Life — June 20, 1912 — page 8: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Political Commentary on the 1912 Election This June 1912 *Life* editorial page discusses the Republican National Convention and presidential candidates. The text examines Roosevelt's political standing and mentions several figures: Roosevelt himself, Clark (likely House Speaker Champ Clark, a Democratic candidate), Taft (the incumbent president), and Root (likely Elihu Root, a prominent Republican). The editorial expresses skepticism about Roosevelt's chances and discusses potential Democratic nominees. It defends Speaker Clark against what the writer calls unfair "clairvoyant" speculation about him. The small cartoon illustrations (showing figures in period dress) are decorative rather than the main satirical focus—the real satire lies in the editorial's sardonic tone about candidate viability and party politics during this fractious election year.