Across the internet, hyperbole is run amok over the attempted assassination of Donald Trump; some claim his survival is a sign of divine intervention; others claim he is cut from the same mold as Theodore Roosevelt, and others yet claim the attempted assassination will change history.
As the facts surrounding Trump’s shooting continue to be revealed, I am reminded of Gwen Ifill’squotation regarding hyperbole: “Hyperbole is not easily dealt with. Usually, it collapses under its own weight.” And so, it will be regarding the Trump shooting, especially in its comparison to the attempted assassination of Theodore Roosevelt.
Let’s look at the attempted assassination of Theodore Roosevelt.
The assassination attempt against Roosevelt was carried out by John Flammang Schrank, variously described as a delusional New York saloonkeeper, on October 14, 1912. The shooting was a testament to the intense political climate of the early 20th century.
Roosevelt was in pursuit of the Progressive Party’s presidential nomination, having failed to gain the nomination of the Republican Party. Mr. Schrank attempted to kill TR by shooting him in the heart. Fortunately for TR, the bullet was impeded by his steel eyeglasses case and the bulky manuscript on which he had inscribed his speech.
Despite his wound, TR insisted on delivering his speech, beginning with his now famous line, “Ladies and gentlemen, I don’t know whether you fully understand that I have just been shot.”
Roosevelt’s bravery in delivering the speech was a testimony to his rugged persona:
- He led the Rough Riders during the Spanish-American War in Cuba in 1898, which showcased his adventurous spirit and leadership qualities.
- He served as Governor of New York before becoming President McKinley’s vice president. Following McKinley's assassination in 1901, he became the nation’s youngest president at age 42.
During his presidency, Roosevelt championed progressive reforms. He was a pivotal figure in the Progressive Era, enacting a domestic policy program known as the “Square Deal,” which focused on three fundamental ideas: conservation of natural resources, control of corporations, and consumer protection.
As president, TR —
· Was a trust-buster, seeking to break up large monopolies,
· He established numerous national parks and forests, highlighting his enduring belief in the need to curtail the monied class’s vast reach and prevent America’s natural beauty from being despoiled.
· Was instrumental in concluding the war between Russia and Japan (Feb. 1904-Sept. 1905). TR was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize (in 1906) for helping to negotiate an end to the war; the award exemplified his influence in global diplomacy.
Further, Roosevelt’s dynamic leadership and vision for the country profoundly impacted the direction of American policy and society. His (progressive) policies paved the way for future reforms, including FDR’s “New Deal. His belief that a strong federal government that regulates industry and protects citizens’ interests stands in marked contrast to Trump’s laissez-faire perspective.
TR’s contributions to progressive reform, environmental conservation, and international diplomacy underscore the potential loss the country would have faced had the attempt on his life been successful. His legacy as a robust and forward-thinking leader continues to be celebrated in American history.
While the attempt on Trump’s life was tragic, history alone will determine if his loss would have had the same profound impact on the nation as Roosevelt’s potential loss. Roosevelt’s contributions to the Progressive Era underscore the significant void his absence would have created. Only time will reveal whether the long-term historical analysis of Trump’s presidency and legacy will resonate with the same enduring influence that Roosevelt has maintained throughout American history.