What do we want from our Presidents?

Skeptical

Worried what government would get “us” into

Isolationist

Did not want to be part of European affairs

Conservative

Wanted things to be stable

Conservative serge vs. Progressive backlash

Many occupations early in life Teacher, insurance salesman, lawyer (none of which

he liked)

Did like the town of Marion, Ohio Enjoyed playing in the town band, roller skating (a new

craze at the time) and playing poker (while drinking)

Newspapers Was part owner and editor of the Marion Star

Suffered from a series of nervous breakdowns and visited the Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan

Was married to Florence Kling in 1891 (without her father’s permission – he hated Harding) Allegedly had a fifteen year affair with his friend’s

wife

In 1914 won the election for the Senate Was considered a “flip-flopper”

Had trouble with the battle over prohibition Liked to Drink, but also wanted to

get elected

Was the Dark Horse candidate in 1920 “Their ain’t any first-raters this

year.” – Frank Brandegee on the candidates for President in 1920

Harding won the presidency despite: reports of blackmail from

former lovers

heavy drinking in a time of prohibition

a past of nervous breakdowns and times spent in the asylum

Governor of Massachusetts “There is no right to

strike against the public safety by anybody, anywhere, anytime.”

Man of few words Sort of

Actually talked quite a bit when he wanted to, but kept a personal persona of keeping quite.

What was likeable about Harding?

What was the “Teapot Dome Scandal?”

What is meant by the phrase, “A man who builds a factory builds a temple. A man who works there, worships there?”

What is your view of the statement by the historian who said, “He (Harding) got along with the Senate, he was good with the budget, and I would ask, what more do you want?” What type of leadership do we want from our

Presidents?