Summary

Theodore Roosevelt was born into wealth as a result of the family's successful import-export business. A product of private schools and Yale University, Roosevelt seemed to exude plenty of the optimism that also characterized his cousin, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Theodore went all out for sports, the social life, symbolic acts of manhood such as hunting; he professed a real empathy and concern for the common, working man. As a child, Roosevelt earned the nickname of "Teedie" among his numerous cousins and extended family. Teedie was a strong, outgoing personality seemingly without fear compared with the measured, cautious demeanor of Taft who seemed naturally shy and self-possessed.

Taft was the perfect "good boy" as a child: he worked hard at his studies and at extracurricular activities, earning the approval of his peers and parents. Although Taft was not yet obese, his childhood...