Harding Campaigns on Image.

The Republicans' strategy reflected their growing confidence and the prevailing attitude that the 1920 election was theirs to lose. Warren G. Harding and Calvin Coolidge conducted a low-risk campaign. Rather than center the campaign on debates over issues and jeopardize his front-runner status, Harding opted to campaign on his image, which was consistent with Americans' desires for peace and tranquility. The major obstacle for Harding was his lack of a national reputation. Instead of taking to the time-honored stump to overcome this handicap, Harding campaigned from another favorite American icon — the front porch. He invited all interested Americans to his home in Marion, Ohio, and delegations of voters appeared there regularly. Drawing on his experience as a newspaper publisher, Harding successfully wooed the press. Nearly 90 percent of newspaper editors around the country supported him, and reporters regularly gave...