Robert LoFollette
Robert Marion LaFollette (Fighting Bob) from Wisconsin was the founder of the Progressive Movement. LaFollette enjoyed giving speeches and sometimes spoke for 15 hours in a day. His delivery was in the old Shakespearian style popular before radio. He was loud and demonstrative.
In Philadelphia on February 2, 1912, La Follette delivered a disastrous speech to the Periodical Publishers Banquet. He spoke for two hours before an audience of 500 nationally influential magazine editors and writers. It was said he was weak recovering from a bout of food poisoning. Whatever the reason, in the speech he lost his temper and went off the rails. Some said he had a nervous breakdown. He shook his fist at the audience who began walking out. Supporters said the speech made him look like a damn fool and ended any chance of a run for the Presidency. La Follette’s mental breakdown shifted progressive support to Roosevelt.
La Follette's family said he was distraught after learning his daughter Mary required surgery. She recovered, but his candidacy did not.
He ran for President in 1924 under a new Progressive Party run against Calvin Coolidge and Democratic candidate John Davis of West Virginia who democrats nominated on the 103rd ballot.
LaFollette, who backed a progressive tax plan and workers compensation, only won Wisconsin taking the states total of 13 electoral votes.