Life — September 29, 1910 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Commentary on 1912 Election This Life magazine page (September 29, 1910) discusses the upcoming 1912 presidential election with considerable anxiety about Colonel Theodore Roosevelt's political future. The cartoon depicts a caricatured figure (likely representing Roosevelt or Democratic concerns) with exaggerated features in a top hat. The text expresses Republican worry that Roosevelt might run against their preferred candidate, possibly splitting the party. It references Maine Democrats' disgust with their own party's direction, particularly regarding tariff policies and liquor laws. The commentary suggests Roosevelt might organize a third party to challenge Democrats in 1912—a prescient concern, as Roosevelt did form the Progressive "Bull Moose" Party that year, fundamentally reshaping American politics and fracturing Republican unity.