Who is Henry Cabot Lodge from The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt and what is their importance?

As a young man, Roosevelt meets Lodge when they travel from New York as representatives for the Republican National Convention. The candidate they both support receives little recognition nationally and they both give in and vote for Blaine as president. Lodge suffers some political disfavor asa result. Roosevelt, however, fails to care, as this occurs soon after the death of Alice; he retreats to the west.

Lodge remains a staunch supporter of Roosevelt and proves instrumental in Roosevelt's appointment in the navy and to the vice presidency.