Your View: Dead Presidents
Published on February 18, 2008 - 140 Comments
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.
Related ListsTop 10 Famous CorpsesTop 10 Zombie Movies Top 10 Common Dreams And Their Meanings 15 Incredible Historical Photographs |
SubscriptionsLike this article? Subscribe to the RSS feed to keep 'em coming, or subscribe via email: |
If you find this site helpful, please leave a donation so you can enjoy the spirit of giving too.
Email This Post
1. Arkz_Archduke_of_Geeks - February 18th, 2008 at 2:58 am
hmm i would have to say well one of the roosevelts either one would work i like both there methods, but may fdr would help get our country back to its greatness he got us out of the depression he can get us out of this rut
2. Arkz_Archduke_of_Geeks - February 18th, 2008 at 2:59 am
oh and yay first post
3. MHR - February 18th, 2008 at 3:06 am
i also have no idea. it should strike up a nice topic though
4. Arabella - February 18th, 2008 at 3:11 am
I don’t know much about U.S. presidents, but I still think Clinton got screwed… who cares that he got a blowjob?!?!? Maybe if his wife would put out more often he wouldn’t have to um.. ahem… rely on the “services” of others.
5. dangorironhide - February 18th, 2008 at 3:17 am
Arabella: Your comment made me laugh
The Clinton missus does look pretty frigid! haha
On topic though, I don’t really know much about them either. Don’t really know much about past PMs either though, so I guess I should do some reading sometime…
6. Tomo - February 18th, 2008 at 3:53 am
One things for sure, we would be better off if ‘any’ of the past presidents replaced dubya. We’ve never had such an egotistical, bumbling nutjob before.
The best one, imho, would be John F. Kennedy. I thin JFK, would have made a very positive impact on the world had he not been struck down the way he was. He was the quintessential anti-bush. Smart, eloquent, humble. He worked for civil rights, he worked for bringing about cultural changes. In short, he did more work within his country. The present regime seems more interested in other peoples problems, or rather is mroe keen on taking advantage of other peoples problems by bombing the living daylights out of them and seizing their natural resources. Look at how we destroyed the lives of Iraqis and Afghanis. Not the leaders or militants, but the common man like you and me. It sucks.
I digress. My pick would be JFK.
7. adrianmholmes - February 18th, 2008 at 4:06 am
Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear. Harry S. Truman Aug. 8th, 1950. I think he has been given a bad wrap for being the only president to ever use the bomb (so far). But, he was also the last “populist” type president we’ve had and the one that didn’t seek the office- it came to him (unlike all these power hungry politicians today). We need someone like Harry today.
8. riledupone - February 18th, 2008 at 4:12 am
Being a Canuck, my knowledge of American presidents is limited. That being said I’d have to say J.F.K. Who knows how much he could have accomplished in eight years? He would have set the U.S. on a course that would have made it a far different country than it is today. And then Dubya would have the job he really is qualified for-scraping the gum from underneath the tables at a fast-food franchise!
9. Christopher Borne - February 18th, 2008 at 4:36 am
TR
10. erin - February 18th, 2008 at 4:52 am
Robert Kennedy (JFK’s brother) even though he wasn’t a past president. He would have been though! Poor guy.
He was the man behind JFK.
11. Harsha - February 18th, 2008 at 5:20 am
harry S Truman is the choice. Actually any idiot can replace Bush and still be better than him!
12. Bananas - February 18th, 2008 at 5:23 am
WHat about Lincoln? Im suprised none of you have chosen him. I am realted to him, you know.
13. jfrater - February 18th, 2008 at 5:31 am
Bananas: isn’t there a bit of anti-Lincoln sentiment around nowadays? That might be why you are the first to mention him.
14. codman - February 18th, 2008 at 5:51 am
abraham lincoln is definitely the greatest president ever
15. DiscHuker - February 18th, 2008 at 6:14 am
william henry harrison, 1773-1841, was a perfect president. he died one month after taking office of pneumonia. he didn’t have any time to screw anything up.
it seems that this is the only qualification these days. it doesn’t matter what good you do, just don’t do anything bad.
one request please, it is a given that bush needs to be replaced, in actuality and it is the premise of this list. can we keep this from turning into a list of why you think bush is ignorant/a bad president.
i’m so tired of that particular discussion. just a request, thnx.
