Top 10 Best Presidents of the United States

Lincoln, Washington, and Jefferson are top three. The rest of the top ten is debatable. What is not debatable is having Clinton, Ford, Carter, Nixon in the top five. Anyone who votes for Trump is a fool. Donald Trump is the worst president ever. Immature, arrogant, irresponsible, crass, and delusional are only some of the negative adjectives to describe this racist egomaniac.

Should be above Bush, you think 911 was worse than the civil war?

Clinton balanced the budget and actually left a surplus but top 5? No.

Personally don't think Bush43, Clinton, JFK, or Nixon belong in the top 10.

JFK was not a good president, just remembered well. Nixon was a brilliant politician, but remembered as a shady scumbag, even compared to other politicians. FDR elected 4 times but if it weren't for WWII, his new deal would have destroyed America. Not to mention court packing is worse than what Nixon did. FDR = shadiest president every (adulterer, internment camps, undercutting his own party to win a 3rd term...) Obama is the worst for the deficit so far of any president in history and he won a nobel prize because they hoped that he wouldn't vote on a troop surge, which he did anyway. Those aren't arguments for praise. Any honorable recipient would have returned it after his decision but he was probably busy visiting the last of the "57" states. ...more

Abraham Lincoln was the man you could change his ideas. Like slavery he first thought it was good. Then he realized that slavery was wrong. He did almost everything to fix the country. No other president thought about slavery should be wrong or even segregation. Martin Luther King Jr. was not a president, but still fought for what is right. Only Abraham Lincoln thought slavery was wrong. He was a man of changes and does what should be right among us. If he didn't exist, there still would be slavery and African Americans would not be equally treated. So I think Abraham Lincoln should be the best president in history.

Tremendous amount of accomplishments. Drew attention to so many issues that the sleeping western world had ignored and avoided for way to long. Was crucified by corrupt left deep state, swamp dwellers as well as wing nut social and mainstream media. Personality wise he was very flawed but still was frankly outstanding and what the US and the West needed. I do wish he'd keep doing what he's doing now (June 2022) but support Desantis in 2024 if he'll run.

Selfless, did not want the job, set up a trust by selling land to provide for freed slaves to old to work. Set up trade training for his slaves to be employable after freedom. Only founder who held slaves to free those he could legally at the time. Refused the idea of kingship or hereditary rule outright. Swore like a sailor when angered but apologized for his outbursts. Chose Alexander Hamilton as his aid to camp for his brilliance and later as his treasury secretary to set up the US monetary and finance system from scratch.
Read "Washington a Life" by Ron Chernow.

The freaking founder of america, he played a big roll in the war of independence commanding the armies. then finally the first ever president, he could have made it a permanent role but he didn't now all the presidents follow the same.

What made Washington a great leader was his understanding of what had to be done. As president, Washington realized that the new Constitution had to be made to work if democracy was to take root in American soil. This would not happen if he had chosen to become a lifetime king or if federal laws were ignored. and he is the geaneral to

In my lifetime, over79 years so far, I 've seen no president that has even come close to JFK when it comes to his sincere efforts to do what needed to be done for both thenation and it's people. He was the best since at least as far back as Jefferson.

He and his future relative FDR are two of my favorite presidents in that they were like the Gracchi Brothers of Ancient Rome had they stayed in power and were ultimately successful with their endeavors.

Getting back to Teddy, he started the FDA to help regulate the quality of our food and drugs, broke up rapacious monopolies like Standard Oil so as to actually make capitalism appealing to more people than just wealthy, exploitative oligarchs like Rockefeller, Carnegie, Bezos, Musk, etc., and established a ton of national parks and monuments which would serve as a foundation for the creation of the NPS years later. These are just a few examples but they definitely demonstrate the heart of what made his term in office so great, he looked out for the everyday person as opposed to being like most presidents nowadays who take their marching orders from rich elites and lobbyists. Plus, he was a total badass who could take a bullet like a pro, or a "bull moose" if you will.

