Potential Candidates.

As the party controlling the executive branch in 1920, the Democrats suffered the fallout from postwar restlessness. Moreover, Democratic presidential hopefuls hesitated to launch their candidacies, awaiting President Woodrow Wilson's decision about seeking a third term. Not only were Democrats on the defensive but Republicans enjoyed momentum because they had gained congressional seats in the midterm elections of 1918. Given these advantages Republicans seemed poised for victory in 1920, but which Republican would occupy the Oval Office? The choice was not obvious, especially after former president Theodore Roosevelt's death in January 1919. The list of prominent Republicans vying for the nomination included Gen. Leonard Wood of New Hampshire, Sen. Hiram Johnson of California (Roosevelt's Progressive Party running mate in 1912), Gov. Frank O. Lowden of Illinois, Sen. Warren G. Harding of Ohio, and Gov. Calvin Coolidge of Massachusetts. These candidates and others competed...