That is the first I have ever read that Taft would have lost to Wilson. Is there data that supports that? Even if so, it is probably very questionable, because you have to examine how the race would have gone had the GOP united behind its President, with Teddy and his wing backing him. The dynamics change when another Republican is out there sniping at your nominee (see K.Rove vs. Christine O’Donnell for a recent example).
“That is the first I have ever read that Taft would have lost to Wilson. Is there data that supports that?”
i had read a book last year about Teddy and they obviously mentioned this race. Apparently Taft was becoming deeply unpopular with the rank and file of his own party as well as the electorate at large. i dont know if there was actual polling done (cannot remember what the book referenced). they did mention that Taft being a former judge wasnt really into the whole “politicking” thing. Teddy needed little coaxing by certain party officials who tried during the convention to “draft” him to be the nominee but it was blocked. Anyhow do i konw for certain that Taft would have lost in a two man race? No however based on this source (albiet it is just one that i have read) it appears that he would have.
at any rate obviously its all water under the bridge and Teddy definitely didnt help by running as a Third Party that is for sure