OK, here's my thinking for 1908:
Root does not have the charisma or the Progressivism to pull off a TR. He would keep up the 'big stick' policies, but wouldn't go for the convservation or the square deal or the trust busting to nearly the same extent, nor gain nearly the same popularity.
Thus there are some pretty rough strikes in the east, and railroads continue to abuse the west. Without a popular Roosevelt, I really don't think a more conservative Republican would grab the nations interest. Definately not enough to carry the western vote.
I think that the Roosevelt in 1912 scinario is incredibly unlikely for severall reasons: 1. There is a much less powerful Progressive branch of the Republican party. Many of them, including LaFollete, would probably have deffected by this point. 2. The recession would happen earlier not later then OTL. 2. Bryan wouldn't get blaimed for it, and would probably adopt more progressive meassures. 3. The local political bosses in New York HATED TR before he was president. That's why he was given the VP slot in the first place. He would not keep power in that state. Remember that the political machines had tons of power back then. 4. Cabot-Lodge is the naturall middle road choice between a very hard-nosed conservative Republican and TR. He is much more likely to gain the full 2/3rds vote in the convention. (note: I've spent hours upon hours studying conventions, I know how they work). 5. If Bryan is a disater, the Republicans would be more inclined to go with a less progressive canidate as to distance themselves from Bryan.
Here's my guess at a 1908 election Root V. Bryan. Democrats are Red, and win the electoral majority.
Root does not have the charisma or the Progressivism to pull off a TR. He would keep up the 'big stick' policies, but wouldn't go for the convservation or the square deal or the trust busting to nearly the same extent, nor gain nearly the same popularity.
Thus there are some pretty rough strikes in the east, and railroads continue to abuse the west. Without a popular Roosevelt, I really don't think a more conservative Republican would grab the nations interest. Definately not enough to carry the western vote.
I think that the Roosevelt in 1912 scinario is incredibly unlikely for severall reasons: 1. There is a much less powerful Progressive branch of the Republican party. Many of them, including LaFollete, would probably have deffected by this point. 2. The recession would happen earlier not later then OTL. 2. Bryan wouldn't get blaimed for it, and would probably adopt more progressive meassures. 3. The local political bosses in New York HATED TR before he was president. That's why he was given the VP slot in the first place. He would not keep power in that state. Remember that the political machines had tons of power back then. 4. Cabot-Lodge is the naturall middle road choice between a very hard-nosed conservative Republican and TR. He is much more likely to gain the full 2/3rds vote in the convention. (note: I've spent hours upon hours studying conventions, I know how they work). 5. If Bryan is a disater, the Republicans would be more inclined to go with a less progressive canidate as to distance themselves from Bryan.
Here's my guess at a 1908 election Root V. Bryan. Democrats are Red, and win the electoral majority.
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