Political characteristics ofTeddy Roosevelt
...k side of the Union troops, praying that the southern troops be grinded to powder. With the Union victory young Teddy’s beliefs of strength over weakness, right over wrong, were only reinforced. (p.120) From that point on Roosevelt applied this believes of aggression towards all aspects of his life including politics. During his first years in politics Roosevelt traveled westward to establish governments and laws despite retaliation from outlaws. Roosevelt did not want to be handed anything in life but rather fight for it and earn his victories. In doing so he exemplified respectable values and inspired thousands of Americans. Roosevelt’s second prevailing characteristic was self-righteousness. After experiencing the death of both his first wife and his mother on the same fateful day and same house in 1884 it only inspired him to live a strong, honest, and industrious life while he still could. Teddy stated, “At least I can live…so as not to dishonor the memory of the dead whom I so loved.” (p. 121) In turn Roosevelt would preach to the masses the importance of responsible citizenship from the mountains and valleys of the Dakotas to the streets of New York City never flinching in the face of adversaries. Randy Livingstone, a journalist, wrote: “…and a sincerely powerful personality that left the uneffaceable impression that whatever he said was right” (p.118) From birth to death, aristocrat to American, Roosevelt was filled with self pride. At a young age Teddy went on extended European tours and realized that lack of social graces was a result of centuries of economical and political deprivation not racial inferiority. As an American politician Roosevelt’s foreign knowledge as well as being ethnically diverse himself truly allowed him to relate to the common man. The “new world” had blended Roosevelt’s mixed ancestry throughout time. He prided himself in being a man of the people for the people. While campaigning he would shake hands with workers, common-men, and various ethnic groups saying “Congratulations, I’m German too!” Journalist dubbed Roosevelt “Old Fifty Seven Varieties”. (p. 122) Henry Cabot Lodge once said, “I don’t see how you understand the common people so well...