16. stevenh - February 18th, 2008 at 6:17 am
Thomas Jefferson:
Philosopher, statesman, inventor, architect, etc.
Interesting to note:
1) Under his administration: marbury v madison - Any law passed by Congress can be declared unconstitutional by the courts (preserves the checks and balance system).
2) He outlawed the importation of slaves - First Federal statement of the evils of slavery.
3) His personal library started the Libray of Congress
He was an all around cool guy, who believed in the people and rejected religion (unlike today) as a basis of political beliefs.
more info:
http://www.ipl.org/div/potus/tjefferson.html
http://www.poplarforest.org/
17. urban - February 18th, 2008 at 6:21 am
Theodore Roosevelt. A president with a concept of the importance of maintaining and preserving our ecological resources is crucial. I think he would be appalled at our situation and implement drastic measures to save the environment.
18. DiscHuker - February 18th, 2008 at 6:29 am
urban: i currently live in texas but used to live outside of san francisco. enviornmental issues were huge there, not so much here.
why do you think that the enviornment should be high on the president’s priority list when there are seemingly “more important” issues? i.e. security, health care, poverty, budget, etc.
(i pose this question truly seeking information, not in an accusative way)
19. Rob - February 18th, 2008 at 6:37 am
There is a need for a statesman today. Someone who has shown the ability to unite, and be humble in the most trying situations. That said-Lincoln or Washington
20. Ducky423 - February 18th, 2008 at 6:45 am
Ronald Reagan, he ended the cold war…peacefully.
21. bucslim - February 18th, 2008 at 6:46 am
Interesting to me to read that Jamie starts out the topic on a positive note and this topic goes negative almost immediately. I’ll skip my perspective on that for now and say I’m continually amazed at some people’s naivety.
Teddy Roosevelt would be a great choice. More recently I’d pick Truman or Ronald Reagan.
22. DiscHuker - February 18th, 2008 at 6:57 am
hence my request in #15, buc
23. fishing4monkeys - February 18th, 2008 at 7:03 am
I agree with Ducky.
24. bucslim - February 18th, 2008 at 7:06 am
I agree with the sentiment, but it doesn’t matter that you requested it, by the day’s end this section will be close to 100-150 comments (quite possibly more) and the majority of them will be precisely of that ilk.
I’ve commented on it till I’m blue in the face on other lists, (or blue on the fingertips) nothing changes, it’s simply unavoidable.
Where’s Loose_Cannon when you need him?
25. big_bro_shane - February 18th, 2008 at 7:21 am
My choices would be:
1) Teddy Roosevelt–no president has ever used the ‘bully pulpit’ with greater effect, and many of the things that have shaped our world today are rooted in his presidency (and I mean that as a good thing)
2) Andrew Jackson–just the term of ‘Jacksonian democracy’ and the “true” embodiment that anybody can be president (not true these days I’m afraid)
These men were not perfect, but they were statesmen something politics around the globe seem to be lacking in our day and age
26. urban - February 18th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Disc: Maybe it’s a bit of naîvité on my part, but I cannot understand why the ecological issues we face aren’t just about the biggest issue out there. It influences so many other factors, and really determines everything that our future holds. I just feel like Roosevelt could give those issues the prominence they are lacking.
27. Grumpus - February 18th, 2008 at 7:30 am
Harry S Truman: He was mostly honest, confrontational when he needed to be, incredibly intelligent and well versed on the history and authority of the presidency, and he was the only president in the last 100 years who didn’t leave office as a millionaire.
28. GingerLee - February 18th, 2008 at 7:50 am
My choices would be (even though some weren’t presidents they were either nominees or serious contenders in their day):
Alexander Hamilton- if he hadn’t been murdered by Aaron Burr he most definitely would have been president. He was a financial genius who helped get the new born nation on it’s feet.
Thomas Jefferson- a man who was willing to listen to people and accept that he didn’t always have the answers, but he wasn’t a push over.
Woodrow Wilson- a great diplomatic genius who unfortunately wasn’t able to utilize his great ideas because of the stroke he suffered.
and then I’d choose RFK- he had the charisma to unite people despite their differences. On the day MLK was killed the city where he was giving a speech during his ‘68 campaign was the only one that didn’t break out in a riot.
