Today is Presidents Day in the United States (officially known as Washington’s Birthday) so I thought it would be fitting to do a list relating to presidents. Rather than having a negative slant – I have decided to go with a positive.
When answering this question, be sure to give us your reasons for your answer.
If you could replace the current president with one from the past (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
Unfortunately I know very little about past US presidents so I am going to leave it up to you – by the end of this post I hope to have learnt a lot about some of the greatest presidents the US has had.
Grumpus, I agree, horrible cynic that I am, but Nixon brought his particular demons with him. He didn’t change; he was never noble, his actions were always self-serving, power consolidating, and cynical. The man was never altruistic, he was scheming and calculated and over-the-top paranoid….
bucslim- I used to lean to the left, but now I feel the same way. I don’t think either side is worth a damn as a whole. I really don’t trust anyone who wants to be president. I really mistrust anyone who thinks their party of choice is the only right way to go. No single entity can be 100% correct.
Mom424- I don’t class Nixon in with those who start out with noble aspirations. You usually find those folks at the local level (Moms who run for school board b/c they want to better the learning environment for their kids, local businesspeople who want to reform tax laws, etc.) By the time they work up to a national level, they’ve gone to the Dark Side. Nixon was a schemer from the get-go. His service in the military was a pretty good indicator of that (he ran a sandwich and beverage shop on the side and won tons of money playing poker while stationed overseas). Did you know that Nixon was in Dallas the day JFK was killed?
Grumpus; Yes I did, (I’m Canadian, therefore I know more about American history and politicians than the Canadian ones),
more fuel for the conspiracy buffs and I betcha the SOB was feeling pretty smug about it…..
Bill Clinton. I feel that Clinton was one of the best presidents we had and that our country grew the most under his guide. I feel he was also so human, playing sax on arsenio, admitting to smoking pot…he’s what we need.
I wish I had paid more attention in HS during my US History classes! I’ll give it a stab though.
I think JFK would do well now, he seemed modern even in his own time and he would adapt really well to the much larger global economy and community now-a-days. I’ve only seen him through videos, but he seemed so captivating in his speeches. I wish I could have been around when he was President, but I was born too late!
Mom424- Hahahahah. Most Canadians know more about our ways than we Americans do. That, combined with the fact that 85% of your population has amassed within 20 miles of the border makes me think you guys might be planning something…(conspiracy wheels turning) While I will enjoy your health care system when you take over, I must tell you now that I refuse to learn French! Vive la Revolucion!! (wait, um, nevermind)
devilishgrinn66:
Clinton: “I didn’t inhale”
Obama: “I inhaled, that was the point.”
Lincoln, hands down. I’m one of those canadian people, too. I just think that if the man played a huge part in abolishing slavery in a time when EVERYBODY was a racist/slave owner, he seems like a man who believes in doing what’s right. That and the fact that he was honest Abe. Imagine, a president that doesn’t lie… CIA would take him out the day he came back. haha
Grumpus; I read some sort of article/poll thing where they quizzed a bunch of Canadians and a bunch of Americans, and you are correct we consistently scored higher. Now I kinda doubt the study though, because of the way the American education system works, based on the immediate tax base of the area, you could interview a ton of americans from a poor area and get very skewed results, that is tons lower than the average….
Maybe I’ll start working on a list of Canadian/American differences or maybe Top 10 Canadian Prime Ministers….
JFK – I would love to see him finish out his term today!
Well, to be honest, I don’t know much about any of the presidents,
and because of the way our school systems work, I don’t trust much of what I’ve learned (I’m only fourteen, I don’t know much about anything. Other than Queen)
But anyway, I think that Abraham Lincoln was a great president.
I decided I really liked him when I was about 7 and did a Biography on him for school,
and he’s always been my favorite, I’m not sure why.
He abolished slavery, when nobody else dared,
and “honest” was in his nickname.
The one thing I don’t like about Lincoln though?
