinchot & 1909-10 upheld Sec. Interior Ballinger over Pinchot &

conservationists in irrigation of federal landconservationists in irrigation of federal land Spring 1910, Taft sends money and orators to midWest Spring 1910, Taft sends money and orators to midWest

primaries to defeat R Progressives -- unsuccessfullyprimaries to defeat R Progressives -- unsuccessfully reformers captured R in CA, WA & NHreformers captured R in CA, WA & NH Taft’s machine defeated TR in NY conventionTaft’s machine defeated TR in NY convention 1910 elections, Dem landslide in Congress and Governors1910 elections, Dem landslide in Congress and Governors

(Link, 1954, 6)(Link, 1954, 6)

TR forms Progressive partyTR forms Progressive party

TR returned from Africa, outraged by TR returned from Africa, outraged by Taft’s devolution (Link), called for Taft’s devolution (Link), called for social reformssocial reforms

1912 election: reform v. reform1912 election: reform v. reform Wilson (D, 6 M), New Freedom (strongest in South)Wilson (D, 6 M), New Freedom (strongest in South)

States rights; Jeffersonian; federal power only to sweep away States rights; Jeffersonian; federal power only to sweep away special privileges – not for paternalism, but 2nd emancipationspecial privileges – not for paternalism, but 2nd emancipation

Influenced by Brandeis to preserve economic freedomInfluenced by Brandeis to preserve economic freedom TR (R , 4 M), New Nationalism, radical and explicitTR (R , 4 M), New Nationalism, radical and explicit

Min. wage for women; child labor law; workmen’s Min. wage for women; child labor law; workmen’s compensation; labor dispute intervention; health and compensation; labor dispute intervention; health and conservation plans; tariff protection for industrial workers conservation plans; tariff protection for industrial workers (strongest in West & midWest)(strongest in West & midWest)

Influenced by Herbert Croly’s Influenced by Herbert Croly’s The PromiseThe Promise; Hamiltonian; Hamiltonian Taft (R, 3 M), aligned with Old Guard machines (N)Taft (R, 3 M), aligned with Old Guard machines (N) Eugene Debs, Socialism (<1 M votes)Eugene Debs, Socialism (<1 M votes) William Allen White, TR & WW as Tweedledum & -deeWilliam Allen White, TR & WW as Tweedledum & -dee Wilson (42%) won electoral college in a landslide, 435Wilson (42%) won electoral college in a landslide, 435

(Link, 1954, 18-24)(Link, 1954, 18-24)

What are the elements of TR’s What are the elements of TR’s legacy?legacy?

First attempted activist, modern presidency First attempted activist, modern presidency First press conferences, WH press corpsFirst press conferences, WH press corps

1912, among first recorded speeches1912, among first recorded speeches character as campaign issuecharacter as campaign issue trust-busting and regulationtrust-busting and regulation conservationismconservationism interventionism and imperialisminterventionism and imperialism Renovated but split Republican party Renovated but split Republican party Created personal faction – but not a true Progressive partyCreated personal faction – but not a true Progressive party Race relations: dinners with BTW, manservant – but TX Race relations: dinners with BTW, manservant – but TX

troopstroops PersonalPersonal

Teddy bearTeddy bear TR jr’s Medal of Honor, D-DayTR jr’s Medal of Honor, D-Day Inspiration to FranklinInspiration to Franklin

Themes of TR’s legacy that Themes of TR’s legacy that cascade on recent presidencies?cascade on recent presidencies?

Populist campaign against TrustsPopulist campaign against Trusts Environmental awarenessEnvironmental awareness New forms of party and factionNew forms of party and faction At ease with race relations (BTW)At ease with race relations (BTW) Vigor and optimism, active-positiveVigor and optimism, active-positive ‘‘both masculine and feminine’ both masculine and feminine’

qualities?qualities? Sporting and family man?Sporting and family man?

How do political historians How do political historians rank TR?rank TR?

1948, 1962 and subsequent polls:1948, 1962 and subsequent polls: Best: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Best: George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and

Franklin D. Roosevelt Franklin D. Roosevelt Close: Thomas Jefferson and Close: Thomas Jefferson and Theodore RooseveltTheodore Roosevelt Also Top 10: James Madison, Andrew Jackson, James Also Top 10: James Madison, Andrew Jackson, James

K. Polk, Woodrow Wilson, and Harry S. Truman.K. Polk, Woodrow Wilson, and Harry S. Truman. Worst: Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James Worst: Millard Fillmore, Franklin Pierce, James

Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, and Warren G. Harding.Buchanan, Andrew Johnson, and Warren G. Harding. Are political historians biased by ideology?Are political historians biased by ideology?

