The accompanying chart reflects the results of a survey of 154 presidential scholars conducted by members of the American Political Science Association. While no ranking can ever be completely objective, I was not surprised by the overall results. Historians tend to judge presidents not only by their popularity but by how they handled national crises, protected democratic institutions, strengthened the economy, and left a lasting positive legacy.
Why the Top Ten Presidents Rank So Highly
1. Abraham Lincoln (#1)
Lincoln preserved the Union during the Civil War, issued the Emancipation Proclamation that paved the way for the abolition of slavery, and demonstrated extraordinary moral courage during the nation's darkest hour. His leadership fundamentally reshaped America and expanded the meaning of freedom.
2. Franklin D. Roosevelt (#2)
FDR guided the nation through two monumental crises—the Great Depression and most of World War II. His New Deal programs restored hope to millions of Americans, strengthened the federal government's role in protecting citizens, and helped position the United States as a global superpower.
3. George Washington (#3)
As America's first president, Washington established many of the traditions and democratic norms that still guide the presidency today. His decision to voluntarily leave office after two terms reinforced the principle that no individual should hold power indefinitely, setting an enduring example for future generations.
4. Theodore Roosevelt (#4)
A dynamic reformer, Theodore Roosevelt challenged powerful corporate monopolies, championed consumer protection, expanded the national park system, and elevated the United States as an emerging world power. His progressive vision transformed the modern presidency.
5. Thomas Jefferson (#5)
Jefferson authored the Declaration of Independence and, as president, completed the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States. His commitment to democratic ideals and individual liberty has had a lasting influence, even as historians continue to examine the contradictions between his ideals and his ownership of enslaved people.
6. Harry S. Truman (#6)
Truman led the nation through the difficult years immediately following World War II. He implemented the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe, established the Truman Doctrine to contain Soviet expansion, recognized the state of Israel, desegregated the U.S. Armed Forces, and helped create NATO. His decisive leadership shaped the early Cold War era.
7. Barack Obama (#7)
Obama guided the nation out of the Great Recession, signed the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), expanded access to health insurance for millions of Americans, ordered the operation that killed Osama bin Laden, and championed clean energy and climate initiatives. He also restored America's international standing after the financial crisis.
8. Dwight D. Eisenhower (#8)
A former Supreme Allied Commander during World War II, Eisenhower presided over a period of economic prosperity and relative peace. His greatest domestic achievement was the creation of the Interstate Highway System, which transformed transportation and commerce. He also enforced school desegregation following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision.
9. Lyndon B. Johnson (#9)
Johnson enacted one of the most ambitious domestic agendas in American history through his "Great Society" programs. He signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, established Medicare and Medicaid, expanded educational opportunities, and declared a "War on Poverty." His legacy, however, is tempered by the escalation of the Vietnam War.
10. John F. Kennedy (#10)
Although his presidency lasted less than three years, Kennedy inspired a generation with his vision of public service and national purpose. He successfully managed the Cuban Missile Crisis, helping avert nuclear war, launched the ambitious Apollo Moon program, established the Peace Corps, and became a strong advocate for civil rights. His leadership and eloquence left an enduring mark on American history despite his tragic assassination in 1963.
Photo Taken During the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening in Chicago
A Common Thread
6. Harry S. Truman (#6)
Truman led the nation through the difficult years immediately following World War II. He implemented the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe, established the Truman Doctrine to contain Soviet expansion, recognized the state of Israel, desegregated the U.S. Armed Forces, and helped create NATO. His decisive leadership shaped the early Cold War era.
7. Barack Obama (#7)
Obama guided the nation out of the Great Recession, signed the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), expanded access to health insurance for millions of Americans, ordered the operation that killed Osama bin Laden, and championed clean energy and climate initiatives. He also restored America's international standing after the financial crisis.
8. Dwight D. Eisenhower (#8)
A former Supreme Allied Commander during World War II, Eisenhower presided over a period of economic prosperity and relative peace. His greatest domestic achievement was the creation of the Interstate Highway System, which transformed transportation and commerce. He also enforced school desegregation following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision.
