Theodore Roosevelt

 He was a sickly kid who had debilitating asthma. As he grew older, his lifestyle changed and fought his issues. Roosevelt was able to combine his vibrant personality with a broad range of achievements and interests to create an "cowboy", persona that was marked by a the strength of his masculinity. He attended home school and started a lifelong naturalist avocation before attending Harvard College. The book The Naval War of 1812 (1882) established his reputation as a well-educated writer and historian. When he entered politics, Roosevelt became the leader of the reform-minded group of Republicans in the New York state legislature. He was emotionally devastated by the loss of his first wife and mother. He was able to recover by buying and operating an animal ranch in the Dakotas. Roosevelt served as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President McKinley, and in 1898 assisted in the planning of the highly successful naval war against Spain. Roosevelt resigned in order to create the Rough Riders and lead them. The unit was an enormous success for the media in fighting the Spanish army in Cuba. After returning as a war hero Roosevelt was elected as governor of New York in 1898. His plans for a bold and ambitious administration were denigrated by the New York state party leadership and McKinley chose him to be his running mate in the 1900 election. Roosevelt ran vigorously for office