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Friends,
As a child, I knew that Warren G. Harding held the dubious distinction of being America’s least beloved President. What grievous acts, I wondered, could have earned him this title above Andrew Jackson, whose signature adorned the Indian Removal Act that sent thousands of Cherokee on the deadly Trail of Tears?
Or
After his administration’s bungled burglary at Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent cover-up attempts, Richard Nixon became the only U.S. President to resign from office.
Or
When the stock market crashed in 1929, Herbert Hoover stood by as Americans lost their homes and livelihoods.
Or
President William H. Harrison, who served only 31 days.
Or
And under George W. Bush’s watch, America endured a recession, entanglement in two costly wars, and deepening cultural divides.
And yet, President Harding is continuously voted at the bottom of the list. Let’s examine some of the reasons why Harding has worn this crown of shame for so long.
Background
Warren G. Harding burst onto the scene on 2 November 1865, in Ohio—an area famous for its corn, but also home to this future President. Nicknamed ‘Winnie’ by his doting doctor parents, young Harding lived a charmed childhood, likely filled with the kind of wholesome mischief that would make any future politician proud.
Fast forward to age 14, when he decided to hit the books at Ohio Central College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1882, that’s right, folks—he was a science whiz before he stumbled into politics! After tossing his cap, Harding tried his hand at teaching in a country schoolhouse outside Marion, Ohio. Spoiler alert: he quickly realized that managing a classroom full of rowdy kids wasn’t his calling.
Next up on his career rollercoaster: law! And then insurance sales! And let’s not forget journalism at a local paper, because why not? In 1884, he and some pals decided to buy the Marion Star1, which turned out to be their golden ticket. Who knew that a bunch of friends buying a newspaper could set the stage for a future presidency? Talk about a plot twist!
Now, this is when things get exciting.
First Comes ‘Like’, Then Comes Marriage…
In 1891, Warren G. Harding found himself tying the knot with none other than Florence Mabel King DeWolf—a divorcee who was not only five years his senior but also came with a 10-year-old son. Talk about a package deal! But the real kicker? Florence’s father wasn’t exactly rolling out the welcome mat. In fact, he reportedly issued death threats to Harding. Now that’s what I call a family dinner gone wrong!
So, what had Warren done to deserve such a warm reception? Rumor had it that Harding had some black ancestry,2 which sent shockwaves through the high-society circles of the time. Interracial marriage was a definite no-no among the prominent white families, making Harding’s relationship with Florence a scandalous affair.
But hey, who needs a peaceful courtship when you can have dramatic threats and juicy gossip? It’s the kind of love story that would make even Shakespeare raise an eyebrow!
Florence wasn’t just a pretty face; she had a sharp business acumen that would make any CEO jealous! Meanwhile, Warren’s charm and loyalty won over his employees faster than a cat meme goes viral. This delightful combo was one of the secret sauces behind their marriage.
On the political front, Harding’s newspaper wasn’t just your run-of-the-mill rag; it was respected for its impartiality and fairness. Politicians actually valued his paper, which is a rare feat! With Florence’s savvy and Warren’s likability, they were the power couple of their time, proving that behind every successful man is a woman rolling her eyes and managing the books!
The Start of His Political Career
In 1899, Warren G. Harding stepped up to the plate and was elected to the Ohio State Senate, quickly becoming the majority leader. By 1903, he leveled up to Lieutenant Governor.
Fast forward to 1914, when Harding snagged the Ohio Senate primary for a seat in the U.S. Senate. His supporters pulled out all the stops, claiming that his opponent, Attorney General Timothy Hogan, was a Catholic who would hand the state over to the Pope. That’s right—nothing like a little religious fear-mongering to spice up a political campaign!
Once in the Senate, Harding became known as the ‘good fellow’—a title he earned not just for his charm but also for his impressive attendance record… or lack thereof. He missed more sessions than he attended, which, let’s be honest, is a talent in itself! But hey, who can blame him? Seems like he was following the current trend of politicians perfecting the art of showing up late—or not at all.3
However, his laid-back approach meant he sidestepped some pretty big issues, like the amendments on prohibition and suffrage. And when it came to President Woodrow Wilson’s proposal to join the League of Nations, Harding was a hard pass.
So, while he may have been the life of the party, he sure didn’t bring much to the political table!
