Warren Gamaliel Harding (November 2, 1865 – August 2, 1923) was an American politician and the 29th President of the United States, from 1921 to 1923, when he became the sixth president to die in office. His political leanings were conservative, which enabled him to become the compromise choice at the 1920 Republican National Convention. In the 1920 election, he coined the phrase "return to normalcy" and defeated his Democratic opponent, James M. Cox, in a landslide, 60.36% to 34.19%.
Harding died in office San Francisco, California, not quite 2 1/2 years into his term. His presidency is remembered for its corruption (including the "Teapot Dome" affair), and Harding's inability to stop it. Indeed, even Harding admitted he was not fit for the office. After his death, the revelation of numerous extramarital affairs, at least one of which was carried out in the White House itself, further led to his being regarded as one of the weakest US Presidents.
Harding has more recently been praised for his support of programs to benefit black people, in contrast to the blatant racism of his predecessor Woodrow Wilson.
