Why was it a mistake for Taft to support Joe Cannon?

Taft's support for Joe Cannon, the powerful Speaker of the House, was a mistake because it alienated progressive Republicans who sought to reduce Cannon's influence and push for more reformist policies. By backing Cannon, Taft appeared to prioritize party loyalty over the progressive agenda, which undermined his credibility with reform-minded constituents. This miscalculation contributed to a rift within the Republican Party and weakened Taft’s own political standing, ultimately hindering his presidency and paving the way for Democratic gains in the following elections.