A dynamic history of the muckracking press and the first decade of the Progressive era as told through the intense friendship of Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft--a close relationship that strengthens both men before it ruptures in 1912 when they engage in a brutal fight for the presidential nomination that cripples the progressive wing of the Republican Party, causing Democrat Woodrow Wilson to be elected, and changing the country's history.

The hunter returns -- Will and Teedie -- The judge and the politician -- Nellie Herron Taft -- Edith Carrow Roosevelt -- The insider and the outsider -- The invention of McClure's -- "Like a boy on roller skates" -- Governor and Governor General -- "That damned cowboy is President" -- "The most famous woman in America" -- "A mission to perform" -- Toppling old bosses -- "Thank Heaven you are to be with me!" -- "A smile that won't come off" -- "Sitting on the lid" -- The American people reach a verdict -- "Cast into outer darkness" -- "To cut Mr. Taft in two!" -- Taft boom, Wall Street bust -- Kingmaker and king -- "A great stricken animal" -- A self-inflicted wound -- St. George and the dragon -- "The parting of the ways" -- "Like a war horse" -- "My hat is in the ring" -- "Bosom friends, bitter enemies" -- Armageddon -- Epilogue.