Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States, the youngest president to ever serve the office. The progressive movement was in full swing at the turn of the 20th century and President Roosevelt was the undisputed leader of the movement. He ushered in conservation of natural resources, fought for better labor standards and wages, broke up the “Trusts” monopolizing markets where prices were raised and wages lowered. He expanded America’s footprint on the world by expanding the Navy and building the Panama Canal. These are just a few progressive initiatives President Roosevelt pushed forward as President.

As Speaker of the Missouri House of Representatives, I regarded Theodore Roosevelt as a political mentor and developed a like minded political philosophy and leadership attitude. Of course, with leadership of this nature comes criticism.  Displayed in my Capitol office was President Roosevelt’s speech named “The Doer of Deeds”   in this speech Roosevelt states, “It is not the critic that counts, but the man in the area.”  From this speech I realized the “doer of deeds” is the one who counts.  People who visited the Speaker’s office would see the speech on the wall and comment, are you an admirer of Theodore Roosevelt? You sure do look like him! It was then that the idea of portraying President Theodore Roosevelt to civic groups and especially to the members of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association (MRTA) began to form.

After many Google searches and over $1600 spent on period clothing and accessories my costume was complete.  I sincerely hope you enjoy my performance of President Theodore Roosevelt.

As TR would have said, BULLY!!!!!!