The Republican platform favored Cuban independence and the creation of a government in Puerto Rico. He favored the construction of the Panama Canal and protective tariffs. The platform warned that businesses should not infringe on people's rights and interests. He was also in favor of equal voting rights for southern blacks. This last point made the TR extremely unpopular in the South and would have allowed Parker to win all the Southern states (“Roosevelt v. Parker” 1). TR would receive over $2 million to support his campaign from wealthy individuals such as Edward H. Harriman, Henry C. Frick, and JP Morgan. TR won the election against Democratic candidate Alton Parker by 336 votes to 140. Roosevelt won quite easily because most of them did not agree with Roosevelt's new progressive ideas. But that didn't matter. TR was extremely popular among the people and Congress was often forced to do what it wanted. It was rarely rejected (“The Life of Theodore Roosevelt,” par. 35). TR also kept Congress very busy. From President Lincoln to President McKinley there have been 158 executive orders. During TR's 7 years in office he issued 1,007 (Powell, par. He lived life as a rancher which allowed him to relate to the working class citizens of America. He always kept the best interest of the working class in mind and is He was fair to everyone. He put his foot down and spoke out against political corruption. When it came to foreign and domestic affairs, Teddy Roosevelt spoke softly but carried a big stick force when necessary, but often used persuasion to avoid conflict maintain tranquility in the world He did not let Congress push him around as he threatened Congress to pass the meat inspection and pure food and drug laws Ha showed strength and concern for the future by dismantling monopolies, building the Panama Canal, and preserving the land, Teddy Roosevelt kept the best interests of the average American working class in mind and through his persistence gave America a place