Warren Harding (original) (raw)

29th President of the United States

Under the Constitution of 1787

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Warren Gamaliel Harding (1865–1923) rose from humble beginnings in Ohio to become the 29th President of the United States, embodying Republican values of economic growth, reduced government intervention, and traditional American ideals. Born on November 2, 1865, near Blooming Grove, Ohio, Harding was the first child of George Tryon Harding II, a Civil War veteran and rural doctor, and Phoebe Dickerson Harding, a devoutly religious woman who worked as a midwife out of financial necessity. From his early years, Harding’s character was shaped by a hardworking family and his small-town upbringing.

As a boy, Harding attended local schools, worked on his family’s farm, and developed an interest in printing through work at a local newspaper. His small-town values and work ethic made a lasting impact. After graduating from Ohio Central College in 1882, he moved to Marion, Ohio, which would become his lifelong home and political base. In Marion, Harding explored various professions, including teaching and law, but his passion lay in the newspaper business. After a brief stint at the Marion Democratic Mirror, Harding took a chance in 1884, purchasing a struggling local paper, the Marion Star. With hard work, and aided by his future wife, Florence Kling DeWolfe—a savvy businesswoman and the daughter of a prominent banker—Harding turned the Star into a thriving daily. Under Florence's management, the paper flourished, helping establish Harding as a respected and successful member of Marion’s community.

President Warren G. Harding elegant silk pajamas with monogram embroidered on the pocket.

As his business prospered, Harding expanded his social and political influence, joining local organizations like the Masons, the Elks, and various business boards, and honing his skill as a public speaker. His warm, approachable personality and ability to connect with people led to an invitation from Ohio Republican political strategist Harry M. Daugherty, who recognized Harding’s potential and helped him gain traction in Ohio’s Republican Party. In 1899, Harding was elected to the Ohio State Senate, launching a political career rooted in the Republican ideals of economic growth and limited government. He quickly became a respected figure in Columbus and was chosen as Republican floor leader. In 1902, he was elected lieutenant governor of Ohio, a role that expanded his public profile.

Harding’s rise continued as he was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1914. Though he was not known for legislative accomplishments, he was a popular figure, known for his genial nature and oratory skills. He was a strong Republican voice, supporting the party’s conservative stances on limited government, protective tariffs, and national security. His Senate years were marked by loyalty to the party and a reputation for working across the aisle when possible, though he avoided major controversies and preferred to let his actions speak for his values.

In 1920, as the Republican Party sought a candidate who could appeal to a nation weary of Progressive reforms and war, Harding emerged as a unifying choice. At the Republican National Convention, Harding’s friend and mentor, Daugherty, persuaded delegates that Harding was the best candidate to restore “normalcy” to America. Nominated on the 10th ballot, Harding conducted a “front porch campaign” from his home in Marion, appealing to traditional Republican values and pledging to reduce government’s role in daily life. With his stance on the League of Nations intentionally ambiguous, he garnered widespread support. His message of stability and a “return to normalcy” resonated with voters, leading to a landslide victory over Democrat James M. Cox.

As president, Harding championed Republican policies that fostered economic growth and individual enterprise. His administration followed the party’s commitment to reduced taxes, high tariffs to protect American industries, and deregulation of wartime controls. These actions spurred a period of post-war economic recovery, and the country appeared to be on the path to prosperity. Harding signed laws that rolled back Progressive policies and set new restrictions on immigration, reflecting Republican concerns about cultural cohesion and national security. He was known for his openness and hospitality, creating an informal atmosphere at the White House, where he hosted frequent poker games and gatherings. He was committed to uniting the country, appointing a racially diverse cabinet and advocating for an anti-lynching bill, though Congress failed to pass it.

However, Harding’s administration faced challenges. While his close associates—the so-called “Ohio Gang”—played an influential role in his administration, some became embroiled in scandals. Unbeknownst to Harding, corruption plagued several government agencies, including the Veterans’ Bureau, the Department of Justice, and most famously, the Teapot Dome scandal within the Interior Department. While Harding remained personally untainted, his trust in those around him allowed corruption to grow, undermining his administration’s legacy.

In the summer of 1923, amid signs of strain and ill health, Harding embarked on a cross-country “Voyage of Understanding” to reconnect with Americans and rally support for his policies. He reached Alaska—the first sitting president to visit the territory—and was met with enthusiasm, though his health continued to deteriorate. On August 2, 1923, while staying at a hotel in San Francisco, Harding suffered a fatal heart attack, dying suddenly at the age of 57. His death shocked the nation, and news of the scandals that soon emerged cast a shadow over his legacy.

