Science News / The First Sound Bites

The presidential campaign, 1908-style. Hear early phonograph recordings.

Race for the White House in 1908View our special presentation, including audio of early phonograph recordings.(Flash Required) A. Nandy

When Bryan speaks, then I rejoice.

His is the strange composite voice

Of many million singing souls

Who make world-brotherhood their choice

— Vachel Lindsay, American poet, 1915

William Jennings Bryan was rarely at a loss for words. His impassioned oratory spellbound congressmen during his two terms in the U.S. House and thrilled thousands of voters during the presidential campaigns of 1896 and1900. But during his third run for the White House, 100 years ago, Bryan had trouble speaking in the intimacy of his own home.