POD: 1908- Theodore Roosevelt announces his intention to run for re-election in an effort to get his 'Square Deal' plans passed. The business establishment of the Republican party fears another term of Roosevelt and backs Ohio senator and prominent opponent of the regulation of railroads, Joseph B. Foraker, for the nomination. A third prominent act entering the arena came from Vice-President Charles W. Fairbanks who attempted to capitalize on the situation by offering himself up as a moderate.
- The Republican convention continued throughout June 16th-19th and it quickly became clear that the nomination was deadlocked. Roosevelt stood well ahead of Foraker but Fairbanks took votes almost exclusively away from Roosevelt, leaving him just below the majority needed for the nomination. After ballot after ballot of deadlocked vote Foraker was urged to make a deal with Fairbanks by his business backers and so he did. Despite having many more supporters then Fairbanks himself, Foraker agreed to give Fairbanks his support in exchange for the VP spot.
- An outraged Roosevelt, believing he deserved the nomination, turns his back on the Republican party and announces his ambitions to run as an independent. Despite this 'independent' declaration, the little known Populist Party approached Roosevelt with an offer of their nomination if he would join their party. Roosevelt agreed and Thomas Edward Watson was made his VP.
- As the general campaign gets in full swing it becomes clear that Democratic nominee William Jennings Bryan, who essentially draws from the same support base as Roosevelt, is taking a back seat outside of the south.
- November 4, 1908, election night. William Jennings Bryan finishes a distant third in popular vote (22%) and wins 115 electoral votes (all from former confederate states). The remaining 338 EVs are left for a close battle between Roosevelt and Fairbanks, with 242 needed to secure the presidency. Roosevelt wins 163 of these giving him the major lead but not enough to secure victory. This leaves Fairbanks in last in EVs with 109 but second in popular vote (36%). Roosevelt receives 42% of the popular vote.
Fairbanks-Red, Jennings-Blue, Roosevelt-Brown
- The election now has to head to congress. Here Democrats, along with many Republicans, decide to back Roosevelt with Jennings urging and Theodore is reelected.
This is the beginning. As a prelude it will eventually effect the outcome of World War 1 (thus the great reich

)