I’ll keep w/ the intended positive tone Jamie set out by not giving my opinions on past presidents that *should not* ever come back.
29. mr_evilmonkey - February 18th, 2008 at 7:59 am
Theodore Roosevelt,not only a brilliant man but one who understands what it means to be in combat.
30. Mom424 - February 18th, 2008 at 8:13 am
Harry Truman(common sense & morals), RFK, (not JFK, popular yes, principled - I don’t think so), Wilson, Lincoln (little weird, but moral), Not Reagan (disastrous social policies at home and I think the Iron Curtain would have fallen anyway, their economic system was in a shambles),,,,good lord Jimmy Carter would be better than Bush….he doesn’t seem to have respect for anyone other than old home boys ….(the texas big business kind),,,
31. Llamee - February 18th, 2008 at 8:15 am
THOMAS JEFFERSON
32. JMSBones - February 18th, 2008 at 8:17 am
THOMAS JEFFERSON
33. Llamee - February 18th, 2008 at 8:18 am
The Roosevelts were mafia frontmen. JFK and Thomas Jefferson were on the same level. Clinton does not compare. Andrew Jackson killed Indians like there was no tomorrow. JFK or Thomas Jefferson (preferably Prez Jefferson and VP Kennedy) would easily replace this sack of scum we have now as president.
34. JMSBones - February 18th, 2008 at 8:18 am
That was weird.
35. Llamee - February 18th, 2008 at 8:18 am
By “JFK and Thomas Jefferson were on the same level,” I meant that as they were both great people, not mafia frontmen.
36. Llamee - February 18th, 2008 at 8:23 am
Harry S. Truman: “S” didn’t stand for anything.
37. Llamee - February 18th, 2008 at 8:24 am
Ronald Reagan is dead, and that’s a good thing. He is one of the many presidents who died and should stay freakin’ dead. He’s involved in the Bush oil business and was just an ass of a president.
38. JC - February 18th, 2008 at 8:27 am
At this point in time, comsidering the enormous amount of foreign affairs we are dealing with, John F Kennedy would be the best for the job. In his time, he was able to prevent a possible nuclear war, and help deal with civil rights, a topic which many whites at the time considered foreign affairs. Alternately, he did begin the embargo on Cuba which is now destroying a primarily innocent nation. Should John F Kennedy be brought back, I believe he would take into consideration the topic of the Cuban embargo unlike all other politicians of our times, and he would most likely swiftly abolish it, bringing both the United States and the Cuban People economic prosperity.
39. Grumpus - February 18th, 2008 at 8:28 am
Llamee - You are correct! The S didn’t stand for anything (that’s why it is usually written without the period after it). Actually it stood for both of his grandfather’s names, which started with S. Even his parents were diplomatic.
40. stevenh - February 18th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Llamee, etc.
As readers of these lists seem to love esoteric information, here is a link about the use of a period in “Harry S. Truman”:
http://www.trumanlibrary.org/speriod.htm
41. g c - February 18th, 2008 at 8:37 am
Logistically speaking, none of the other presidents would recognize their jobs if we brought them back and put them in the oval office today. The presidency has changed dramatically- I mean there’s an entire new branch that’s absorbed so many responsibilities in homeland security.
42. Akylady - February 18th, 2008 at 8:40 am
Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt are already on Mt. Rushmore.
George washing is the first one shown, then Jefferson, Roosevelt and then Abe Lincoln. JFK would be my vote along with Truman. George III, (Bush) could clean sewers as far as I am concerned.
43. Ravyn - February 18th, 2008 at 8:43 am
I know that I might piss some people off when I say this and it might start a bit of a debate…but
Rutherford B Hayes
He fits one requirement that I think should be and that is to actually serve in the military before Serving as president. “He serves his party best who serves his country best.” He was so dedicated to doing his job in the military that he turned down the nomination to run for Congress saying that “I have other business just now. Any man who would leave the army at this time to electioneer for Congress ought to be scalped.” He was elected anyways.
