Question

Why did Taft’s opponent in the 1908 presidential race claim that Taft was running two campaigns?
Taft campaigned as a progressive Republican in the West and a conservative Republican in the East.
Taft planned to continue Roosevelt’s policies and introduce some of Bryant’s policies as president.
Taft campaigned as a Republican in some states and as a Democrat in others.
Taft encouraged progressive Republicans to join the Democratic Party.

Answer 1

Taft campaigned as a progressive Republican in the West and a conservative Republican in the East.

Bryan accused him of tailoring different messages to different regions—appealing to reformers out West while courting business and conservative voters in the East—hence “two campaigns.”