When it comes to the legacy of U.S. presidents, the question looms large: who tells their story?
As Lin-Manuel Miranda poignantly puts it in “Hamilton,” it's often historians who take on this task, ranking presidents from the worst to the best.
This endeavor is no easy feat, as it requires a deep dive into various factors such as leadership skills, policy decisions, and the historical backdrop of each administration.
Since 1982, the Siena College Research Institute has been leading the charge, polling historians, political scientists, and scholars across an impressive 20 categories.
Among these categories are integrity, executive ability, economic management, and relationships with Congress.
So, who emerges as the cream of the crop?
Time and again, Franklin D. Roosevelt, affectionately known as FDR, claims the top spot.
His leadership during two monumental crises—the Great Depression and World War II—has solidified his reputation.
FDR's New Deal programs fundamentally transformed the government's role in American life, offering much-needed relief and reform.
His famous declaration that “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself” perfectly captures the resilience he inspired in the nation during its darkest hours.
Following closely behind is Abraham Lincoln, a figure synonymous with presidential excellence.
His tenure was marked by the Civil War, where he fought valiantly to preserve the Union and abolish slavery.
The Emancipation Proclamation and his support for the 13th Amendment are cornerstones of his legacy, showcasing his dedication to equality.
Even after serving just one full term before his tragic assassination, Lincoln's eloquence and vision, particularly evident in speeches like the Gettysburg Address, continue to resonate today.
Not far behind in the rankings is George Washington, the nation's first president and a foundational figure in American history.
Washington set critical precedents, from establishing the cabinet system to voluntarily stepping down after two terms, a tradition that lasted until FDR.
His leadership during the Revolutionary War and his insightful farewell address, which cautioned against political factions and foreign entanglements, have earned him enduring respect among historians.
The fourth spot goes to Theodore Roosevelt, affectionately known as Teddy.
His presidency was characterized by a vibrant energy and a commitment to progressive reforms.
With his Square Deal domestic agenda, he focused on conservation, corporate regulation, and consumer protection.
On the world stage, his “speak softly and carry a big stick” approach to diplomacy expanded America's influence and showcased his larger-than-life personality.
On the flip side, the list of the least effective presidents features some notorious names.
Andrew Johnson, who took office following Lincoln's assassination, is frequently cited as one of the worst.
His lenient Reconstruction policies allowed many Confederate leaders to regain power, undermining efforts to secure rights for freed slaves.
His contentious relationship with Congress ultimately led to his impeachment, though he narrowly avoided removal from office.
James Buchanan also finds himself at the bottom of the barrel.
His presidency is often criticized for failing to address the escalating tensions surrounding slavery that eventually culminated in the Civil War.
His belief in states' rights regarding slavery and his inability to broker peace between the North and South have left historians deeming his time in office a failure.
More recently, Donald Trump has entered the conversation as one of the less favorable presidents in historical rankings.
His term was riddled with controversy, marked by an unconventional governance style and polarizing rhetoric.
Critics point to his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and the January 6th Capitol riot as significant missteps.
While some supporters highlight his economic policies and judicial appointments as positives, the assessments of his presidency remain contentious and fluid.
Warren G. Harding's brief presidency is often remembered more for scandal than achievement.
The infamous Teapot Dome scandal, involving bribery and corruption within his administration, has tarnished his legacy.
Although Harding himself wasn't directly implicated, the corruption that plagued his cabinet has led to consistently low rankings.
Interestingly, the rankings of more recent presidents like Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton have seen fluctuations over the years.
Obama initially enjoyed high marks due to his historic election and response to the 2008 financial crisis, but reassessments of his foreign policy have since tempered his standing.
Conversely, Bush's ranking has improved somewhat as historians reconsider his leadership following the 9/11 attacks and his contributions to global health initiatives.
In today's 24/7 news landscape, the perception of presidents has evolved dramatically.
With every statement and action scrutinized in real-time, modern leaders face unique challenges in shaping their narratives.
Donald Trump's prolific use of Twitter provided an unfiltered glimpse into his presidency, sparking both fervent support and intense controversy.
Crisis management often distinguishes the highest-ranked presidents from their peers.
Those who successfully navigated the nation through tumultuous periods—like Lincoln, FDR, and Washington—tend to be celebrated in historical accounts.
This raises intriguing questions about how future historians will evaluate more recent presidents, particularly in light of their responses to crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.
So, what do you think?
If you could introduce a new category to the presidential ranking system, what would it be?
Share your thoughts in the comments!
