1. Scandals and Corruption: Harding's administration was plagued by a series of scandals, including the Teapot Dome Scandal, which involved the leasing of government oil reserves to private companies in exchange for bribes and kickbacks. The scandals eroded public trust in the government and led to accusations of corruption and cronyism.
2.Weak Leadership: Harding was often criticized for his lack of strong leadership and decisiveness. He was seen as a passive president who lacked the political will and vision to tackle the pressing issues of his time. His leadership style was often described as "laissez-faire," which contributed to the perception of a lack of direction in his administration.
3. Economic Policies: Harding's economic policies were generally conservative and favored big businesses. He implemented policies that reduced taxes for the wealthy and corporations while opposing measures that would have benefited working-class Americans. This approach exacerbated economic inequality and failed to address the concerns of ordinary citizens struggling in the aftermath of World War I.
4. Isolationism in Foreign Policy: Harding's foreign policy was characterized by a strong emphasis on isolationism and a reluctance to engage in international affairs. While this approach appealed to some Americans weary of foreign entanglements, it prevented the United States from playing a more active role in addressing global challenges.
5. Appointments and Political Patronage: Harding made several questionable appointments to key government positions, often based on political loyalty rather than qualifications. This practice further undermined public confidence in his administration and contributed to the scandals and corruption that plagued his presidency.
Harding's failures and the scandals that occurred during his presidency cast a shadow over his legacy and raised concerns about the integrity and effectiveness of the government. His shortcomings as president ultimately led to a loss of faith in the Republican Party and contributed to the electoral victory of the Democrats in the 1922 congressional elections and the 1924 presidential election.