Teddy vs. Calvin (Which Republican President is the better conservative standard bearer?)

American Thinker ^ | 12/31/2011 | Troy Smith

[SeekAndFind]

Theodore Roosevelt seems to be in vogue among certain Republican contenders -- but his Republicanism might not be the most conservative brand available. In fact, a big ideological contender against Roosevelt is Calvin Coolidge, another Republican stalwart of the 20th century. Though these two men occupied the same political party, each embodies one side of a struggle between philosophical factions that continues today.

In summarizing his view of the proper role of the presidency, Roosevelt in his autobiography writes, "I declined to adopt the view that what was imperatively necessary for the Nation could not be done by the President unless he could find some specific authorization to do it"1.

In other words, Roosevelt rejected the notion that Article II defined his powers in the Constitution. If something needed to be done, according to Teddy, he should have the power to do it himself, unilaterally. In practical terms, this is a rejection of free-market capitalism and the separation of powers.

[cripplecreek]

Don’t even have to read to rule in favor of silent Cal.

[BenLurkin]

Coolidge was right about so many things. No wonder the public school commies bury his memory.

[gorush]

Upon taking office, Ronald Reagan found three presidential busts in the oval office. He removed FDR’s and replaced it with a bust of his favorite president, Calvin Coolidge.

[muir_redwoods]

Ironically, Coolidge was once the mayor of Northampton Massachusetts, possibly the bluest city in America. Give me Coolidge any day and keep (the Roosevelts, the both of them) and their clones and admirers away from office

[iowamark]

Are we talking about John Calvin again? Religion has just taken over FR!

[Sans-Culotte]

Unfortunately, the article ended up endorsing Ron Paul as Cal’s standard bearer.

[GonzoGOP]

Keep Cool With Coolidge

I used to be a big teddy fan, but he started a lot of stuff that didn't blow up until well after he was out of office. And it was his third party run that got us Wilson. And that is a sin that can never be forgiven.

[Sybeck1]

Man, hard to believe Calvin Coolidge was a truther, believing that the secret service blew up the Maine to get us in a war with Spain. (sarc)

[Texas Eagle]

[libertymaker]

Not even close- Coolidge.

[cripplecreek]

Do the day's work. If it be to protect the rights of the weak, whoever objects, do it. If it be to help a powerful corporation better to serve the people, whatever the opposition, do that. Expect to be called a stand-patter, but don't be a stand-patter. Expect to be called a demagogue, but don't be a demagogue. Don't hesitate to be as revolutionary as science. Don't hesitate to be as reactionary as the multiplication table. Don't expect to build up the weak by pulling down the strong. Don't hurry to legislate. Give administration a chance to catch up with legislation.

Have Faith in Massachusetts as delivered by Calvin Coolidge to the Massachusetts State Senate, 1914.

[xkaydet65]

TR could have given that portion of Coolidge’s speech.

[Happy Rain]

Calvin ended a pretty nasty recession almost overnight by having the government NOT do a damn thing.

[GenXteacher]

Silent Cal was awesome.

Lady: “I bet I can make you say more than two words.”

Coolidge: “You lose.”

[cripplecreek]

Anyone can give a speech but Roosevelt was a progressive scumbag who blew a lot of hot air and bullied to get his way.

[AceMineral]

TR was a follower of the British method of political executives: the executive can do anything not specifically prohibited by law. The German method of political executives: the executive can only do what is specifically provided for by law.

[rlmorel]

Exactly. This is even a question? There were some things to like about TR, but there is no comparison on principles and actions.

[cumbo78]

Judging TR, or any historical figure, by today’s standards, is misguided. He took over the Presidency at a time when a rapid expansion had created circumstances where the Federal Government HAD to step in. No food inspection, no child labor laws, widespread government corruption, particulary at the local level, unbelievable and unsafe living and working conditions, no enforcement of anti monopoly/trust laws; I could go on. TR did what needed to be done. A woefully ineducated populace was NOT equipped to take on any of these tasks. We could debate this all day, but know this; comparing TR and his actions as President and the atmosphere under which he governed to LBJ and the atmosphere under which he governed is simply ridiculous.

[M1903A1]

No, we're talking about a six-year-old kid with an all-wise stuffed tiger for a companion.

(Who is STILL way smarter than the average politician!)