After two successful terms in office, Roosevelt "retired" from the political limelight and went off to Africa for some big-game hunting and then to Europe for a triumphant tour of European capitals. But he was never far from the eye of the press. Disapproving of his successor's efforts as president, Roosevelt reentered the political fray in 1912. He first tried to recapture the Republican nomination, but he was outmaneuvered by President William Howard Taft. Disenchanted Progressives turned to Roosevelt after their original choice, Robert La Follette, appeared physically unable to carry out the campaign. "Feeling fit as a bull moose," Roosevelt picked up the banner of progressivism and launched one of the most successful third-party campaigns in U.S. presidential election history against his old friend Taft. His candidacy as the Progressive "Bull Moose" Party nominee split the Republican vote, enabling Woodrow Wilson to become the...