He was Pro-Life.
I”m Canadian, know barely anything about American history and past politicians, but I am pretty liberal, don’t believe in the War in Iraq, and think that Bush is ignorant. Really, anyone could do better. I think that Americans need a president who can not only improve the country (ie- fix Bush’s mistakes) but also improve international relations with all the other countries. Bully’s get nowhere and despite many Americans being wonderful people, as a whole mass the reputation is pretty bad. I know the country is powerful, but all the other countries combined would destroy the US. Trust me, its better being known as nice and boring (like Canada) that being known as ignorant, arrogant bully’s. Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to bash Americans, nor am I trying to say that the country is awful. I merely think you need a president who can “make friends” with other countries, before one of them gets *****ed off again and causes another war.
Hey, I don’t know why you all are beating up on Bush, he’s a great president…sorry…I tried to say that with a straight face. I would say that Truman or FDR would be much better. I mean, FDR was elected to what, 4 terms?
I heard Harding knocked up his mistress in the Speaker of the House’s office. (no source, just heard.) Let’s bring him back, maybe that’ll pull the 8 foot sticks out of all these politicians’s asses.
TMO:
Clinton: “I didn’t inhale”
Obama: “I inhaled, that was the point.”
Hahahahahahahahahaha!
Teddy for Theo
Stevenh (16): If I remember correctly, Marbury v. Madison, which established the powers of judicial review, did occur under Jefferson but they did so in opposition to his will. The case originated from Jefferson trying to deny Marbury’s court commission which was the supposed unconstitutional act that led to a hearing. Jefferson even canceled an entire Supreme Court Session and would have tried to eliminate the courts altogether if he could.
I saw very a interesting documentary series on all of this. I believe it was simply called “The Supreme Court” and it was narrated by David Strathairn.
As history student and soon to be professional historian. My vote goes to Johnson. While the Vietnam conflict become worse during his time, it was because he had chose to finally try to put and end to it and did not realize how sever the internal conflict was. Johnson also after being swore in as president made it know that in his short time as president that he want to make social changes to America. He pushed Congress to immediately to create a civil rights bill and when it was passed by both house he signed the Civil Right Bill. That was something Kennedy never did. What even more impressive was that he was from Texas a state that had Jim Crow in place.
Lastly Johnson was well educated man and had a strong political science background that prepared him when he did become president.
Teddy Roosevelt, he rocked.
FDR fo sho! There was a reason we (not me personally, but the people of the US) elected him for 3 terms. He was damn good. Aside from taking us through WWII. He also helped us through the Depression. He rocks and he couldn’t even stand up.
Johnson, Lyndon that is, was my second choice behind Truman. Any president that run the office from the bathroom (Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream by Doris Kearns Goodwin) is one that could probably get us out of THIS particular crapper we are in now. The difference is in that Harry was stronger in foriegn policy and kept the Korean War from esculatingout of control, while Johnson allowed us to languish in Vietnam by following bad advice. Johnson’s strong domestic policies (the Civil Right Acts, unemployment, commerce and banking reforms) address the needs of this nation at a time when it was grossly needed. Many say it was JFK that that formulated the basic ideas, but it was Johnson who really fought the fight. Of note; isn’t it strange that some of our best leaders have been those who have been given the job without seeking it? You can go all the way to Washington for an example of that.
Lincoln, just because it would be awesome to meet him.
The world has gotten so complex, you would want somebody who has had success in the recent past. That pretty much narrows it down to one man, Bill Clinton.
I see Teddy Roosevelt is getting a lot of love. Not a bad choice, but the other Roosevelt would be better. I still say the best American president is and always will be, George Washington.
either JFK or one of the early forefathers.
they’re the only ones who would have the balls to downsize our government enough.
