The American Spirit: He rose quickly in politics. Roosevelt’s energy and personality were overwhelming and irresistible. After the war, his rise to Governor of NY and Vice President were absolutely mercurial. In 1901 an assassin’s bullet took the life of President McKinley, Roosevelt assumed the nation’s highest office and the world would change forever! Trust Buster, Conservationist, avid outdoorsman, and “international buckaroo”: TR was the true champion of American Exceptionalism. As he is the only man to receive both the Congressional Medal of Honor AND the Nobel Peace Prize, Theodore Roosevelt epitomizes the American Spirit.