Today, September 14, happens to be the 109th anniversary of the accession of Republican Theodore Roosevelt to the Presidency, upon the death of President William McKinley, assassinated by the anarchist and terrorist Leon Czolgosz!
T. R.’s impact on the Presidency and on American history is massive, and his accession in 1901 transformed the country in so many ways, and the fact that the terrorist attack of September 11, 2001 occurred exactly one century later minus three days is, to say the least, weird and eery! 🙂
The question that arises is whether the Republican Party admires T. R. today, and basically, it seems clear that MOST Republicans would criticize him, because of his promotion of Presidential power, because of his advocacy of “progressive” reform including regulation of corporations, and his support of a major world role for America!
Glenn Beck and other conservatives have treated T. R. as someone to be condemned, and yet in polls of experts, he is rated usually Number Four, right behind Lincoln, FDR, and Washington!
And certainly he is seen by the American people as one of the more famous and popular Presidents, and his youth and vigor inspires many people!
And of course, he was an environmentalist, which thrills many Democrats and liberals, but angers many Republicans and conservatives!
Of course, the true evaluation of T. R. continues to evolve, but it is worth noting that his impact on us was so significant, that research and evaluation of the 26th President will not be coming to an end any time soon, if indeed ever!