JFK WAS A JERK, SET UP THE BAY OF PIG INVASION THEN BACKED OUT AND LET THE CUBAN’S DIE ON THE BEACH, LEAVE WASHINGTON,LINCOLN. ADD FDR AND TRUMAN
jokr: Please, for the sake of all us, in the future be sure to check your caps-lock before you type. Thank you.
24. bucslim: Good call. But I think we can safely eliminate anyone how treated Slaves with contempt or apathy. Someone said Reagan??? Reganomics…Good Idea??? Really where is Loose_Cannon???
William Henry Harrison – c’mon, he barely had time to get into the job good! Who knows what he could have done?
Andrew Jackson had the country completely debt free for the only time ever…I’d say whatever he did worked and we could use some of that again…
To attack someone who is dead and can’t defend themselves is just plain mean. To do it to a former President is rude, unpatriotic, and unAmerican.
Actually, I think our right to speak ill of our government is what part of makes us American. If one were elsewhere in the world to do the same they would likely be killed for their statements.
Furthermore, if they’re dead, they’re hardly capable of caring.
jfrater: There was some revisionist kookiness re: Lincoln on another list. This is pure silliness: he was a man of legendary character.
Considering the vast amount of authority the executive has usurped (actually, the simps in the other branches bent over for him, so maybe ‘usurped’ isn’t the right word), we need a president who has the courage and foresight to limit presidential authority, and that is George Washington. His second inaugural address is a jeremiad on par with Madison/Jefferson.
bad news: kookiness on one of the lists here? Do you remember which one? I always thought Lincoln was quite a good guy but I do remember there being some complaints about him – I think it was to do with slaves.
Miss Destiny: I like the sentiment, but you can speak ill of the government in the UK and not be killed
You used to be able to speak ill of the government in New Zealand too until the recent law change making it illegal to criticise the government in an election year. Socialism much?
I am aware of places like the UK, I’m talking about other places where you actually CAN’T make statements like that.
I suppose I could have been a bit more specific though!
jfrater: “Top 10 Worst US Presidents”, comment(s) by Ace531:
“I’m very surprised that one of the worst president we ever had isn’t on the list, namely Abraham Lincoln.”
He attempts to decontextualize Lincoln’s inaugural to prove that he supported slavery. It’s an offshoot of the argument that the US Civil War wasn’t about slavery, but about states’ rights.
anyone hear the misfits song “bullet”?
FDR, he got us out of the resession during the Great Depression. We could use him in our current situation
Mom424- Was Tommy Douglas a PM, or just a provincial leader (president, governor, ??)? He gets my vote either way for getting universal health care going … and being Keifer Sutherland’s grandfather.
In addition to everything else, Lincoln truly solidified the President’s role during wartime. He was the first president who directly led his generals (thanks in large part to the new telegraph system).
Given the current state of America, we certainly need someone who unites – driving me to say J.F.K.
Though I wouldn’t be hesitant to reelect F.D.R., Lincoln, Reagan or Jefferson!
even though i don’t think he was our greatest president we need a guy like Teddy Roosevelt for the situation we are in now.
Grumpus- Tommy Douglas was the founder of the CCF party, which became the NDP and he was known as the “Father” of medicare.
jfrater- I think the Lincoln Kookiness that was referred to was the list that talked about his “romantic friendship” with a man he shared a bed with. Some homophobic commenter thought we were saying that Lincoln was gay and he took great offense at what he referred to as slander.
Kookiness was the commenter’s, not the list’s.
Love your work Jamie!
Ahhh I’m kinda young, so I haven’t had the chance to personally experience many presidents.
I would have to pick Bill Clinton though, based on the fact that our economy was great. Now…we’re not earning enough money, but things are still rising in cost. I’m really not much of a fan of bush…though I don’t think many people are.
With no means of disrespect, I think Roosevelt didn’t do anything drastic for our country. He played bias among trusts, separing the good from the bad-if even there was a real difference between the two. He celebrated himself as a hardcore progressive idealist when Taft actually had 90 trust lawsuits compared to his 44.