If ...more

The fact that this man isn't in the Top 3 is ridiculous. None of our presidents in history were perfect. They all had their flaws. But without a doubt, Theodore Roosevelt was closest to perfect. He did so much for the environment and national parks. He also led the progressive movement, accomplished Square Deal domestic policies, helped small businesses by breaking evil trusts, regulated railroads and pure foods and drugs, fought for equal rights, and as far as foreign policy goes, he constructed the Panama Canal. One of the very few presidents who were actually honest. If this man was alive today, he would absolutely destroy Trump's dumb ass on Twitter.

A truly heroic man who should be remembered as a hero both to conservatives and liberals. On the liberal side, his Square Deal policies were the forerunner of FDR's New Deal, and worked better than FDR's policies to expand equality of opportunity and remove corruption from politics. He was also a staunch conservationist who believed in preserving natural resources, and he was very progressive in civil rights - he extended the benefits of the Square Deal to black Americans as well as white, and invited black activists to the White House even when he was criticised for it.
On the conservative side, his Christian values shaped everything he did. He supported business - his Square Deal was only meant to focus on stopping domination of big business, and he loved small business. He understood how diplomacy works and that America should negotiate from a position of strength, and with military force backing him up he helped the cause of peace around the world (even winning a Nobel Peace ...more

Roosevelt was an incredible visionary. His foresight into where the country was going, where the world was going, helped define the fledgling United States of America, and found a balance between respecting rugged American individualism and ending crony capitalism. By breaking the trusts, Roosevelt brought competition and opportunity back to the economy. By creating the national parks, he created a national identity of pride and appreciation. With his leadership, the U.S. was on its way to a diplomatic and military powerhouse, in the Americas and beyond.

A timeless president. Helped to save many from financial hardship, by creating the New Deal programs, and helped to create many programs such as Social Security. Ultimately helped in the defeat of Nazi Germany and the rest of the Axis in WW2 by sending aid through the Lend-Lease Act, but also by later fighting in the European, African and Pacific Theatres in conflict, which would be carried on by his successor Harry Truman who would drop two nuclear bombs on Japan in an attempt to force them to surrender. Has a problematic legacy in some regards to civil rights, as he would create Japanese Internment Camps, and refused to shake hands with Jesse Owens, but did open up a lot of pathways for future positive changes to be made.

No one greater than Roosevelt. He was dead before I was born, but I can barely look at his picture without crying. My parents were children in the depression, and credited this man for literally saving them from starvation. Mother said no one was working, had any food, or money, and lived in daily fear of what would happen to them. They would listen to his fireside chats on the radio, and she said the fear would lift at the sound of his voice, and calm come over the house. He assured them they would be taken care of, not to worry, and the government trucks started delivering the potted meat and some staples. I have been told that almost every American home at that time had his picture hanging on the wall of their homes. Unless you lived during those times, you cannot fully appreciate what this man did. He saved America, paralyzed from a wheel chair. I adore this man.

Roosevelt in my opinion was the greatest U.S president ever. I was born after his death in 1945 but my father would never stop talking about and praising his accomplishments. My father spoke of the Great Depression, World War II and how Roosevelt in dire times would hold fire side chats and make Americans feel good and positive even in the worst of times. Roosevelt was a true leader who cared for even the poorest who had nothing. My hat goes off to such a president but more for the man he was. A true man of respect and dignity who carried America and it's people through the hardest of times. God Bless Franklin Roosevelt the greatest of president ever.

FDR is actually one of the worst presidents ever. The reason why the United States underwent the horrible Great Depression is because he kept spending money instead of cutting spending, which would have greatly helped the economy. Free stuff is not the answer to fixing the economy. The only thing that got us out of the Depression is WWII because people were actually forced to work and to produce for society, not pointless jobs like counting bees. Yes, unemployment went down, yet people were employed in jobs that didn't do anything to help the country or economy. He tripled the National Debt and put the burden on future generations. Definitely one of the worst!

Thomas Jefferson is one of the most underrated presidents ever. The fact that G.W. bush and Bill Clinton were voted above Jefferson is bad enough, but Lincoln being number two is unbelievable. Lincoln destroyed Jefferson's vision of a free, VOLUNTARY union of sovereign states. If people understood history, Bush, Clinton, LINCOLN, and all other imperialist presidents would be voted down as some of the worst presidents in the history of the country. Read Jefferson's Declaration of Independence and it will become clear that every president which was voted above Jefferson (with the exception of Washington) supported policies which were counter to the founders' vision.