I know his election was a disarray, but being in office he did great things. No one at the time beleived it. He was not pushed around and vetoed any bill that did not fit what he thought was right. He even vetoed the bill for black rights 4 times before he saw it fit and signed. He was able to bring peace on the great Railroad strike though there was unfortunate deaths. He signed a few Bills to help with using the land for economic and domestic use. He helped with womans rights being the first to allow female lawyers to argue cases before the Supreme Court.
He did alot that at the time made people think he was mad andtearing down the country.
44. Grumpus - February 18th, 2008 at 8:44 am
I stand corrected as to the “usually written without a period” part, but I will not use one for 2 reasons:
1- He didn’t customarily use it until after his presidency
2- I refuse to put a period after something that isn’t an abbreviation, no matter how many style manuals recommend it.
If these manuals strive for consistency, then we need to start putting periods after every letter when we recite the alphabet.
Nevertheless, Truman was still a great president (and on the ecological plus side, he walked just about everywhere in his hometown after he left the presidency).
45. Grumpus - February 18th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Ravyn- Good argument for Hayes!
46. Mom424 - February 18th, 2008 at 8:53 am
Grumpus, wasn’t it Truman who set up tons of state parks and protected areas?
Ravyn; grand argument, he was a good guy
Llamee; I agree, I was around for Reagan, horrible president, not as bad as Nixon,,,but pretty bad
47. Jake - February 18th, 2008 at 9:02 am
I can see the leanings of the crowd on this web site tend to lean a little to the left. I’ll try swaying it back to the right a little
Eisenhower, Nixon (pre-scandal), or Reagan.
Eisenhower gave the country confidence after WWII, and led a prosperous nation.
Nixon modernized democrat pillars like social security and welfare while still maintaining a balanced budget. He was the first president to normalize relations with China. He is commonly thought of as the most intelligent president we have ever had. Of course if JFK’s political machine wouldn’t have cheated in the first place Nixon would have been president in 1960, and JFK would have been another losing New England Senator…
Reagan - redefined what a true conservative was. Pulled the country out of Carter’s recession. Hastened (I agree didn’t create) the end of the cold war and eventual freedom of the Soviet Bloc. Normalized relations for the first time with USSR. Was a gentleman in every sense of the word, and just damn cool
48. Grumpus - February 18th, 2008 at 9:03 am
Mom424- I believe he did as a continuation of Roosevelt’s New Deal plan to create jobs through the Works Progress Admin. (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Almost every state park, forest, and bridge here in VA was built, refurbished, or dedicated in the mid-forties.
And Reagan! OMG, I went to one of the most conservative, neo-Reaganite colleges on the US, and I could never understand the near-worship of that man. For a party that prides itself on family values, fiscal responsibility, and small governmant, it seems odd that they revere the only president who was divorced, who consistently (almost exponentially) increased the national debt through poor budgeting, and who increased the size of the government more than anyone since FDR (especially in the area of military build-up).
49. jfrater - February 18th, 2008 at 9:06 am
Jake: I am not American so I don’t know the history of all the presidents, but I thought Nixon got the chop because he was a liar and cheat - am I wrong?
50. Jake - February 18th, 2008 at 9:09 am
Mom424 - It was Teddy Roosevelt that created the national parks department and purchased a lot of the land.
51. Eric - February 18th, 2008 at 9:10 am
its true that nixon actually did a lot of good before being caught up in the whole watergate thing….
but i would bring back teddy roosevelt. he didnt take crap from anyone, he demanded loyalty, honesty and integrity from all he worked with, and overall, he may have been one of our most powerful presidents.
he brought out severely lacking military at the time up to one of the best in the world, he started the national park system and he forced reform in the business world with all his trust busting.
52. thepennymachine - February 18th, 2008 at 9:11 am
all i know is that mccain should be replaced by anybody because mccain + attacking iran = russian retaliation = severe US casualties
53. bucslim - February 18th, 2008 at 9:11 am
I couldn’t disagree with you more about Reagan, Mom and Liamee, but I understand he isn’t going to be everyone’s first choice. If not for the two term limit, he’d probably would have been elected again and again, something you can’t deny. He was very popular.
OK, I’ve shown my hand a bit here, but folks, the environment shouldn’t run the entire economy and the path of leadership. If it did, we’d be addressing Ralph Nader as Mr. President and I’d probably be writing this somewhere other than the USA.
