***Master Capper introduced a terrific topic, followed by several good, thought-provoking replies. I'd like to add some comments on Master Capper's lists. I wish to preface my comments by saying that, according to my definition, each President should be judged according to his contributions while in office, rather than his appeal, or lack of appeal, over a lifetime. After all, the category is "best" and "worst" Presidents.
Worst
1.Warren Harding-Republican
***I agree, this is the worst President in history. His adminstration was rocked by scandal and he left absolutely no lasting contribution to the office or country.
2. William Howard Taft-Republican
***Strongly disagree. Taft was a brilliant man who presided over one of the most turbulent times in US history. The early 20th century marked the time of more technoligical advancement and "progress" than any period in US history. While Taft was not as revolutionary in his thinking as his predessor TR, Taft was an effective, and decent President.
3. Calvin Coolidge-Republican
***Strongly disagree. The economy was rolling along in the 1920s. In fact, the 1924-1928 period was one of the most dynamic in US history. Despite Prohibition (which created massive criminal enterprises), America grew and prospered under Coolidge. He may deserve some demerits for not forseeing the stock market crash, but he was hardly alone in his lack of foresight. Coolidge was average, but not one of the worst.
4. James Carter-Dem
***Total Agreement. Carter was a honest, likeable man -- but a horrible President. His failures in office cut acorss every issue -- economics, foreign policy, and so forth. Completely inept as a world leader.
5. Richard Nixon-Republican
***Disagree. Nixon deserves lots of criticism for his scandalous behavior and toying with the US Constitution. But his first term (1969-1972) was brilliant, and possibly saved the nation from being overthrown. Remember that 1968 was a time when this country was exploding, with riots, protests, and a war where 500,000 troops were in Vietnam.. He inherited a nation in complete turmoil, and by the end of his first term, the US was a better, stronger nation. Nixon was a master of foreign policy, and accomplished great things with Detente, Red China, and the Middle East. We agree that the period 1973-74 was one of the worst of all time, but his first four years should be included and make his overall Presidency one of accomplishment.
6. Andrew Johnson-National Union Party
***Interesting comments above about Johnson. I've seem some historical docu-dramas that depict Johnson as a victim, but I'll pass on judgment, since I know little about his Presidency.
7. Benjamin Harrison-Republican
***Fine.
8. Franklin Pierce-Dem
***Fine.
9. George W. Bush-Republican
***Fine.
10. James Buchanan-Dem
***Fine.
Best
1. Andrew Jackson-Dem
***Jackson the best President in history? Isn't this a bit of a reach?
2. Abraham Lincoln-Rep
***I'd list him #1, but we generally agree. One side note that should be mentioned is that had a few Civil War events changed in the later part of 1863, Lincoln would NOT have been re-elected in 1864 and very likley would have gone down as the WORST President in US history. So, that shows how popwerful his 1863-1865 accomplishments were.
3. Woodrow Wilson-Dem
***General agreement here. Wilson was a man of great vision and was a leader and educator. Too bad there are no WW figures in American politics today.
4. FDR-Dem
***Over-rated in my view, his reputation was saved by WW2. Had there been no war, I'm no sure FDR would be on this list. Keep in mind that in 1940 (SEVEN years after he'd been elected President) unemployment was just as high as in 1933. So, his domestic policies were, in many cases, disastrous. Longivity (four terms) does NOT equal greatness.
5. Teddy Roosevelt-Republican
***A progressive man with bold new ideas in a very difficult period in history. Arguably the first "populist" President with the welfare of the common man in mind when making executive decisions. Top three, in my view.
6. George Washington-Federalist
***No argument.
7. Thomas Jefferson-Multi party
***No argument. If this list were to include lifetime acheivemant, Jefferson is #1.
8. James Polk-Democrat
***No opinion.
9. Harry Truman-Democrat
***Strong disagreement. I love Harry Truman's style and attitude. However, his years as President were not particularly noteworthy. He inherited command of the most powerful nation on earth, and by the end of his Presidency, the economy was stalling, we were engaged militarily in Korea, the Cold War was in full bllom. Frankly, he accomplished very little while in office.
10. Dwight Eisenhower-Republican
***Disagreement. Eisenhower was asleep at the wheel most of his Presidency. No doubt, this was a time of peace and prosperity -- but Eisenhower was hardly a national leader in terms of social policy, economics, or in foriegn policy. A very average President who was fortunate to preside over America's easiest eight-year period.
-- ND
