Will H. Hays press release, October 5, 1920

Dated October 5, 1920, this press release prepared by Will H. Hays, chairman of the Republican National Committee, appears to include a speech given by Warren G. Harding during his presidential campaign. The speech lists the states the Republican Party is sure to win in the upcoming election, and goes on to discuss some of the many reasons Americans are unsatisfied with President Wilson's administration, especially the League of Nations. According to Harding, all indicators point to this dissatisfaction leading to a landslide victory for Harding, which it did. This document is part of the Warren G. Harding Papers (MSS 345). This collection includes correspondence, business records, and other materials documenting Harding’s business career as owner and editor-in-chief of The Daily Marion Star, as well as the various stages of his political career. A significant portion of the collection, and what’s available on Ohio Memory, highlights his 1920 presidential campaign, spanning just before publicly announcing his candidacy to handily defeating Ohio Governor James M. Cox in the election. Correspondents include both Ohio and national businessmen, political figures, and ordinary citizens writing with questions, support, congratulatory notes, and campaign advice. Some of the most interesting insights into the tumultuous political climate in the U.S., the extreme factionalism within the Republican Party in Ohio, and Harding’s campaign strategies are described in letters between Harding and his campaign manager, Harry M. Daugherty. Some of the topics addressed include women’s suffrage, Prohibition, the League of Nations, African American representation and issues, and lingering peace negotiations following World War I