Why did Mark Twain hate Teddy Roosevelt?

In private writings, he was often even more vituperate regarding Roosevelt than in his published works. Here is a selection of some of his more strongly-worded criticisms: “Roosevelt is far and away the worst president we have ever had.” (April 3, 1906). read more

Granted, Roosevelt wanted to demonstrate his ability to "Speak softly and carry a big stick" - but I think he underestimated just how big of an insult it was to Japan to do what he did - they just beat Russia in the Russo-Japanese War, and were strong militarily. read more

An extraordinary unpublished manuscript, in which Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens) bitterly indicts the conduct and character of President Theodore Roosevelt. A butcher, a dive-keeper, a ruffian and a bully, Clemens asserts that Roosevelt is “The Head of the Greatest Nation on Earth” only by circumstances over which he had no control. read more