Teddy Roosevelt Bull Moosed His Way Through An Assassination Attempt

By | January 31, 2019

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Theodore Roosevelt was waving his hat to the crowd just like this when an assassin shot him. Source: (Topical Press Agency/Getty Images)

Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, had a reputation for being a tough-as-nails, man’s man. He led the Rough Riders in the Spanish-American War, hunted big game, and explored the Amazon and engaged in a bunch of rugged, outdoorsy, cowboy-like stuff. In short, Roosevelt was the very picture of masculinity. So it may come as no surprise that Theodore Roosevelt was once shot in the chest just prior to delivering a campaign speech, but he didn’t let it stop him. He delivered the lengthy speech…nearly an hour and a half…before seeking medical treatment. Here is the time that Teddy Roosevelt bull moosed his way through an assassination attempt

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Roosevelt delivered an 84 minute speech right after he was shot. Source: (businessinsider.com)

Roosevelt Went Off Script to Start His Speech

Roosevelt had a speech prepared to deliver to the crowds at the Milwaukee Auditorium on October 14, 1912. Roosevelt was in town campaigning for his third term as president of the United States. His speech…all 50 pages of it…was folded up and safely stored in his vest pocket. But when he started his speech, he went off script. He said, “Friends, I shall ask you to be as quiet as possible. I don’t know whether you fully understand that I have just been shot.”