Return to Normalcy
When Warren G. Harding was chosen as the Republican presidential nominee, it sent shockwaves across the nation—mainly because no one really knew who he was! It was like ordering a mystery box online and hoping for the best. But as Queen Elizabeth II might say, “Doing nothing is exactly what we are supposed to do,” and Harding was about to take that advice quite literally.
He ran a classic front porch campaign, which was basically the 1920s version of a social media blitz. His slogan? A “Return to Normalcy!” Because, let’s face it, after the chaos of World War I and the League of Nations debates, America was craving a little stability. He promised higher tariffs and revamped immigration requirements—because nothing says “normal” like a good ol’ economic squeeze!
But let’s be real: what’s so normal about this country? It’s like calling a circus a petting zoo! Still, Harding’s message resonated with folks who were desperate for a sense of stability in their lives.
Side Note:
Harding has often been dubbed one of the ‘worst presidents’ in history, yet his election remains one of the most significant popular votes ever.4 So, maybe doing nothing but promising a return to “normalcy” was the secret sauce after all! Who knew mediocrity could be so popular?
Fun Over Responsibility
President Warren G. Harding was a man of many ideas, particularly on civil rights and race. Yet, when it came to actually getting things done, he was about as decisive as Colonel Sanders deciding to tell us his secret recipe. You see, Harding was more of a ceremonial figure than a true leader—like the guy at a party who warms the couch while everyone else dances.
For Harding, the presidency seemed to be a leisurely pastime, much like his days in the Senate. He was the kind of leader who preferred to watch the world go by rather than take the wheel himself.
And let’s not forget his cabinet! Harding had all the control of a cat herding exercise. He avoided contentious issues like a kid avoiding vegetables, even as whispers of illegal activities within his administration began to bubble up in the press. While Harding himself managed to dodge any direct scandals, his cabinet was like a reality show waiting to happen—full of drama and controversy.
So, while Harding may have had the title of President, it often felt like he was just along for the ride, hoping no one noticed he was only holding the steering wheel for show!
He Didn’t Stay In The Shadows
Ah, the Teapot Dome Scandal—the political equivalent of accidentally leaving the oven on. It all kicked off when Secretary of the Interior Albert Fall decided that leasing public lands to oil companies would be a great way to score some “gifts.”
Spoiler alert: it wasn’t, and he ended up serving a year in prison, proving that what happens in Washington doesn’t always stay in Washington!
But wait, there’s more! Attorney General Harry Daugherty and several other officials were also caught in the murky waters of scandal, suspected of taking bribes during prohibition. It was a real-life game of “Who Wants to Be a Corrupt Politician?”
So while Harding was busy avoiding controversy, his cabinet was turning the administration into a reality show—complete with backroom deals and scandalous twists. Talk about a political soap opera!
I have no trouble with my enemies, But my damn friends … they’re the ones who keep me walking the floor nights.
President Harding
Nail In The Coffin
Just when you thought things couldn’t get any more dramatic for President Warren G. Harding, he found himself tangled up in a personal scandal that made the political mess look like child’s play! Amid all the chaos with his cabinet, Harding’s private life became a juicy headline.
Just as the public was trying to keep track of the Teapot Dome Scandal, they were also treated to a soap opera that had all the elements: love, betrayal, and a touch of political irony. It turns out that in the world of Harding, scandals weren’t just confined to the Oval Office—they could land right on his doorstep!
The More, The Merrier?
Just when you thought the political drama couldn’t get any juicier, enter Carrie Fulton Phillips, the wife of Harding’s good friend, James Phillips. That’s right—Harding was caught cheating on his wife in a way that would make today’s scandalous iPhone videos look like child’s play!
Instead of sneaky texts or secret Facebook accounts, Harding chose to express his affection on official Senate stationery. Yes, you read that correctly! Between 1910 and 1920, he penned love letters that would make any historian do a double-take. And to keep things spicy (and avoid getting caught), he cleverly used the code name “Jerry” for his… well, let’s just say he was trying to keep things under wraps.
Jerry came and will not go, says he loves you, that you are the only, only love worthwhile in all this world, and I must tell you so and a score or more of other fond things he suggests, but I spare you. You must not be annoyed. He is so utterly devoted that he only exists to give you all.
