On this day in 1921: Harding condemns lynchings of blacks

Warren G. Harding

Justifiably regarded as one of our worst presidents because of his scandal-plagued administration, Warren G. Harding was not a complete failure. It was 95 years ago today that he became the first sitting president to denounce lynching of blacks in a speech delivered in Alabama.

Our 29th president was, wait for it, a Republican. Just like Abraham Lincoln.

An anti-lynching law, which Harding supported, was filibustered by southern Democrats and failed to pass during his time in office.