Despite the controversies, Warren Harding's presidency remains a testament to traditional Republican ideals of economic growth, self-reliance, and national pride. Harding had aimed to stabilize and unify the nation after the upheaval of World War I and Progressive reform. He left a legacy of dedication to the party and to the values he believed in, even as his administration’s struggles revealed the challenges of leadership in a rapidly changing America.

Florence Mabel Kling Harding

August 15, 1860 – November 21, 1924

Florence Mabel Kling Harding (August 15, 1860 – November 21, 1924) was a pioneering First Lady of the United States from 1921 to 1923, known for her strong-willed, independent spirit and her unprecedented influence on her husband’s political career and public image. Born and raised in Marion, Ohio, Florence was the daughter of Amos Kling, a successful but domineering businessman, and Louisa Bouton Kling. Her father, a wealthy and strict figure in Marion, exerted considerable control over Florence’s life, but her determined personality led her to forge her own path.

From an early age, Florence exhibited a fierce independence and tenacity, qualities that would later define her role as First Lady. Her life was unconventional for a woman of her time. Defying her father’s strict expectations, Florence briefly attended the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and even attempted an early marriage, though it ended unsuccessfully. Returning to Marion, she found her way into the publishing industry, gaining valuable business experience that would later prove essential.

In the early 1880s, Florence crossed paths with Warren G. Harding, a local newspaper editor who shared her ambition and drive. Despite her father’s disapproval of Harding, Florence married him on July 8, 1891. Together, they built a partnership that went far beyond the traditional marital roles of the time. Florence played an instrumental role in transforming Harding’s newspaper, The Marion Star, into a profitable and influential publication, taking charge of business operations and actively involving herself in decisions. Her acumen helped the newspaper grow, and it became a respected voice in Marion.

Florence’s partnership with Warren also extended into politics. She was deeply involved in his campaigns and used her connections to network on his behalf. Florence supported his rise through Ohio’s political ranks and became his most trusted advisor, overseeing everything from his speeches to his public appearances. Florence’s strength and intelligence were well known to those around them, and she became known as "The Duchess," a nickname Harding affectionately used to acknowledge her commanding presence and confidence.

When Warren was elected to the U.S. Senate and later to the presidency in 1920, Florence took on her new role as First Lady with enthusiasm and purpose. Unlike her predecessors, Florence saw herself as a partner in her husband’s administration, breaking new ground in how First Ladies could shape the executive office. She was one of the first First Ladies to hire a personal secretary and hold press conferences, engaging directly with the media to promote the administration’s image and achievements. Her influence was evident in nearly every aspect of Harding’s presidency, from his policy stances to his public image, and she was a driving force in his efforts to connect with the American people.

As First Lady, Florence championed issues close to her heart, particularly health care and veterans' rights. Having struggled with her own health challenges, including a kidney condition, Florence advocated for better medical care for American soldiers returning from World War I and pushed for improved treatment and recognition for veterans. She hosted veterans at the White House and used her platform to raise awareness about their needs, becoming one of the first First Ladies to adopt such a prominent advocacy role. Her work in this area helped to set a precedent for future First Ladies who would take on social causes.

Florence was also a modernizer, known for her progressive views on women’s rights. Although she did not publicly campaign for women’s suffrage, Florence encouraged women to take an active role in public life and supported the idea of women engaging in politics and community leadership. Her strong opinions and assertive style challenged traditional notions of the First Lady’s role, earning her both admiration and criticism. Her fashion sense and sophistication made her a prominent social figure in Washington, and her opinions on everything from politics to style were widely covered in the press. Her presence and candor endeared her to many Americans, who saw her as a relatable and approachable figure.

Florence’s tenure as First Lady was cut short by the sudden death of President Harding on August 2, 1923, while he was visiting San Francisco. Florence was devastated by his passing, and her health, which had been fragile, further deteriorated. Nonetheless, she remained active in managing his legacy, becoming one of the first presidential widows to speak publicly in defense of her husband. Florence worked tirelessly to protect Harding’s reputation, especially as scandals within his administration, such as the infamous Teapot Dome scandal, began to emerge. She believed deeply in the ideals of loyalty and legacy, and she sought to preserve her husband’s memory as best she could, despite the criticisms that arose in the months following his death.

Florence Harding herself passed away on November 21, 1924, at the age of 64. She was laid to rest beside her husband in Marion, Ohio. Despite her relatively short time in the White House, Florence left an enduring legacy as a bold, influential, and forward-thinking First Lady who redefined the role for future generations. Her active participation in her husband’s administration, her advocacy for veterans and health care, and her support for women’s public engagement laid the groundwork for a new kind of First Lady—one who used her position to impact both policy and public perception. Florence Harding’s life, marked by resilience, ambition, and loyalty, remains a testament to her role as a transformative figure in American political history.

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