Life — October 19, 1911 — page 10: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Commentary on President Taft (October 19, 1911) This *Life* magazine page discusses President William Howard Taft's potential re-election prospects. The text expresses skepticism about Taft's political viability, noting he's "been holding office a good while now" and faces Democratic opposition. The article credits Taft with accomplishments (tariff revisions, Sherman law enforcement) but suggests he cannot win re-election. It praises his character as "a live man" capable of making decisions. The cartoon at the bottom (skull and crossbones imagery) appears to represent the threat posed by keeping water in the Austin dam after it became unsafe—criticizing governmental negligence that endangered lives. The overall tone is cautiously supportive of Taft personally while politically pessimistic about his electoral future.