Theodore Roosevelt for the Defense

Publisher's Summary

“This trial and Roosevelt’s defense of his reputation on the stand, often under fierce questioning, is truly mesmerizing.” (Brian Kilmeade) 

The New York Times best-selling authors of Lincoln’s Last Trial take listeners inside the courtroom to witness the epic 1915 case in which Theodore Roosevelt, weighing one last presidential run, defended his integrity and challenged the political system.

“No more dramatic courtroom scene has ever been enacted”, reported the Syracuse Herald on May 22, 1915 as it covered “the greatest libel suit in history”, a battle fought between former president Theodore Roosevelt and the leader of the Republican party. 

Teddy Roosevelt, the boisterous, mostly beloved, and legendary American hero, had accused his former friend and ally, now turned rival, Republican Party leader William Barnes of political corruption. The furious Barnes responded by suing Roosevelt for an enormous sum that could have financially devastated him. The spectacle of Teddy Roosevelt, back from his near-death adventures on the River of Doubt, defending himself in a lawsuit captured the imagination of the nation. More than 50 newspapers sent reporters to cover the trial, which dominated the headlines for six weeks. It’s these long-forgotten accounts from inside and outside the courtroom, along with the full trial transcript, that give us Roosevelt in his own words and serve as the heart of Roosevelt for the Defense, bringing the Rough Rider to life. 

While the trial occurred more than a century ago, the partisan political climate, involving a former president who had angrily sued the media both during and after his presidency, is more timely and relevant than ever. 

“The Colonel” spent more than a week on the witness stand, revealing hidden secrets of the American political system and then endured a merciless cross-examination where he was accused of improper conduct and rank hypocrisy. Witnesses including a young Franklin D. Roosevelt, Alfred E. Smith, and a host of well-known political leaders were questioned by two of the most brilliant attorneys in the country. 

In the end, the trial wasn’t about money; this was Roosevelt’s final fight to defend his political legacy and perhaps regain his fading stature. He still harbored political dreams, and there were strong rumors that he intended to make one more run for the White House. Barnes had his own ambitions, planning to run for the US Senate. The hopes of both men depended on the outcome of this trial. 

Following the case through court transcripts, news reports, and other primary sources, New York Times best-selling authors Dan Abrams and David Fisher present a high-definition picture of the American legal system in a nation standing on the precipice of the Great War, with its former president fighting for the ideals he held dear. 

©2019 Dan Abrams (P)2019 Harlequin Enterprises, Limited

Critic Reviews

“This beautifully-wrought story of Theodore Roosevelt’s defense of his claims of corruption in New York State politics has intense echoes today. Abrams and Fisher do a superb job of clearly presenting the issues in this remarkable and intensely dramatic trial.” (Scott Turow) 

An Absorbing Read

As a resident of the Syracuse area, I had heard about this trial, but I’m grateful to Abrams and Fisher for bringing this amazing event back to “life.” The story was fascinating, the performance was excellent, and as a lawyer myself, I thought that the trial showed our system of justice at its very best.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

What is For the Polity What is for the Politician

Theodore Roosevelt for the Defense, The Courtroom Battle to Save His Legacy, by Dan Abrams, and David Fisher. Narrated by Roger Wayne and Dan Abrams. The is not a highly lauded work of art or study. It is a good primer on the civil trial process. It is not well read. It is though a good reader on political corruption; and that is where it’s worth and worthiness lies. Corrupt politicians can look not so bad, until you learn to discern what is for the polity as opposed what is for the politician to the detriment of the polity. This book provides the criteria for analysis of just that issue.

There is a lot going around these days as to what is political corruption and what is not evil politics. Messrs. Abrams and Fisher give us a very subtle but piercing look into how to valuate whether there is corruption. For that purpose alone, this is a book of our times.

7 of 13 people found this review helpful

Thrilling

I loved it, but then again, I was a trial lawyer for decades...not sure if that enthusiasm would be shared by a layperson

American legend gets expert narration.

A fascinating look into early 20th century machine politics and the legal system starring Teddy.

Great Teddy story

I had never heard this story about Teddy before. It was fascinating to listen to. He was defintely a man of character.