Harding- letters to Carrie Fulton Phillips
Oh, the letters…
As if the drama couldn’t get any thicker, Carrie Fulton Phillips had a game plan of her own. She threatened to expose Harding’s love letters unless she was compensated before he kicked off his presidential campaign. Talk about a high-stakes negotiation!
In a move that would make any political strategist proud (or cringe), the Republican Party was well aware of the situation and quickly decided to pay her off. They agreed to a whopping $20,000 in hush money—a hefty sum back then! On top of that, she was promised a monthly stipend to keep her quiet.5
But they didn’t stop there. To really ensure she wouldn’t spill the beans, Carrie and her husband were whisked away on an all-expense-paid vacation overseas, effectively removing them from the scene until after the election. It was the ultimate political cover-up, with all the flair of a Hollywood script!
So while Harding was busy trying to charm the nation with promises of a “Return to Normalcy,” behind the scenes, he was navigating a scandal that could make or break his campaign. It’s a classic case of politics making strange bedfellows—literally!
The Triangle
You are unlikely to be familiar with Nan Britton if you believe that the Clinton/Lewinsky Oval Office extracurricular activities were the only noteworthy sexual scandals from the White House.
At the same time that Harding was involved with Carrie Phillips, he was also seeing Nan Britton, a striking blonde nearly 30 years his junior. Harding played a pivotal role in securing a position for Britton at the U.S. Steel Corporation in Washington, D.C., facilitating their frequent meetings at the White House..6
As a result of his relationship with Nan Britton, Elizabeth A. Britton was born on October 22, 1919. Although Harding never officially acknowledged paternity, believing himself to be infertile, he nonetheless provided monthly financial support for the child—payments discreetly handled by the Secret Service.7
Harding was, by all accounts, a popular President. He loved alcohol (even though he voted for prohibition) and his mistresses.
Off To Alaska
In an effort to restore public confidence, he and his wife, Florence, planned a trip to address the nation directly, aiming to clarify his policies and reaffirm his commitment to the American people. They decided to focus their journey on the West Coast and Alaska, which was still a territory at the time, believing that this tour would help reconnect Harding with the citizens he served and mitigate the growing concerns about his presidency.
On the return journey from Alaska, Warren G. Harding fell ill on the train, with doctors initially diagnosing him with food poisoning. Concerned for his health, they decided to divert the train to San Francisco for further medical attention. Upon arriving in the city, Harding wasted no time; he stepped off the train and was whisked away to the luxurious Palace Hotel. This decision marked a critical moment in his final days, as the health crisis that had begun on the train would soon escalate….
For several days, a team of doctors closely monitored President Harding, who they surrounded like vultures. On 2 August, there was a glimmer of hope as he appeared to be on the road to recovery. However, later that evening, while Florence read to him in their bedroom, tragedy struck. Just after 7 p.m., Harding suddenly slumped over in bed, and despite the efforts to revive him, he passed away.
According to published accounts, Harding died after suffering a stroke. A Stanford University President, Dr. Ray Lyman Wilbur, was at the hotel when Harding arrived for treatment, and he recounted the strange events that occurred:
We shall never know exactly the immediate cause of President Harding’s death since every effort to secure an autopsy met with complete and final refusal. –Dr. R. L. Wilbur
The community, upset by the unexpected death of a popular President, took out its irritation on the doctors, blaming them for the President’s death.
We were belabored and attacked by newspapers antagonistic to Harding, and by cranks, quacks, antivivisectionists, nature healers, the Dr. Albert Abrams electronic-diagnosis group, and many others. We were accused of starving the President to death, of feeding him to death, of assisting in slowly poisoning him, and of plying him to death with pills and purgatives. We were accused of being abysmally ignorant, stupid and incompetent, and even of malpractice. –Dr. R.L. Wilbur
Questionable Practices
However, there are many conflicting theories.
“It was a heart attack,” said historian Robert Ferrell in a 1996 interview with C-SPAN8, discussing his book, The Strange Deaths of President Harding. “The suddenness of his passing ruled out a stroke”.
Another theory, according to presidential biographer Carl Anthony, is that Sawyer gave Harding purgatives to speed his recovery. According to him, Sawyer, who was not a licensed physician, may have exacerbated Harding’s condition.
