By: HISTORY.com Editors
Teddy Roosevelt nominated as Bull Moose candidate
Theodore Roosevelt is nominated for the presidency by the Progressive Party, a group of Republicans dissatisfied with the renomination of President William Howard Taft. Also known as the Bull Moose Party, the Progressive platform called for the direct election of U.S. senators, woman suffrage, reduction of the tariff and many social reforms. Roosevelt, who served as the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909, embarked on a vigorous campaign as the party’s presidential candidate. A key point of his platform was the “Square Deal”—Roosevelt’s concept of a society based on fair business competition and increased welfare for needy Americans.
Theodore Roosevelt Joins Bull Moose Party
Show: The PresidentsDespite thinking he had more to accomplish, Teddy Roosevelt was determined to keep his promise not to run for reelection.
On October 12, 1912, minutes before a campaign speech in Milwaukee, Roosevelt was shot at close range by anarchist John Flammang Schrank. Schrank, who was immediately detained, offered as his motive that any man looking for a third term ought to be shot. Roosevelt, who suffered only a flesh wound from the attack, went on to deliver his scheduled speech, declaring, “You see, it takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose!” The former “Rough Rider” later collapsed and was rushed to the hospital. He recovered quickly but in November was defeated by Democratic candidate Woodrow Wilson, who benefited from the divided Republican Party.
When Teddy Roosevelt Was Shot in 1912, a Speech May Have Saved His Life
A would-be assassin's bullet was slowed by Roosevelt's dense overcoat, steel-reinforced eyeglass case and hefty speech squeezed into his right jacket pocket.
A would-be assassin's bullet was slowed by Roosevelt's dense overcoat, steel-reinforced eyeglass case and hefty speech squeezed into his right jacket pocket.
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Citation Information
- Article Title
- Teddy Roosevelt nominated as Bull Moose candidate
- Author
- HISTORY.com Editors
- Website Name
- History
- Date Accessed
- October 29, 2026
- Publisher
- A&E Television Networks
- Last Updated
- August 11, 2025
- Original Published Date
- February 09, 2010