He also believed in conservationism, but not necessarily preservationism. He wanted to shove eastern business out of the lush forests of the West, though with personal intentions attached. (hint: he was a hunter)
He didn’t have a strong point and kind of fickle with his actions. Kinda reminds me of Romeo. I dont like Romeo.
Anyway, I think Wilson stood for what he truly believed in despite many critics shaking their fingers no at him.
I agree with those who said Roosevelt, Lincoln, and JFK.
I also would pick Lyndon B. Johnson because he embraced reforms that democratized cold war pluralism and made public policy accessible to millions of people for the first time esp. during the Civil Rights Movement. Even though the Great Society ended with the Vietnam, I’d like to see how it would have played out in today’s world.
From a Canadian point of view:
I don’t know the name of every past president, but my vote would go to Abe Lincoln because he played an important role in American history, and the fact he was assasinated leaves history wondering what else he could have accomplished.
Reagan all the way, baby.
I think right now the country needs someone who they can unite behind. Never has the country been as united behind one man and respected one man as much as Washington. ONly half the country liked Lincoln and many people didn’t like FDR’s almost socialist New Deal programs at the time. Washington united a country and helped create one.
Lincoln, he was a genius and a man of unrivaled character. No president has or ever will be better than him.
i think boris yeltsin or howard stern
It would have to be a president that has the ability to get the country out of the recession its in. The best would be FDR, Lincoln a close second. And maybe Teddy because he would see the need to protect the environment from our influence. He would push for alternative fuel sources that could help prevent a global catastrophy
mudd what r u a moron????? i actually live down the street from a president. his name is Chester A. Arthur he is buried in the Albany rural cemetery.
I have to agree on Clinton. I always said that if he could have run again I would have voted for him again.
The country was in great shape when he was president including the deficit being the lowest it has been in what was it like 30 years. We had jobs and homes then, not like right now, I think the foreclosure rate around here is close to the highest its ever been if not at the highest. It is a shame how bad things are getting.
I think the blow job issue was something for his wife to handle and its not like he was the first president to fool around.
Jfrater: Sorry, i dont watch the news much. Why is there anti Lincoln stuff going around. He kept this country together during a time when most people thought it was the end to the US.
btw, Admiral Crowe served under Regan and Bush SR. ( Thank goodness he HATED bushy). Anyway, he was a great family friend and i was wondering if any of you had heard of him. He accualy played a huge role in defeating the Soviet Union. When i went to his funual, Bill Clinton spoke and i met him. Sorry if it sounds like im braggin’.
FDR.. just cuz he got us out of the depression, and we could really use his ideas to get us out of our debt, and im sure he could get us out of this war… Ohh and cuz he was a bad ass
Ohh and if BILL clinton could run again.. totaly would ahve my vote! Every old pres. needs to have his dick sucked in the oval office! i think they should all get some hot co-ed given to them.. keeps their fingers off the nuke button! I will never vote Hillary (even though im a woman) because i am convinced she has a penish and is a posser.. ohh and the whole crying in a debate thing. OUr comander in cheif needs to be strong, not someone who will destroy a country just cuz she is PMSing and they looked at her funny at the last meet and greet.
I don’t know who I would pick, but I know who I would definitely NOT pick:
Teddy Roosevelt: Sure, he didn’t take anyone’s crap, but he was a freaking warmongerer and all-around *****. Not good in these times, I’m afraid.
JFK would probably be better. He wasn’t a very good person (mafia connections, lots and lots of affairs, etc.) but he did make a good president, and he’s probably someone who would be able to unite the country, which we need.
Also, everyone just needs to give Clinton a break. Come on, what President HASN’T had an affair? I’d be willing to bet most of them have. Clinton just got caught. Not a sneaky man, I’m afraid.
Franklin Roosevelt would be ideal for me right now. Him or George Washington.
Lincoln Truman or Reagan