Educators have failed president Jefferson in teaching that he is not worthy of our respect. Some argue that he was a hypocrite for not freeing his slaves. The truth is that Virginia law prohibited him from freeing his slaves because he was in debt. Jefferson's first draft of the constitution freed the slaves but that was quickly voted down in order to keep the southern colonies from immediately exiting the union. If Jefferson or Washington or Adams, among others could have freed the slaves by executive order and kept the country together they would have in a second but they knew the survival of the Union required patience to bring this about.

Thomas should be ranked one of the best if not the best U.S. president for many reasons here are some... The first one is a duh one he wrote the declaration which he put sooo much effort into only for it to be "torn" apart. Next he was a quick minded inventor inventing many things and even built his house. He was also governor of Virgina. He was also willing give a nice life just to shape America. Over time he also became the first secretary of state and, second vice president. Then he became the third president during which he got Louisiana Purchase stopped slaves getting imported from Africa. Finally he was humble he didn't boast about all his life no he decided to write the things that helped other people not him. In the end if you think Jefferson was a bad political character the you aren't American.

Jefferson's greatest accomplishment was certainly the Declaration of Independence. That said, as a President, he stood for individual rights. He peacefully doubled the size of the country with the Louisiana Purchase. He banned the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. He developed the nation and tried to steer away its worse impulses through moderation. Jefferson is also the father of the American philosophy, the views of "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness".

#40. (Republican) he was able to fix the economy, create twenty million new jobs, lower inflation rates, exempt low income Americans, create economic stability for small businesses, lower taxes, and bring in an end to the Cold War with his concise and effective foreign policy skills. He also was able to survive a gun shot and return to his duty only three weeks later. A real true American who believed in this country and a real true father to Conservatism! Even the democrats loved him. Good Bless Reagan.

Clueless president. Reagan was a cheerleader, and nothing else. Trickle-down economics lead to a recession in the 90's and 2000's. Reagan's policies were disastrously executed, and claiming he won the cold war is like saying a runner beat a rock in a marathon. The Soviet Union was in critical condition even in the 60's and he did nothing to change that. Gorbachev made the changes in the USSR that led to the collapse in 1991. The introduction of soldiers in Afghanistan created the Taliban. His corporate "perception management" and the creation of media outlets to force a belief on individuals makes it possible so people actually think he did something worthwhile. All Reagan did was advance the oligarchy that was already in place in Washington, and create a hyper-right political base that is currently leading to the destruction of the Republican party. He took a gunshot, but not like Teddy. All he did was drive jobs away and make it easier for corporations to make billions of dollars. ...more

Reagan did not tear down the Berlin Wall. The crumbling Soviet Union was not because of Reagan's "toughness," but because it had been becoming drastically weaker over time. Its states were beginning to leave and its people were becoming disillusioned with communism. Merely telling Gorbachev to tear down the wall did not cause it to come down. Reagan also helped the spread of AIDS by ignoring the issue because it was common among homosexuals. Reagan also spread homelessness and income inequality through his "make the rich richer" economic policies. Oh, and he was senile during his final years in office.

I don't see why Reagan is here. First of all, he ignored the AIDS epidemic that was going on until over 20,000 Americans have passed away. Then he negotiated with terrorists to free some American hostages, by slipping them guns and supplies. He became the 1985 Homophobe of the year and said gays deserved AIDS because they went against "God's wishes" and said that gays were "sick unfortunates" Real mature of Reagan right? He raised taxes for middle class and lower class people while cutting taxes for the rich. He funded terrorists and tripled the national debt. Look it up Republicans, you'll see a bunch of horrible crap Reagan did. The list goes on and on.

Seriously? George W. Bush is # 1? All he did was start the Iraq and Afghanistan War, not to mention he barely helped at all when Hurricane Katrina came through. Now JFK, he was amazing. He started the Peace Corps, started the Space Race, made sure African Americans had equal rights in housing( And would've done more for Civil Rights if he served longer), made sure Steel industries couldn't raise their prices over and over, and stopped the Cuban Missile Crysis, and he didn't even serve a full term! So JFK deserves first or second for sure.

