Teddy Roosevelt: An American Lion

“The man who wrongly holds that every human right is secondary to his profit must now give way to the advocate of human welfare. Those who oppose all reform will do well to remember that ruin is inevitable if our national life brings us nothing better than fortunes for the few.” What class-baiting liberal Democrat is griping about tax cuts now? Oops, that was Republican President Theodore Roosevelt in a 1912 speech! This excellent production looks at one of America's favorite presidents, from his privileged Old New York childhood, and later adventures in the West, to his fateful entry into politics. Incredibly lucky throughout his life, Roosevelt was also intelligent and skillful, rising up the political ladder: Governor of New York, Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Vice President, and finally President following the assassination of McKinley in 1901. Roosevelt created the modern “activist presidency,” using political prestige to pressure striking coal miners and owners into negotiation and bringing federal suit against a railroad “trust” (monopoly). He also created the National Park system, designated national forests, and authorized the nation's first bird sanctuary. Roosevelt was also the father of American imperialism, almost single-handedly promoting the Spanish-American War while serving as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and later ordering the building of the Great White Fleet to show American muscle around the world (he would also push for the creation of the Panama Canal during his presidency). Although he made mistakes and missteps, Roosevelt was overwhelmingly reelected in 1904, and--disappointed in his hand-picked successor, William Taft--ran one last time in 1912 as an independent, coming in second to Democrat Woodrow Wilson, but way ahead of Taft. Combining interviews with a fine array of experts, solid reenactments, and fabulous original film footage of “Teddy Rex” himself, this excellent biography is highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Reagan)