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From Taft To Wilson: The Election of 1908
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Taft Bryan
William Howard Taft; Republican Candidate
William Jennings Bryan; Democratic Candidate

The 1908 presidential election was a contest between the Republican candiate William Howard Taft, and the Democratic candidate William Jennings Bryan. Taft was Theodore Roosevelt's hand-picked nominee when the outgoing president decided to keep his promise not to see another term. Bryan was the Democrat's nominee for the third time, having lost the election to his Republican opponent in 1896 and 1900. This was the first election in which both candidates made ample use of recording technology to release short versions of their popular stump speeches.

A more detailed examination of this topic is planned for the future. In the meantime, this small collection of images and sounds is presented.

 
William Jennings Bryan (Democrat)
William Jennings Bryan Giving a Campaign Speech
William Jennings Bryan Giving a Campaign Speech
Sheet Music: "Line Up For Bryan" (1908)
Sheet Music: "Line Up For Bryan" (1908)
Sheet Music: "Would You Rather Be a Tammany Tiger Than a Teddy Bear?" (1908)
Sheet Music: "Would You Rather Be a Tammany Tiger Than a Teddy Bear?" (1908)
   
Recordings:

 

 
William Howard Taft (Republican)

T.R.'s Pick Taft is Nominated in Chicago, Brooklyn Eagle, c. June 20, 1908
T.R.'s Pick Taft is Nominated in Chicago, Brooklyn Eagle, c. June 20, 1908
Will Taft We're Looking To You
Sheet Music: "Will Taft We're Looking To You: (1908)
   
Recordings:

 

 
 
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Last modified June 30, 2009
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