G.O.P. LEADERS INTENDED TO DROP COOLIDGE FROM NATIONAL TICKET IN '24
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On August 12, 1923, Robert T. Small reports in The Sunday Star that Republican leaders, gathered now here in the Nation's Capital, had previously decided to "shelve" Calvin Coolidge as President Warren G. Harding's running mate in 1924 but now with the former's ascendancy to the presidency "the whole picture is changed."
Small writes...
"It has been one of the most dramatic switches in a presidential situation ever known in Washington."
The circumstances before Mr. Harding's death was that, in the view of G.O.P. leaders, Mr. Coolidge would not lend any "particular strength" to the ticket. In his place, they were considering a "good man from the west" who would add a progressive touch to the national ticket.
JFK+50
Mr. Small does not identify any particular progressive republicans that GOP leaders might have considered to replace Coolidge on the 1924 ticket. In doing a little research, however, we came up with Senator Charles L. McNary* of Oregon. Senator McNary is described as a "Republican with Progressive credentials." He sounds like someone the G.O.P. power brokers might have considered.
*Charles Linza McNary (1874-1944) was born in Salem, Orgeon & served as U.S. Senator (R-Oregon) 1917-1944. His service included a stint as minority leader. CLM is said to be "a quiet leader with a unique ability to build strong relationships."
SOURCES
"Fate Upsets Plan Of G.O.P. To Oust Coolidge in 1924," by Robert T. Small, The Sunday Star, Washington, D.C., Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
"This Land, Oregon!," by William G. Robbins, Oregon History Project, www.oregonhistoryproject.org/