54. Grumpus - February 18th, 2008 at 9:14 am
jfrater- Now now…Nixon resigned because he got caught. Most of the presidents we have had in the 20th/21st centuries have been liars and cheats to some degree. I’m no Nixon apologist, but almost all politicians in general have some kind of crooked angle. Even if they start their careers with noble aspirations and a real desire to serve the people who elect them, the seductive nature of power and influence soon overtakes them until they are a bent cog in the machine. Just saying…
55. Csimmons - February 18th, 2008 at 9:14 am
I know alot about presients and i would have to say Reagan, or one of the Roosevelts. Mostly because they would know how to win this war and because they were great leaders.
56. Jake - February 18th, 2008 at 9:15 am
jfrater - He was a liar for sure. It all was built out of his paranoia. He is said to have ordered wiretapping of the Democratic National Offices then fired/replaced people to cover it up. The crazy thing was he would have easily won re-election without any dirty tricks. He enjoyed a comfortable popularity rating, and the democrats didn’t have a viable candidate running against him.
57. Grumpus - February 18th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Popular does not necessarily equal good. Just look at television or music for examples.
Also, I’m not a leftist, eco-warrior, bunny-kisser, tree-hugger, etc. But most of the first world is heading towards “greener” policies. It would probably behoove any future leaders of this country to follow the example of the Queen of the Netherlands who encouraged her countrymen to “go green” a few years back. The Netherlands now has a multi-billion dollar industry servicing the world’s desire to be “green”. I’m not voting one way or another in the global warming debate, but I do believe that in order to keep up with the rest of the world, right or wrong, we need to focus on environmental issues. At the very least, there’s a metric assload of money to be made from eco-industry, eco-tourism, eco-frozen waffles, eco-whatever.
58. bucslim - February 18th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Sorry, grumpus, I thought that’s what elections were about, who’s the most popular. In other words, most people agreed with how he was running the country and would vote for him again.
59. Grumpus - February 18th, 2008 at 9:36 am
Elections are about getting electoral votes nowadays. At least 2 presidents in history (one very recently)did not receive the majority of the popular vote. Speaking of which, the majority of the popular vote is still usually a minority of all possible voters. In our society of eligible voters who cannot be bothered to register to vote, or bother to vote if registered, anyone who is elected immediately becomes suspect. Slick campaigns win the votes of those who actually vote. Also, think of how many times you’ve heard people say they voted for someone because it was “the lesser of two evils.” However, I do agree that Reagan was extremely popular, but not because of how he did things.
60. bucslim - February 18th, 2008 at 9:46 am
Grumpus - I get your point, well taken. I’ve become extremely cynical as of late because of all the shenanigans - on BOTH sides. Most of it is high grade steaming horseshit. And it seems we elect someone who has done their best to not offend anyone rather than a true leader. Besides, who would want to run for office with all of the ridiculous media scrutiny these days?
61. Mom424 - February 18th, 2008 at 9:50 am
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….
62. Grumpus - February 18th, 2008 at 10:02 am
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?
63. Mom424 - February 18th, 2008 at 10:08 am
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…..
64. devilishgrin66 - February 18th, 2008 at 10:12 am
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.
65. Miss Destiny - February 18th, 2008 at 10:12 am
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!
66. Grumpus - February 18th, 2008 at 10:25 am
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)
67. TMo - February 18th, 2008 at 11:21 am
devilishgrinn66:
Clinton: “I didn’t inhale”
Obama: “I inhaled, that was the point.”
68. lightningclash - February 18th, 2008 at 11:34 am
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
69. Mom424 - February 18th, 2008 at 11:50 am
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….
70. Regina - February 18th, 2008 at 11:56 am
JFK - I would love to see him finish out his term today!
71. Cambrex101 - February 18th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
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.
72. riley - February 18th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
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 pissed off again and causes another war.
73. Chris - February 18th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
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?
74. Chestica - February 18th, 2008 at 12:33 pm
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.
75. Chestica - February 18th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
TMO:
Clinton: “I didn’t inhale”
Obama: “I inhaled, that was the point.”
Hahahahahahahahahaha!
76. Dave - February 18th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Teddy for Theo
77. Borg - February 18th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
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.
