155: The Life & Times of Warren G. Harding & The Teapot Dome Scandal
May 6, 2024
auto_awesome
Discover the fascinating rise and fall of Warren G. Harding, a charismatic president caught in the web of the infamous Teapot Dome scandal. Explore how his charm and political ambitions clashed with corruption from his friends in the 'Ohio Gang.' Unravel the intrigue surrounding key players, including Secretary of the Interior Albert Fall, and the bribes that rocked the nation. As Harding faces his final days, questions loom about his involvement in the scandal, leaving a lasting mark on American politics.
01:09:11
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Warren G. Harding's presidency was marked by a promised return to 'normalcy' after World War I, overshadowed by significant corruption within his administration.
The Teapot Dome scandal revealed deep-rooted corruption involving leased oil reserves and bribes, leading to intense congressional investigations.
Despite his popularity and charm, Harding faced significant personal struggles, including health issues and infidelity, which ultimately impacted his presidency and legacy.
Deep dives
The Dedicated Day: A Segregated Event
On May 30, 1922, the dedication of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. becomes a significant yet troubling event for Whitfield McKinley and other Black attendees. Whitfield, who has a history of public service and has lived through pivotal moments in American history, arrives with his wife, Kate, expecting to participate in a unifying celebration. However, they find themselves relegated to a segregated area that is distant from the main ceremony, highlighting the ongoing racial divisions in the country. The frustration escalates when a Marine uses a derogatory term towards them, igniting outrage among the Black attendees, who subsequently choose to leave the event despite the memorial's significance.
Warren G. Harding: From Humble Beginnings to President
Warren G. Harding's journey to the presidency begins in Blooming Grove, Ohio, where he is born to a supportive family and quickly becomes known for his intellect and ambition. After working as a newspaper man, he experiences early political involvement and ultimately ascends to the role of U.S. senator. Despite his charm and popularity, Harding also develops a reputation for being unable to resist temptation, leading to a pattern of extramarital affairs. His aspirations culminate in a campaign promising a return to 'normalcy,' reflecting the desires of a nation weary from World War I.
The Teapot Dome Scandal: Greed Uncovered
The Teapot Dome scandal emerges as a significant moment in Harding's presidency, revolving around oil reserves that were improperly leased to private companies under Secretary of the Interior Albert Fall. The scandal begins when Fall pushes to gain control of Navy oil reserves, utilizing his position to benefit oil magnates like Edward Doheny and Harry Sinclair. Fall's dealings involve bribes disguised as loans, creating a web of corruption that ultimately leads to widespread congressional investigations. As the scandal unravels, it raises questions about Harding's awareness and complicity in these illicit activities.
Harding's Downfall: Health and Controversy
As the burden of the Teapot Dome scandal weighs heavily on President Harding, issues with health begin to emerge during a grueling speaking tour in the summer of 1923. Despite warnings from allies, Harding continues to engage in extensive public appearances, exacerbating his physical stress and fatigue. During a trip to California, he experiences severe health complications and ultimately succumbs to a heart attack. His passing leaves the nation grappling with the unanswered questions around his presidency and the brewing scandal, setting the stage for his successor to inherit the fallout.
Aftermath: Trials and Tribulations
In the aftermath of the Teapot Dome scandal, President Harding's legacy faces extensive scrutiny during a series of congressional hearings which expose the depths of corruption in his administration. The scandal leads to significant trials, including the conviction of Albert Fall as the first cabinet member to be imprisoned for crimes committed while in office. The repercussions extend to other key figures involved, and further investigations reveal a pattern of government misconduct. This dark chapter in American history highlights the vulnerabilities within the political system, forever altering public trust in government.
“If you knew of a great scandal in our administration, would you for the good of the country and the party expose it publicly or would you bury it?”
This is the story of a brilliant man’s presidency and the greatest presidential scandal to precede Watergate. This is the story of Warren G. Harding and the Teapot Dome Scandal.
Growing up in Ohio, Warren–or little “Winnie,” as his mom calls him–shows his brilliance from day one. The smart, charismatic, and handsome boy grows up to become a newspaperman and falls in love with politics while reporting. He soon becomes a rising star, holding Ohio then national offices. Taking the reins of government after World War I, the Republican hopes to return the post-war, economically downtrodden, and fearful nation to “normalcy.”
But can he return the nation to “normalcy” while his friends in the “Ohio Gang” are making shady deals? And what does Warren know of these deals? Is he naive? Or is the several-times adulterous president, who copes with the stress of office through drink and gambling, in on it? That’s the question we’ll ask ourselves as we follow his less-than-a-full-term presidency.
