Chapter Twenty-Six - The President Who Didn’t Want to Be President

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

The President Who Didn’t Want to Be President

ALRIGHT.
SO WILLIAM Howard Taft.
Born in 1857, Ohio (of course), brainy, kind, methodical, and massive—topping out at over 300 pounds,
he was often portrayed as “the big guy who got stuck in a bathtub.”
(Spoiler: That story’s probably exaggerated—but the myth stuck.)

But Taft?
He was brilliant.
Lawyer. Judge. Administrator.
He served as Governor of the Philippines, Secretary of War, and was deeply respected for his calm, thoughtful leadership.

Only problem?

He didn’t want to be president.

His dream job?
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

But his BFF Teddy Roosevelt was like:

“Nah. You’re next. I’m handpicking you. The movement must go on.”

Taft, loyal to a fault, said:

“Alright.”

And in 1908, he won.

President #27.

And here’s the thing—
He actually did pretty well.

• Filed more antitrust lawsuits than Roosevelt
• Strengthened the Interstate Commerce Commission
• Expanded civil service protections
• Passed 16th Amendment (hello, federal income tax)
• Set up the groundwork for future labor and child protection laws

But Taft wasn’t a showman.
He didn’t flex.
He didn’t roar like Teddy.

So people?
They got bored.
And Teddy?
Got frustrated.

In 1912, Roosevelt stormed back onto the scene, furious at Taft for not being “progressive enough.”
Created the Bull Moose Party, split the Republican vote—

And handed the presidency to Woodrow Wilson.

Taft got crushed.
Only won two states.

But honestly?
He was kind of relieved.

Because in 1921, he finally got the gig he always wanted:

Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

And he loved it.
Thrived in it.
Served with dignity until his death in 1930.

He’s still the only person in history to serve as both President and Chief Justice.

So here’s to William Howard Taft.
The big man with a bigger brain.
The reluctant president who found peace in the law.

Rest in balance, Taft.
You didn’t chase the spotlight—
You earned your legacy in quiet.