William Taft: Life, Presidency, and Legacy

William Howard Taft: The 27th US President

William Howard Taft served as America's 27th president from 1909 to 1913. Unlike many who aspire to the presidency, Taft's true passion lay elsewhere—in the judicial system, specifically the Supreme Court.

Though often remembered simply as the heaviest president (weighing over 300 pounds at times), Taft was much more than this trivial fact. He was an accomplished legal mind who brought significant experience to the White House.

Did you know? Taft was the last president to have facial hair while in office and the first president to take up golf as a hobby!

Pre-Presidency

Born September 15, 1857, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Taft showed academic excellence from early on. He graduated second in his class from both high school and Yale University before earning his law degree and passing the Bar in 1880.

After working as a lawyer, Taft's political career began when he was appointed US Solicitor General in 1890. He later became a judge on the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals—a position he genuinely enjoyed. His wife Helen (nicknamed "Nellie"), however, had presidential ambitions for him.

Taft's career took a significant turn in 1900 when he accepted the position of Governor General of the Philippines, a new U.S. protectorate. This international experience would prove valuable for his future roles.

Fun fact: Taft's wife Nellie was determined to become First Lady and pushed him toward the presidency, despite his preference for judicial work!

Building Experience in the Philippines

In the Philippines, Taft established himself as an effective administrator by building a civilian government from the ground up. He created schools, established a judicial system, and even drafted their constitution.

His success in the Philippines caught President Theodore Roosevelt's attention, who called Taft back to Washington to serve as his Secretary of War in 1904. The two had formed a friendship during Taft's earlier time in D.C., and this relationship would prove critical to Taft's political future.

When Roosevelt decided not to run for another term, he enthusiastically endorsed Taft as his successor. This powerful endorsement would be both a blessing and a curse for Taft's presidency.

Important context: Taft was generally well-liked by Filipinos, showing his ability to work effectively with different cultures and communities.

The Election of 1908

Riding on Roosevelt's popularity, Taft easily secured the Republican nomination with James S. Sherman as his running mate. He faced William Jennings Bryan, who was making his third presidential run for the Democrats.

Taft's campaign heavily emphasized continuing Roosevelt's popular policies. His campaign slogan cleverly stated, "Vote for Taft now, you can vote for Bryan anytime," mocking his opponent's multiple attempts at the presidency.

Despite finding campaigning uncomfortable (he once called it "one of the most uncomfortable four months of my life"), Taft won decisively. He secured 51.57% of the popular vote and 321 of the 483 electoral votes available at that time.

Campaign insight: The media frequently joked that "Taft" stood for "Take Advice From Theodore," highlighting how much he was seen as Roosevelt's handpicked successor.

Presidential Achievements

Taft made his most significant mark through his anti-trust actions. His administration pursued an impressive 99 trust prosecutions, including the famous breakups of Standard Oil and the American Tobacco Company—actually exceeding Roosevelt's "trust-busting" record.

Another notable achievement was Taft's appointment of six Supreme Court justices—the most by any president since George Washington. These appointments had lasting impacts on American jurisprudence.

Taft also successfully pushed for the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment, establishing the federal income tax. This new revenue source allowed the government to reduce tariffs while maintaining funding for important programs.

Historical perspective: Despite being overshadowed by Roosevelt, Taft's anti-trust record was actually more extensive, with his administration handling 99 trust violation cases!

Presidential Challenges

Despite his accomplishments, Taft faced significant challenges as president. One critical mistake was firing Gifford Pinchot, Roosevelt's friend and the Chief Forester of the United States, after Pinchot publicly criticized Taft's Interior Secretary Richard Ballinger over public land policy.

This decision proved disastrous for Taft's relationship with Roosevelt and deeply divided the Republican Party. The conflict centered on conservation policies, with Taft appearing to reverse Roosevelt's conservation efforts by reopening certain federal lands for development.

The growing rift with Roosevelt would ultimately doom Taft's chances for a successful second term and permanently damage their once-strong friendship.

Political lesson: Sometimes a single administrative decision can have enormous political consequences—the Pinchot firing changed the course of Taft's presidency and the Republican Party.

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

After losing his bid for reelection in 1912 (winning only two states), Taft taught law at Yale from 1913 to 1921. His career took a satisfying turn when President Harding appointed him Chief Justice of the Supreme Court—the position Taft had always truly desired.

Taft made history as the only person ever to serve as both President and Chief Justice. He thrived in this role, writing 253 opinions and improving the Court's efficiency. He also initiated plans for the Supreme Court Building that we recognize today.

On the Court, Taft found the professional fulfillment that had eluded him in the White House. His judicial temperament and legal mind were perfectly suited for this role.

Career insight: Taft's story teaches us that success often comes when we follow our true passions rather than others' expectations.

Legacy and Final Years

Taft's health began declining in late 1929, and he passed away on March 8, 1930, from heart disease, high blood pressure, and bladder inflammation. He became the first president to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

Though often reduced to trivia about his weight, in reality, Taft was athletic in his youth and lost about 90 pounds in the final decade of his life. His presidency, while not revolutionary, avoided major scandals and implemented several important reforms.

Taft's greatest legacy may be his demonstration that true satisfaction comes from following one's genuine interests. Despite achieving the presidency, Taft found his greatest fulfillment in the judiciary—proving that success is defined by personal satisfaction, not just prestigious titles.

Lasting impression: Taft's legacy shows that while he may not have been the most remarkable president, his overall service to America—especially on the Supreme Court—deserves more recognition than it typically receives.