How The Bull Moose Party Got Its Name
It's often quoted when TR was asked how he felt running as a Progressive and not as a Republican, he said "I feel as fit as a Bull Moose.”
It didn't take long for the new 1912 Progressive Party to back its new nickname, “The Bull Moose Party.'” Bull Moose Campaign paraphernalia popped up everywhere. Buttons, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, anywhere they could plaster a bull moose.
Yet, what did TR mean when he said he was “Fit as a Bull Moose? At the time it was believed he was taking a shot at his Progressive rival Robert LaFollette. Everyone believed Lafollette was the 1912 Progressive movement choice to challenge Taft for the Republican nomination.
However, in Philadelphia on February 2nd La Follette ran into trouble. He was a fierce campaigner who loved giving speeches. That night he delivered a disastrous speech before an audience of 500 nationally influential magazine editors and writers who were attending the Periodical Publishers Banquet.
Some say “Fighting Joe” was weak recovering from a bout of food poisoning. Others said he was upset hearing the news his daughter needed surgery. Whatever it was those who were there said he had a nervous breakdown. He lost his temper, shouted, berated and shook his fist at the audience.
Many began to walk out. Supporters said the speech made him look like a damn fool and ended any chance to displace Taft.
Some saw TR’s comments as a jab at LaFollette. TR was up to the challenge and not off the rails like LaFollette. He was fit as a "Bull Moose.”