9. Lyndon B. Johnson (#9)
Johnson enacted one of the most ambitious domestic agendas in American history through his "Great Society" programs. He signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, established Medicare and Medicaid, expanded educational opportunities, and declared a "War on Poverty." His legacy, however, is tempered by the escalation of the Vietnam War.
10. John F. Kennedy (#10)
Although his presidency lasted less than three years, Kennedy inspired a generation with his vision of public service and national purpose. He successfully managed the Cuban Missile Crisis, helping avert nuclear war, launched the ambitious Apollo Moon program, established the Peace Corps, and became a strong advocate for civil rights. His leadership and eloquence left an enduring mark on American history despite his tragic assassination in 1963.
A Common Thread
Why the Bottom Five Rank So Poorly
41. William Henry Harrison
Harrison served only one month before dying in office, leaving virtually no lasting presidential accomplishments.
42. Franklin Pierce
Pierce's support of the Kansas-Nebraska Act intensified sectional conflict over slavery and pushed the nation closer to civil war.
43. Andrew Johnson
Johnson's resistance to Reconstruction and his opposition to civil rights for formerly enslaved African Americans severely damaged efforts to reunify the nation after the Civil War. He became the first president to be impeached.
44. James Buchanan
Widely regarded as one of America's least effective presidents, Buchanan failed to confront the secession crisis or prevent the nation from sliding into the Civil War.
45. Donald Trump
The scholars ranked Trump last primarily because of concerns over his conduct surrounding the 2020 election, the events leading to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, repeated challenges to long-standing democratic norms, two impeachments, and the exceptionally high level of political polarization during and after his presidency. Critics also cite ethical controversies and governance issues. Supporters, however, point to accomplishments such as tax reform, the pre-pandemic economy, criminal justice reform, and the Abraham Accords in the Middle East. The ranking reflects the judgment of this particular group of presidential historians rather than a unanimous national consensus.
Final Thoughts
History often softens or hardens its verdicts over time. Presidents once criticized have sometimes risen in historical rankings, while others have declined as new evidence and changing values reshape scholarly opinion. Nevertheless, the qualities that consistently distinguish the greatest presidents remain remarkably constant: integrity, respect for democratic institutions, effective leadership during national crises, and a lasting positive impact on the American people. Whether future historians will revise Donald Trump's standing remains to be seen, but as of today, the overwhelming consensus among presidential scholars places him at the bottom of the list.
Personal Note: Do you agree with This Ranking? I Do, Indeed!
Finally, My Photos of the Day: Great Grand Son -Beau Joseph
Good Looking Just Like His Super Lolo(Great Grand Pa)-That's Me!
4 comments:
Hi David! I enjoyed your post today. Happy Fourth of July! I shared a NY Times article on my website this morning about George Washington comparing to our current President. I am including the link to my site if you want to share with your readers. Some will like the article and others may not like it. I hope everyone at THD has a wonder Holiday. Best, Michael The link: https://goodeyemike.com/🇺🇸-feature-read-a-fourth-of-july-reflection-on-americas-founding-ideals/
Happy July 4th to you as well, David. I appreciate the survey results! John Larimore
I agree with the top 10 and esp. the bottom 10. Question tho, how did James Garfield get so high in rankings?
Hi David, As we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the birth of our nation, I've been reflecting on the state of American politics. From my standpoint, our system, particularly at the national level is severely fractured. Over the last 35 years or so, I have watched and experienced the partisn divide grow ever wider and more vituperative on the part of both major parties. It seems as though each party is viewing our country through a different lens, each casting bitter accusations at members of the other.
This divide is not merely affecting our politicians: in truth, the bitterness, name-calling and vitriol have seeped into our social fabric. There are few issues, anymore, on which we as a nation can achieve consensus. While it is true that partisanship has been present throught our nation's history, the level of hatred and suspicion has dramatically increased.
It seems that both Republicans and Democrats have left what was once termed the mainstream of American politics as the voters are asked to chose between extremes on the left and right. This state of affairs has led to political gridlock in Washington DC, a truly lamentable situation that, in my opinion is tearing our society apart.
I am very sad about all this but am praying for less contentious times ahead.
Much love, John Larimore
Post a Comment