Theodore Roosevelt was in Tucson to deliver a campaign speech, on Sept. 17, 1912. The former president was again running for president, this time on the Progressive or “Bull Moose” Party ticket. But, his speech “failed to create enthusiasm.”
Four to five thousand people filled the pavilion at Elysian Grove. The crowd at the Grove, which is where Carrillo Magnet School is today, was orderly and well-behaved.
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1915 AP file photo
Teddy Roosevelt
According to the report the next day, the crowd had “expected to hear an orator, or at least a pleasant talker.” They also wanted to hear why they should vote for the Progressives. But “Roosevelt proved to be a poor speaker, he said nothing that he has not said before, except the trivial compliments to the state, he offered no argument. He confined his speech to assertions and averments.”
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It went on to say that only three months earlier, the crowd would have received him enthusiastically. But, sentiment in favor of his candidacy was dying out. “The crowd kept their seats and with the exception of hand clapping of modest proportions, there was no evidence of approval.” Even his attempts to draw on his deeds with the Rough Riders failed to garner applause.
After his talk, Roosevelt headed north to Ash Fork where he boarded a train for Albuquerque to continue campaigning. In the 1912 election, Woodrow Wilson carried Arizona receiving 43.5% of the vote. Roosevelt came in second with 29.2%.
Happy 150th Birthday, President Roosevelt! Teddy Roosevelt was born October 27, 1858 in New York, New York.
