Coolidge restored public confidence in the White House after the
scandals of his predecessor's administration, and left office with considerable popularity.
[1] As a Coolidge biographer put it, "He embodied the spirit and hopes of the
middle class, could interpret their longings and express their opinions. That he did represent the genius of the average is the most convincing proof of his strength."
[2] Coolidge praised the achievement of widespread prosperity in 1928, saying: "The requirements of existence have passed beyond the standard of necessity into the region of luxury."
[3] Some later criticized Coolidge as part of a general criticism of
laissez-faire government.
[4] His reputation underwent a renaissance during the
Ronald Reagan Administration,
[5] but the ultimate assessment of his presidency is still divided between those who approve of his reduction of the size of government programs and those who believe the federal government should be more involved in regulating and controlling the economy.
[6]