The American Vote
Progressive EraCycle 31 / 60

1908

William Howard Taft and the 1908 map.
William Howard Taft (Republican) defeated William Jennings Bryan (Democratic), 51.6% to 43.0%.
Taft
321 EV
Bryan
162 EV
0270 to win → 242483
The map · 1908
29 states for Rep · 17 for Dem
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Narrative

William Howard Taft and the 1908 map

William Howard Taft, handpicked by Theodore Roosevelt as his successor, easily defeated William Jennings Bryan in his third and final presidential run. Roosevelt personally campaigned for Taft and essentially guaranteed his election. Bryan's progressive positions had moved closer to Roosevelt's, but he could not overcome the Republican advantage in a prosperous era. Taft's more conservative governing style would eventually alienate Roosevelt and lead to their epic 1912 split.

Key issue

Continuation of Roosevelt's progressive policies; tariff reform

Notable

Taft was Roosevelt's chosen successor; Bryan's third and final presidential defeat

States · 46 reporting