Polls show few differences (except over W. Bush)Polls show few differences (except over W. Bush) (See tables of historians and public polls compiled in Diclerico (1995) (See tables of historians and public polls compiled in Diclerico (1995)

or at or at WKPWKP))

How does the public rank TR?How does the public rank TR?

Public ranks TR slightly higher Public ranks TR slightly higher (some in top 5)(some in top 5) Public opinion polls since 1960sPublic opinion polls since 1960s

than do political historiansthan do political historians (between 5 and 10)(between 5 and 10) Since Schlesingers, 1948 and 1962Since Schlesingers, 1948 and 1962

How could political historiansHow could political historiansbegin to categorize presidents?begin to categorize presidents?

Satan, Savior, Samson or Seraph?Satan, Savior, Samson or Seraph? Schlesinger’s biographies of Jackson, Schlesinger’s biographies of Jackson,

FDR & Kennedy (portrayed as saviors?)FDR & Kennedy (portrayed as saviors?) after LBJ & RMN: Schlesinger, “imperial after LBJ & RMN: Schlesinger, “imperial

presidency”presidency” Cronin, paradoxes of presidencyCronin, paradoxes of presidency Hodgson, expectations excessiveHodgson, expectations excessive Then Reagan exceeded expectations …Then Reagan exceeded expectations …

How does the publicHow does the publicapprove presidential performance?approve presidential performance?

Approval in office starts well above vote %Approval in office starts well above vote % First year: eroded to 60% (Bushes) First year: eroded to 60% (Bushes)

50s% others – but 49% Obama50s% others – but 49% Obama Lose 6 points per year in approvalLose 6 points per year in approval Bump 10-20% in foreign /military crisisBump 10-20% in foreign /military crisis

H. Bush 84%, W. Bush 90%, a recordH. Bush 84%, W. Bush 90%, a record Drop 10-20 % in scandal, or slowly in Drop 10-20 % in scandal, or slowly in

weaknessweakness Lows during economic stagnation (JEC 19%)Lows during economic stagnation (JEC 19%) Re-election boostRe-election boost But always 6 points above the wretched But always 6 points above the wretched

Congress (low 13%)Congress (low 13%)

How do journalistsHow do journalistsevaluate presidents?evaluate presidents?

Study 1948-78 of Study 1948-78 of TimeTime & & NY TimesNY Times: : 34x favorable stories on presidents34x favorable stories on presidents

CBS news: 6x favorable storiesCBS news: 6x favorable stories Nixon claimed bias againstNixon claimed bias against

But he also had hugely favorable balanceBut he also had hugely favorable balance Cycles of honeymoon, adversarial & Cycles of honeymoon, adversarial &

disengagement phases disengagement phases (Grossman & Kumar)(Grossman & Kumar)

Post Watergate: distrust of authority, Post Watergate: distrust of authority, institutions and presidentsinstitutions and presidents

How is TR treated by modern How is TR treated by modern political science?political science?

Michael Nelson’s cyclical theory of the Michael Nelson’s cyclical theory of the Presidency:Presidency: PreparationPreparation, Achievement, Consolidation, Achievement, Consolidation StalemateStalemate, TR II (like most 2, TR II (like most 2ndnd terms) terms)

Stephen Skowronek,Stephen Skowronek, The Politics The Politics Presidents Make, Presidents Make, Part TwoPart Two Reconstruction, Reconstruction, ArticulationArticulation, Disjunction, Disjunction

James David Barber, James David Barber, The Presidential The Presidential CharacterCharacter: : active-positive active-positive typetype

Hargrove and Nelson, Cycles:Hargrove and Nelson, Cycles:

Cycle Preparation Achievement Consolidation Stasis /Stalemate

Lays groundwork for reform but lacks majority or mandate

2-yr legislative burst, w/ mandate, truncated by criticism of authority**

reform rationalized, not rejected Drift /deadlock

1 T Roosevelt Wilson*

Harding* Coolidge, Hoover T Roosevelt II, Taft

2 (systemic crisis) FD Roosevelt* Eisenhower3 Kennedy Johnson* Nixon Nixon II, Ford?

* Had large margin of election and large gains of party in Congress.

