About the Man
Unfortunately known for his weight, he is after all the heftiest president in history, Taft was always self conscious of his weight problems, something that followed him since childhood.
Taft’s presidency also wasn’t the most successful, even he admitted so, and that is supported by the fact that he gained fewer votes for reelection than any other incumbent. This, however, could be due to the fact that he was in a race against the popular Woodrow Wilson and the old stalwart back with a new party, Theodore Roosevelt.
Like many others who held office, though, Taft’s lasting legacy is left in what he did outside of office. It’s actually believed that he never wanted the presidency and that his wife and her ambitions pushed him into the oval office. He has been quoted as saying he was uncomfortable holding such office, and that he had always wanted to serve as Chief Justice on the Supreme Court. In fact, while he was president he had to appoint another for the position of Chief Justice. He appointed an older man to the position, many believe he did this because his appointee would not live as long and the position would open up after he left office.
Taft was a likable fellow with a cheery personality and a generous chuckle (hence the bright, happy color palette in his portrait). However, he was an unhappy man during his 4 years in office, but he regained his cheer after leaving office.
After leaving office, 8 years later, he did just that- he became Chief Justice. Taft is the only man to have led both the Executive and Judicial branches and was allegedly quoted as saying “The truth is that in my present life I don’t remember that I ever was president.” He considered his 9 years as Chief Justice his proudest achievement.
Taft served our nation well, though his time was unmemorable. Heavily criticized during his time in office for his disdain for rampant executive power, time has since shown Taft may not have been so wrong after all. So maybe he wasn’t great, but he wasn’t terrible either.
Taft was the first president to throw out the first pitch to inaugurate the baseball season.
Taft was the first president to preside over the 48 states, or the continental U.S.
