LEAVING THE PRESIDENCY:
President Coolidge was similar to George Washington in several ways, lack of ego and knowing when to walk away being prime examples. While on vacation in the Dakotas, Coolidge had made his decision. After serving 2+ years of the the deceased Warren Harding's term, then his own 4 years, he was done with DC. It's not the decision itself that is noteworthy but HOW President Coolidge announced it.
Already famous for being a man of few words, Coolidge decided to announce his decision with no words. A press conference was called, and all who attended were handed slips of paper that read, "I do not choose to run for president in nineteen twenty eight." When asked if he had further comment, he responded, "No.". And that was that.
Even his wife was surprised when later told about it, " Isn't that just like that man? He never gave me the slightest intimation of his intentions. I had no idea." The public was equally baffled. Coolidge had won the electoral college 382 to 136 in 1924 and was sure to win a greater landslide in 1928. He was that popular. A "Draft Coolidge" movement began, and there was talk of state delegations nominating him anyway at the convention. Coolidge had to be firm in his unique style, "Such an action would be most embarrassing to me...I request that it not be done."
In a more talkative some time later, Coolidge provided some explanation: "If I take another term, I will be in the White House till 1933. Ten years in Washington is longer than any other man has had it. Too long!"
President Coolidge was similar to George Washington in several ways, lack of ego and knowing when to walk away being prime examples. While on vacation in the Dakotas, Coolidge had made his decision. After serving 2+ years of the the deceased Warren Harding's term, then his own 4 years, he was done with DC. It's not the decision itself that is noteworthy but HOW President Coolidge announced it.
Already famous for being a man of few words, Coolidge decided to announce his decision with no words. A press conference was called, and all who attended were handed slips of paper that read, "I do not choose to run for president in nineteen twenty eight." When asked if he had further comment, he responded, "No.". And that was that.
Even his wife was surprised when later told about it, " Isn't that just like that man? He never gave me the slightest intimation of his intentions. I had no idea." The public was equally baffled. Coolidge had won the electoral college 382 to 136 in 1924 and was sure to win a greater landslide in 1928. He was that popular. A "Draft Coolidge" movement began, and there was talk of state delegations nominating him anyway at the convention. Coolidge had to be firm in his unique style, "Such an action would be most embarrassing to me...I request that it not be done."
In a more talkative some time later, Coolidge provided some explanation: "If I take another term, I will be in the White House till 1933. Ten years in Washington is longer than any other man has had it. Too long!"