78. Midknight - February 18th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
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.
79. Buster - February 18th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Teddy Roosevelt, he rocked.
80. toolnut - February 18th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
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.
81. adrianmholmes - February 18th, 2008 at 2:13 pm
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.
82. goof_ball - February 18th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Lincoln, just because it would be awesome to meet him.
83. Yogi Barrister - February 18th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
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.
84. loseitbonkers - February 18th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
either JFK or one of the early forefathers.
they’re the only ones who would have the balls to downsize our government enough.
85. jokr - February 18th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
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
86. SlickWilly - February 18th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
jokr: Please, for the sake of all us, in the future be sure to check your caps-lock before you type. Thank you.
87. Crimanon - February 18th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
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???
88. Dana - February 18th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
William Henry Harrison - c’mon, he barely had time to get into the job good! Who knows what he could have done?
89. byrneman - February 18th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
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…
90. Ducky423 - February 18th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
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.
91. Miss Destiny - February 18th, 2008 at 5:13 pm
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.
92. bad news - February 18th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
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.
93. jfrater - February 18th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
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?
94. Miss Destiny - February 18th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
I am aware of places like the UK, I’m talking about other places where you actually CAN’T make statements like that.
95. Miss Destiny - February 18th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I suppose I could have been a bit more specific though!
96. bad news - February 18th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
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.
97. jesse - February 18th, 2008 at 7:17 pm
anyone hear the misfits song “bullet”?
98. Morgan - February 18th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
FDR, he got us out of the resession during the Great Depression. We could use him in our current situation
99. Grumpus - February 18th, 2008 at 7:40 pm
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).
100. Daniel - February 18th, 2008 at 8:04 pm
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!
101. Rodeograndma - February 18th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
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.
102. riledupone - February 18th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
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!
103. Jenni - February 18th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
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.
104. Chair - February 18th, 2008 at 11:13 pm
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.
105. deedee0323 - February 19th, 2008 at 10:23 am
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.
106. Revolution - February 19th, 2008 at 11:15 am
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.
107. Joss - February 19th, 2008 at 11:34 am
Reagan all the way, baby.
108. Yondofan12 - February 19th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
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.
109. chadster - February 19th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
Lincoln, he was a genius and a man of unrivaled character. No president has or ever will be better than him.
110. mudd - February 19th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
i think boris yeltsin or howard stern
111. Dan - February 19th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
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
112. wackedude - February 19th, 2008 at 9:41 pm
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.
113. stormy617 - February 20th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
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.
114. Bananas - February 20th, 2008 at 5:47 pm
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.
115. Bananas - February 20th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
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’.
116. AlyshiaH - February 20th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
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
117. AlyshiaH - February 20th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
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.
118. Tyree - February 20th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
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 asshole. 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.
119. Lawrence Watson - February 21st, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Franklin Roosevelt would be ideal for me right now. Him or George Washington.
120. Rich - February 22nd, 2008 at 6:34 am
Lincoln Truman or Reagan
121. Bill - February 24th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
James K. Polk. He promised if elected to serve only one term, and he kept his promise without seeking re-election. Before he left, he won the Southwest from Mexico making us a coast-to-coast nation, wrested the Pacific Northwest from England, set the boundary of the US/Canada in our favor, balanced the federal budget (the only one to do so), was hands down the most accessable president to the common man–opened the Oval Office daily for visitation from the general public…then he went home and died two months after his term expired. He burned himself out, but kept all of his campaign promises, the ONLY president to do so! That’s what we need, a president who not only keeps his promises, but acts on them as well 110%!
122. jrjb - March 1st, 2008 at 2:46 am
Clinton
123. Nightstalker - March 14th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
I the the best former president would have to be FDR. He united the people of this country to work together toward a common goal: getting out of the Great Depression. Not only that, he also used the government as a means to create jobs in the form of his varous public works programs. He also wasn’t too shabby when it came to running a country during a war. I think that Franklin D. Roosevelt was the best, and hardest working, president the United States ever had. If anyone could get us out of the mess we’re in right now, he could do it.
124. Dan - March 18th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
I think George W Bush should be on there. He does what is right even knowing that it may not make him popular.
