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Steve · 08-06-2018, 01:00 PM

Carrie Phillips

L Verge · 08-06-2018, 01:43 PM

You are too good at this; maybe we should ban you from trivia questions! Just kidding...

Of all our philandering Chief Executives, Warren G. Harding may rank #1. Some of us probably know about his most famous mistress, Nan Britton, because he fathered a daughter with her, and she later wrote a book about it. However, before and during his affair with Nan, he maintained one for over 15 years with his next door neighbor's wife, Carrie Phillips.

Carrie always hoped that Harding would divorce his wife and marry her, but Harding knew that would spoil his political ambitions (which were mainly the wife's ambitions). When he announced his candidacy for President, Carrie flew into a rage; and she and her husband saw the opportunity to strike it rich.

The couple demanded to be bought off - either by Harding or the Republican Party. After recovering from the shock of Harding's admission to adultery, the big-wigs put together a slush fund that paid Carrie $23,000 upfront and promised $5000/month while Harding was in office. Carrie became the first person to successfully blackmail a major political party -- and Harding's other mistresses soon followed.

Carrie didn't take the money and run, however. She started showing up at campaign gatherings, much to the irritation of Florence Harding. Once again, the political bosses paid Carrie and her husband out of town. $20,000 was paid for the couple to visit China, Japan, and Korea for a year. This time, the Phillipses did take the money and run. When they returned, Carrie had a treasure trove of diamond bracelets, earrings, and necklaces.

RJNorton · 08-28-2018, 03:38 PM

Who is this?

Steve · 08-28-2018, 05:56 PM

President Chester A. Arthur as a young man.

AussieMick · (This post was last modified: 08-28-2018 10:42 PM by AussieMick.)

looks like a European diplomat, German? (a medal or such across his chest) ? About 45 years old in 1865 ?

RJNorton · 08-29-2018, 04:54 AM

Good thinking, Michael, but kudos to Steve. It is a photo of President Chester A. Arthur when he was in his late 20s (1859). According to Wikipedia, the photo was taken right before his marriage.

L Verge · 08-29-2018, 09:11 AM

Like Michael, I would also like to know what that "sash" is that is peeking out of his jacket. Also, President Arthur had a very lovely wife named Ellen. Google for her photo. I believe that he has also been listed by presidential historians as one of the most effective during the short time he was in office.

Eva Elisabeth · (This post was last modified: 08-30-2018 06:14 PM by Eva Elisabeth.)

Who is depicted?

PS:He looks better without the (hopefully) Google-proof-photoshopping!

L Verge · 08-30-2018, 07:11 PM

Has to be an actor who has performed as Mr. Lincoln. Given that you use the present tense, it narrows it down to ones who are alive, so I'll go with Daniel Day-Lewis ca. 1975? I was leaning towards Gregory Peck, but those skinny legs don't work for me...

AussieMick · 08-30-2018, 08:02 PM

(08-30-2018 07:11 PM)L Verge Wrote: Has to be an actor who has performed as Mr. Lincoln. Given that you use the present tense, it narrows it down to ones who are alive, so I'll go with Daniel Day-Lewis ca. 1975? I was leaning towards Gregory Peck, but those skinny legs don't work for me...

The pool furniture looks a little antiquated ... I'll guess Ronald Reagan

L Verge · 08-30-2018, 09:32 PM

(08-30-2018 08:02 PM)AussieMick Wrote:
(08-30-2018 07:11 PM)L Verge Wrote: Has to be an actor who has performed as Mr. Lincoln. Given that you use the present tense, it narrows it down to ones who are alive, so I'll go with Daniel Day-Lewis ca. 1975? I was leaning towards Gregory Peck, but those skinny legs don't work for me...

The pool furniture looks a little antiquated ... I'll guess Ronald Reagan

Yikes! It didn't dawn on me that the topic was Presidents and First Ladies. You are probably right about it being Reagan. Drat...

RJNorton · 08-31-2018, 05:05 AM

I also would guess Ronald Reagan. That's my primary guess. My secondary guess, if not Reagan, would be Gerald Ford.

Eva Elisabeth · 08-31-2018, 06:12 AM

Kudos to the three of you - IMO the best-in-shape president...I don't know about the US but the pool furniture doesn't look outdated to me, but timeless, right up-to-date.
So you win the timeless Ikea MYSINGSÖ deck chair.
https://m2.ikea.com/de/de/p/mysingsoe-st...-00389519/
Happy up-setting...

RJNorton · 08-31-2018, 10:12 AM

Let's try one more. Who is this?

Eva Elisabeth · 08-31-2018, 10:28 AM

Eisenhower?