Video: 'The American Presidential Election of 1908'

(Tuesday, November 3, 1908, during the United States presidential election, 1908) — Republican Secretary of War William Howard Taft of Ohio was elected President of the United States today, defeating three-time Democratic nominee, former Rep. William Jennings Bryan of Nebraska.

Taft and his running mate, Rep. James S. Sherman of New York, defeated Bryan and his running mate, former state Senator John W. Kern of Indiana, 51.57-43.04% in the national popular vote, which would result in a 321-162 victory in the Electoral College.

Popular incumbent President Theodore Roosevelt honored his promise not to seek a third term, and persuaded his close friend, Taft, to become his successor.

Taft and Sherman would be sworn in for four-year terms on March 4, 1909.