** 2-yr legislative burst, w/ mandate of liberty, equality and pop. Sov., truncated by criticism of authority, and by admin've difficulties

James David Barber’s James David Barber’s Active-Positive character type (1)Active-Positive character type (1)

““much activity and the enjoyment of it, much activity and the enjoyment of it, indicating a high self-esteem and relative indicating a high self-esteem and relative success in relating to the [political] success in relating to the [political] environment.”environment.”

““productiveness as a value”productiveness as a value” ““ability to use his styles flexibly, adaptively, ability to use his styles flexibly, adaptively,

suiting the dance to the music.”suiting the dance to the music.” ““Sees himself … well defined personal goals”Sees himself … well defined personal goals” ““emphasis on rational mastery, using the emphasis on rational mastery, using the

brain to move the feet.”brain to move the feet.”

James David Barber’s James David Barber’s Active-Positive character type (2)Active-Positive character type (2)

ButBut “he may fail to take account of “he may fail to take account of the irrational in politics.”the irrational in politics.”

James David Barber’s James David Barber’s other character types (ch.1)other character types (ch.1)

Active-Negative:Active-Negative: intense effort with low intense effort with low emotional reward. Compulsive, ambitious, emotional reward. Compulsive, ambitious, aggressive, struggling, hampered by criticismaggressive, struggling, hampered by criticism

Passive-Positive:Passive-Positive: receptive, compliant, receptive, compliant, searching for affection by being agreeable searching for affection by being agreeable and cooperative. Low self-esteem with and cooperative. Low self-esteem with superficial optimism.superficial optimism.

Passive-Negative:Passive-Negative: low self-esteem doing low self-esteem doing useless service, but called by duty & civic useless service, but called by duty & civic virtuevirtue

Barber’s types among Barber’s types among the first four Presidents (ch.1)the first four Presidents (ch.1)

Washington: aloof, dignified, fits passive-Washington: aloof, dignified, fits passive-negativenegative

John Adams: irascible, partisan, fits active-John Adams: irascible, partisan, fits active-negativenegative

Jefferson: Reasoned, adaptable, fits active-Jefferson: Reasoned, adaptable, fits active-positivepositive

Madison: irresolute, compromiser, Madison: irresolute, compromiser, compliant, fits passive-positivecompliant, fits passive-positive

President is “a man with a memory in a President is “a man with a memory in a system with a history”system with a history”

Limits of psychological analysisLimits of psychological analysis

““For a mentally unbalanced person, For a mentally unbalanced person, Wilson had a remarkable career. Wilson had a remarkable career. Somehow he managed to make Somehow he managed to make distinguished contributions to four distinguished contributions to four separate fields of scholarship, higher separate fields of scholarship, higher education, domestic politics and education, domestic politics and diplomacy.” diplomacy.”

-- Arthur Link [sarcastically]-- Arthur Link [sarcastically]

Quoted by Barber, ch.2Quoted by Barber, ch.2

Selected SourcesSelected Sources Abrams, Richard. 1984. “Theodore Roosevelt” in Henry Graff Abrams, Richard. 1984. “Theodore Roosevelt” in Henry Graff

(ed) (ed) The PresidentsThe Presidents, pp. 385-411., pp. 385-411. Barber, James David. 1985. Barber, James David. 1985. The Presidential Character.The Presidential Character. Bailey, Harry (ed). 1980. Bailey, Harry (ed). 1980. Classics of the American Presidency.Classics of the American Presidency. Bose, Meena (ed). 2009. Bose, Meena (ed). 2009. The NY Times on the Presidency, 1853-The NY Times on the Presidency, 1853-

2008.2008. Burns, James McGregor. 1978. Burns, James McGregor. 1978. LeadershipLeadership. . Diclerico, Robert. 1995. Diclerico, Robert. 1995. The American President.The American President. Hargrove, Erwin and Michael Nelson. 1984. Hargrove, Erwin and Michael Nelson. 1984. Presidents, Politics Presidents, Politics

and Policy.and Policy. Link, Arthur. 1954. Link, Arthur. 1954. Woodrow Wilson and the Progressive Era.Woodrow Wilson and the Progressive Era. Mowry, George. 1958. Mowry, George. 1958. The Era of Theodore RooseveltThe Era of Theodore Roosevelt. . Nelson, Michael (ed). 1984. Nelson, Michael (ed). 1984. The Presidency and the Political The Presidency and the Political

SystemSystem. . Skowronek, Stephen. 1997. Skowronek, Stephen. 1997. The Politics Presidents Make.The Politics Presidents Make. (This presentation did not use the Edmund Morris biography of (This presentation did not use the Edmund Morris biography of

TR.)TR.)