Of the forty-five presidents the United States has witness, the one that has received the least amount of attention and recognition would be Warren G. Harding. During Harding’s short-lived presidency, Harding took part in scandals and affairs that decremented his reputation as a leader. The Harding election was the result of a much needed end to highly popular party boss politics that had great influence over the campaigns (Faykosh). Party Bosses were responsible for the corruption, fraud, and propaganda that took place during the elections. The problems that Harding faced during his election have shaped the foundation of our current political system and have allowed for presidents to learn from his mistakes.
Early Life:
Warren Gamaliel Harding,
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He enjoyed attending brothels, participating in extramarital affairs, and illegally using alcohol during the prohibition. Not only did he take part in these activities, but he was also involved in several presidential scandals that negatively impacted his election. The scandals included the Teapot Dome Scandal, the Veterans' Bureau Scandal, and the suicide of an administration official accused of a mistake in office. The American public were not even told of these event until about a year after his mysterious death in office (Young). The most surprising of affairs was his personal relationship with Carrie Phillips. Phillips was the wife of one of Harding’s closest friends and they continued their affair on and off until the Republican National committee sent her to Japan (Warren G. Harding: Family Life). This affair was not made known until decades later when relatives released journals and letters that unveiled their secret love affair. He committed other acts of adultery as well but none were as popular as his affair with Carrie Phillip’s. Harding passed away under mysterious circumstances on August 2nd, 1923 on his way back from a trip to Alaska. His wife, Florence flustered by his scandals and eager to protect the former presidents’ reputation, refused an autopsy and had a quick burrial. The cause of his death is still questioned today, most people believe he either suffered from a stroke or a heart attack (“After 91