Pawn of the Kingmakers
By Paul Bacon

Harding's presidency was the handiwork of the original "smoke-filled room," an all-night assemblage of power brokers scheming to pick an electable candidate during the 1920 Republican convention. Approaching Harding in the wee hours, they reportedly asked if he had any embarrassing skeletons in his closet. Harding denied any possible impediments, neglecting to mention his weak heart, his repeated sanitarium visits, and his ongoing 10-year affair with a friend's wife, which one day would lead to blackmail.

His secret shortcomings would pale in comparison to those of his powerful handlers. "I have no trouble with my enemies," he said after taking office. "[It's] my . . . friends . . . that keeping me walking the floors nights!" His closest allies in government would be implicated in the Teapot Dome scandal, and his secretary of the interior would become the first executive cabinet member ever convicted and sent to prison.

Harding sought refuge from Washington during a cross-country speaking tour culminating in Alaska. When his ship ran afoul of a minor accident, the beleaguered president said, "I hope the ship sinks." Harding's wish was granted in a sense when later during the trip he ate a batch of bad crabs and died of ptomaine poisoning.