Keeping not-so-cool with Coolidge

A One-Vote Oddity
The Vice President is Missing!

“Keep cool with Coolidge,” was the campaign slogan in 1924. If only the President remembered his own slogan!

President Coolidge nominated Charles B. Warren, a prominent Michigan lawyer, as Attorney General. The administration thought the appointment would be a slam dunk, but the Senate had other ideas. As the vote for confirmation drew near, Coolidge told Vice President, Charles G. Dawes, to be ready to break the tie. But, with a bit of subterfuge, Senators told the VP that the afternoon voting would be routine and he would not be needed. Vice President Dawes went to a nearby hotel to take a nap. But the opposition pulled a fast one and a vote was taken yielding a 40-40 split. The vice president could not be found.

As a last resort, a Republican senator changed his vote … so he could call for a reconsideration, … a parliamentary maneuver to stall for time until the vice president could reach the Capitol. Objecting to this tactical ploy, one of Warren’s opponents moved to have the reconsideration of the appointment laid on the table. While the roll was being called on this latter motion, Dawes entered the chamber. But his mad dash to the Capitol was un-rewarded; by a 41-39 vote the reconsideration of the Warren appointment was tabled and thus effectively killed.20

President Coolidge was livid with anger. He arrogantly said that he would make the appointment without the Senate’s approval during the recess. The Senate, with some of his own party switching their vote, decided to teach the President a lesson. They now voted 46-34 against confirmation of the nominee. Warren withdrew and the President nominated and confirmed John G. Sargent from Vermont.

By one vote, the President started his administration with strained relations with the Senate and his second choice for Attorney General. Two lessons:
1) The President should have read Proverbs 15:1-2.
2) Every vote counts, including yours.

Footnote
20. Lindop, 82.