Pinback button promoting the Progressive Party and Theodore Roosevelt for president, 1912. Bastian Bros. Co., Rochester, New York.
1912 was a tumultuous year in presidential politics. When ex-president Theodore Roosevelt threw his "hat in the ring," all bets were off. Denied the nomination by the Republicans, who remained loyal to President Taft, Roosevelt bolted and ran as a Progressive. Asked whether he was prepared to mount a third party campaign, TR responded in typical colorful fashion, proclaiming he felt "as strong as a bull moose." Henceforth the animal became the party's mascot.
This pinback was worn by a supporter of Roosevelt in 1912.
