Theodore Roosevelt and The Teddy Bear
Roosevelt introduced "charisma" into the political equation. Part of that charisma comes from the Teddy Bear. It’s uniquely Roosevelt and the legacy of its appeal has turned TR into an international Icon.
It all begins in Bedford Stuyvesant Brooklyn at 404 Tompkins Avenue. That's the home of the bear's parents Rose and Morris Michtom who were two native born Jewish immigrants from Russia. The Teddy Bear is from Brooklyn….“who knew…?"
The Michtoms asked TR for his permission to sell stuffed bears using his name. After he gave them two thumbs up the Michtom’s were in business. It didn’t take long before Teddy Bears were flying off the shelf.
They became so popular the Micthoms sold their store and started selling Teddy Bears full time through their Ideal Novelty and Toy Company that eventually became “Ideal Toys.” TR used the Michtom’s Teddy Bear in his 1904 Presidential Campaign.
In TR's political career nothing comes close to the popularity and impact of the Teddy Bear. Most people aren't familiar with the Russo-Japanese War, but they know the Teddy Bear. It may have been their first toy as a kid, or the first toy they gave their children, or grandchildren, or great grandchildren. It may even have been given as a Valentine's Day gift.
During TR’s presidency the cartoon Bear was Roosevelt’s sidekick. It shared his adventures and celebrated his achievements. The little bear came to symbolize America side by side with Roosevelt busting trusts and fighting for the square deal.
TR is looking out over the Panama Canal with his binoculars at this side. While he's surveying the progress the little bear is looking through his binoculars trying to see what Roosevelt sees in the future.
In his 1904 run for the presidency TR used the Teddy Bear in campaign literature, cartoons and buttons. When the dust settled TR was elected by a remarkable 56%. No president since Grant had received more than 51%.
TR became a logo. To America he was the first president known by his initials. He was all “Bully, Delighted and Carry a Big Stick.” He had his own logo, eyeglasses, mustache and teeth. It was Roosevelt working the “Social Media” of the day.
The affection America had in their warm relationship between the Big Game Hunter and the small Teddy Bear exploded in voter popularity.
At a time in American where people voted the way they shot; TR manages to defeat Alton Parker by 56%. He wins by 2,500,000 votes. He takes all 32 northern states. His popularity was unmatched.
It was the popularity he needed to go up against the Senate's “Big Four” and Speaker Joe Cannon who said Roosevelt “cared as much for the Constitution as a tomcat does for a marriage license.”
No president mastered the imagination of the country more effectively than Roosevelt. The French said there were to amazing things in the United States. One was Niagara Falls, the other was Theodore Roosevelt.
