Episode 5: Pay to Play
With the 1904 election approaching, President Roosevelt faces the challenge of winning a full term in his own right. Roosevelt choses Cortelyou to run the campaign. It's an unexpected move, raising eyebrows among party bosses, especially the grizzled political boss Marcus Hanna, who scoffs in a backroom thick with cigar smoke. “The man is too clean for the job.”
At first, Roosevelt subtly directs the campaign from behind the curtain, with Cortelyou merely executing orders. But as Cortelyou begins applying his precise methods - mapping voter behavior, coordinating rail stops and talking points, and managing press coverage like a conductor leading an orchestra - Roosevelt just watches, impressed.
But success draws scrutiny. Political cartoons and newspaper editorials accuse Cortelyou of leveraging his role as Commerce Secretary to extract contributions from corporate giants. The infamous Puck Magazine illustration shows him “squeezing the trusts.” Roosevelt, unnerved, writes a letter of concern to Cortelyou. Cortelyou is offended by the President’s insinuations and makes it known to TR: “Everything you write down goes to history.” It lands hard.
Meanwhile, Edith Roosevelt and Lilly Cortelyou take on a mission of their own. Troubled by rumors of mistreatment at Ellis Island, they visit in person. On the ferry ride over, Lilly remarks, “It’s one thing to read about it - it’s another to see it with your own eyes.” Once there, they witness frightened young immigrant women being interrogated by male officials, often without translation or privacy. Edith, normally composed, is visibly shaken. “This can’t continue,” she says. The scene plants the roots of policy reform - which Cortelyou later implements.
Meanwhile, out West, Roosevelt boards a Pullman campaign train. He delivers fiery speeches at every stop, his voice echoing off depot walls. Between stops, he often chats with the Black Pullman porters, sharing a joke and respect.
In one scene, T.R. is about to address a crowd gathered at the back of the stopped train, but he forgets his notes (usually provided by Cortelyou ahead of time). Not sure what local dignitaries to thank, he bumbles along thanking just about everyone.
Election night arrives. Cortelyou is at headquarters. The Roosevelt family and Lilly Cortelyou gather to watch returns by flickering lamplight. As the numbers pour in, the room swells with disbelief - to be continued.