Harding made no response, and Taft in a thank-you note reiterated the condition and stated that Chief Justice White had often told him he was keeping the position for Taft until a Republican held the White House. In January 1921, Taft heard through intermediaries that Harding planned to appoint him, if given the chance.[182]
White by then was in failing health, but made no move to resign when Harding was sworn in on March 4, 1921.[183] Taft called on the chief justice on March 26, and found White ill, but still carrying on his work and not talking of retiring.[184] White did not retire, dying in office on May 19, 1921. Taft issued a tribute to the man he had appointed to the center seat, and waited and worried if he would be White's successor. Despite widespread speculation Taft would be the pick, Harding made no quick announcement.[185] Taft was lobbying for himself behind the scenes, especially with the Ohio politicians who formed Harding's inner circle.