Let the People Rule: Theodore Roosevelt and the Birth of the Presidential Primary

The narrative centers on Theodore Roosevelt's dynamic 1912 campaign to reclaim the presidency from William Howard Taft. Emphasizing the importance of presidential primaries, Roosevelt rallied public support with the rallying cry to "Let the People Rule." Geoffrey Cowan vividly captures the fervor of the campaign, detailing Roosevelt's triumph in nine out of thirteen primaries, only to face the formidable influence of party bosses. Ultimately, his frustration led him to establish a new political party, marking a significant shift in American politics.