125. das groß - March 19th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Woodrow Wilson. He led us through the Great War
126. charlie - March 19th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Gooly Gee so many to choose from like 40. Lincoln would be my first choice. Jefferson or Washington second they were both great men. Teddy R. yes Franklin R no. just because the government has been pushing the economy ever since the great depression. that should start a debate. Instead of letting the economy get back on it’s feet the government has been bailing us out ever since have you ever heard of a deficit. the last two would be Andrew Jackson or Franklin Pierce. not enough room to expound on those two but great men none the less
127. duderz - April 3rd, 2008 at 1:28 am
Franklin Pierce was a horrid president, charlie. Also, economic intervention started in 1913, during Wilson’s presidency. I also tend to find the capitalist argument that the country should have gotten back on its own two feet after the Great Depression pretty appalling, considering the number of people out of work and starving. Have you honestly studied that period in history, and can you say with a straight face that the government programs that helped millions, either with relief or by putting them back to work, were a bad thing? I’m guessing this is just a typical partisan attitude towards FDR because, omg, he started Social Security!!1!111ohtehnoez
Anyway, my answer would be, assuming the president in question didn’t go nuts from culture shock, probably FDR or Lincoln, given their leadership during times of great crisis. Teddy was great, but he was too imperialistic, and I don’t think that attitude would help right now (same with Jackson’s native american genocide.) JFK might just be the most overrated president in history. I think most Americans are caught up in a cult of personality regarding Reagan as well, but at least he has some accomplishments to his name. What did JFK ever do?
128. EJF - April 6th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
Any one of them would be an improvement. Can I write this without somebody breaking down my door?
129. MPW - May 25th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
speak softly and carry a big stick
i pick teddy roosevelt
130. God - June 2nd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
John Adams
Thomas Jefferson
John Quincy Adams
131. Vera Lynn - June 17th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Clinton Can any one say economy? He was smart, eloquent,etc. Bush is a bumbling, embarrassment. How he ever got re-elected is beyond me.
132. avi - June 27th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Lincoln T. Roosevelt or Reagan
133. Superman - June 29th, 2008 at 8:23 pm
ok FDR or Andrew Jackson. some say kennedy cause they think he was smart. he might have been, but not for politics. his brother robby was his main adviser for a reason.
FDR got us out of the depression with the New Deals so obviously he’d be a good choice.
but A. Jackson my hero. the guy wanted to expand to the west but congress told him no because that was the indians land. but he basically said f*ck that sh!t i’ll do it anyways. so he did and thus the trail of tears came to be. however i am not saying that that hundreds of indians dying is a good thing. i am saying that we need a president with some balls and aparently Jackson had the balls to easily sacrifice hundreds so that millions could experince the greatness of this country. give that man a klondike bar.
134. Mike - July 13th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Probably JFK. He did a lot of great things during his presidency, but he could of done so much more if he hadn’t been assassinated.
But frankly, I think any of the old presidents would have been better than George Bush (even Nixon). I would take any of the dead presidents over Bush.
135. Grubermeister - July 19th, 2008 at 6:01 am
Superman make that hundreds of Indians tens of thousands of Indians.
136. Superman - July 30th, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Hey Grubermeister, i don’t really care, it could’ve been millions it wouldn’t make a difference to me. don’t correct someone when it’s apparent that they don’t give a flying f*ck abouot the facts
137. Grubermeister - July 30th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Hey Superman, no need to get all pissy about it just trying to help.
138. avi - September 5th, 2008 at 4:20 am
lincoln reagan truman eisenhower nixon kennedy madison adams I teddy roosevelt.
139. avi - September 17th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
narrowing it down to:lincoln truman madison wilson reagan eisenhower nixon
140. unclejoe1917 - October 4th, 2008 at 5:49 am
Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson. They seemed to be the most in tune with exactly what this country is supposed to be. Obviously, Franklin never became president, but given the events of the last few years, the quote, “He who is willing to trade even the least of his liberties for more security deserves neither liberty nor security” is as relevent as ever. I also like Teddy Roosevelt’s quote saying something along the lines of it not only being your right to criticize the government, but your patriotic duty. I also like Coolidge’s understanding that in a capitalist state, it is the government’s job to do as little as possible.