The evidence makes it plausible that (Sawyer) accidentally provoked the death of the president with a final, fatal overdose of his mysterious purgatives,” Anthony said in a 1998 interview promoting a book on Florence Harding, “pushing the man’s already weakened heart into cardiac arrest.”9
Florence Harding’s decision to skip an autopsy for her husband and embalm his body just one hour after he died in 1923 sparked a flurry of rumors.
In 1930, Harry M. Daugherty released a book titled The Inside Story of the Harding Tragedy. In it, Daugherty alleged that Florence Harding had poisoned her husband, further contributing to the intrigue surrounding Harding’s death and the scandals of his presidency. 10
Amid swirling rumors and scandals surrounding his presidency, Warren G. Harding made a significant decision about his legacy. He bequeathed the bulk of his estate, valued at approximately $850,000, to his wife. This act not only solidified her financial security but also hinted at a deeper trust between them, even amid public speculation about their relationship.
The Story that Keeps on Giving
What happened to Harding’s love child? Glad you asked.
Following Harding’s death, Nan Britton wrote what is considered to be the first kiss-and-tell book, The President’s Daughter, published in 1927.11 One famous passage told of them having sex in a coat closet in the executive office of the White House.
Despite Harding’s promise to financially support their daughter, Florence, Harding’s wife refused to do so after his sudden death. According to Nan, she wrote her book to earn money for her daughter and to raise awareness of the rights of illegitimate children.
She later filed a lawsuit (Britton v. Klunk) for $50,000 against Charles Kunk, who responded negatively to Nan’s book, calling her a degenerate. Despite her best efforts, she could not provide concrete evidence and was shaken by Congressman Grant Mouser’s vicious personal attacks during cross-examination. She eventually lost the case.
In her final years, Nan Britton settled in Sandy, Oregon, where she lived until her passing in 1991. Throughout her life, she steadfastly maintained that Warren G. Harding was the father of her daughter, Elizabeth. This assertion, long surrounded by speculation, gained definitive confirmation in 2015 when Ancestry.com conducted DNA testing. 12
Genetic evidence revealed an undeniable connection, proving that Elizabeth was indeed Harding’s daughter. This revelation not only validated Nan’s claims but also added a fascinating layer to the legacy of one of America’s most controversial presidents.
Final Thoughts
In the wake of Harding’s death, scandals continued to surface involving various government agencies. Still, it was the myriad tales surrounding his illness and sudden demise that sparked debate for decades. Amid corruption, extramarital affairs, a seemingly passive President who allowed his administration to spiral out of control, and a frustrated First Lady, the narrative became increasingly sensational.
With rumors of food poisoning and a failing heart swirling around, it’s perplexing that Harding consistently ranks among the worst presidents in history. Yet, despite the complexities and contradictions of his tenure, he remains a figure who captures historians’ imagination, drawing them into a compelling saga of political turmoil and personal intrigue.
Until next time, Keep Reading and Stay Caffeinated.
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More Blogs to Explore
Footnotes:
- Warren G. Harding: A newspaperman who became the president ↩︎
- Was Warren G. Harding America’s First Black President? – 2008 – Question of the Month – Jim Crow Museum ↩︎
- Warren G. Harding: Impact and Legacy | Miller Center ↩︎
- President Harding – Harding Presidential Sites ↩︎
- America’s Horniest President – POLITICO Magazine ↩︎
- Warren G. Harding: Family Life | Miller Center
↩︎ - The Multiple Scandals of President Warren G. Harding ↩︎
- Generations later, President Warren Harding’s sudden death recalled | Constitution Center ↩︎
- Harding’s death remains a subject of interest, 93 years later | Constitution Center ↩︎
- The ‘strange’ death of Warren G. Harding | PBS News ↩︎
- Troubled Presidency’s Scandalous Footnote – Los Angeles Times ↩︎
- DNA Test Proves Family’s Link to President Harding ↩︎
Sources
https://yesterdaysamerica.com/warren-hardings-forgotten-years-as-a-journalist/
https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/warren-g-harding/
https://www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/warren-g-harding
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Warren-G-Harding
https://constitutioncenter.org/blog/after-90-years-president-warren-hardings-death-still-unsettled
Fact Vs. Fiction – Harding Presidential Sites
U.S. Attorney General Harry M. Daugherty’s Aide Commits Suicide | Research Starters | EBSCO Research
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