I have to add, JFK lost his older brother in the War, he had a purple heart himself, & as someone stated below, was willing to die for his country long before he actually did. He was also great at foreign negotiations & AVOIDING war. He was wise beyond his years the- things he put into motion while President, unfortunately, his determination to fight corruption in every level of government made him a target, & most people don't know what he even accomplished while President, because LBJ immediately erased every good thing he ever did, except Civil Rights, & he even messed that up, being one of the worst racist President's EVER. If JFK & his vision had lived, there would have been no Vietnam, a stable economy, & no CIA providing arms & money to the Taliban leading to 9/11...to name a few. Unfortunately, he made enemies of very powerful people in his quest to rid the government of corruption.

This is too high for a three year president. The Democrats do not follow his request to "ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country." His allowing the creation of the SEIU could very well bring down our Democracy. FDR was opposed to creating a federal government union knowing it could go rouge and not be accountable to the voters. With huge and expanding bureaucracies and a union not accountable to the people may lead to the fall of our Democracy. He had several foreign policy accomplishments including the Missile Crises, Test Ban Treaty and domestic policy achievements such as tax cuts, civil rights and promising a moon landing within the decade.

This man was not that good. He is a wonderful person coming from a catholic. But what did he do. He only said we were going to the moon and we temporarily lost the space wars. He did not do anything to help NASA and he almost killed us in the Cuban missile crisis. Don't forget the Bay of Pigs. Look at all those reasons and tell me how he was the best president now. I want actions not words. I can't think of another president who gets support from the media or words. Cough cough, Obama cough worst president ever. Cough FDR starting the Cold War with Stalin and extending the depression like a true greedy political liberal. Man I must have a bad cough

The quintessential "moderate Republican" president. Wasn't afraid to use public money to build great projects, such as the Interstate Highway System, and helped to advance a lot of the causes of the Civil Rights Movement such as by forcing school integration in places such as Little Rock, Arkansas against defiant, anti-segregation forces, and opened up the door for future acceptance of the Civil Rights cause by his successors JFK and LBJ. Was also a WW2 hero, as he was the Supreme Allied Commander of the Allied Forces, and launched the brutal, but successful Normandy Invasion which led to Hitler and Nazi Germany's defeat and eventual surrender. He was also so popular that both Republicans and Democrats wanted him as their Presidential candidate, showing how beloved he was on both sides of the aisle.

The last good Republican President. Plain and simple. Nixon was smart but corrupt as hell. Ford was a forgettable, non-entity. Reagan was dumb AND corrupt. Bush 41 was mediocre at best. Bush 43 was a disaster in both economic and foreign policy. And in Trump, we are experiencing a narcissistic egomaniac who befriends dictators because he wishes he was one, has alienated our allies, and has totally mishandled the greatest widespread medical crisis in my lifetime, and I'm 58. Yup, Eisenhower was the last good Republican Chief Executive. Moderate, thoughtful, and terrific on infrastructure development. Cautious in foreign policy because he experienced war first-hand.

#34. (Republican) the strong and heroic WW2 general who lead the successful attack on Normandy. He helped the Americans defeat Hitler and it is because of his efficient military actions that helped us win V.E. day (Victory in Europe Day). If it wasn't for him, Hitler would have probably taken over the world, killed the rest of the Jews, and would have the remaining people still living under nazi occupation. Eisenhower was not only a superb war general but also a great president who was a strong civil rights activist and dedicated his presidency to stopping the spread of segregation across America. Not only did he get us out of WW2, but later during his presidency, he also got us out of the Korean War. The fact that he was able to get us out of two wars is very astonishing and is something that not everyone can achieve in their lifetime! However, he did it and he did it well!

Whoever thinks that JFK is better than Eisenhower should get their facts checked. JFK did help save people in Pearl Harbor on 12/7/1942, but Eisenhower planned Normandy. As President, he fought for Civil Rights. JFK was a little jumpy about Little Rock 9. He wanted to appeal to the Southern Democrats ( Which were the people trying stop the 9 kids from going into the high school ) and the Democrats up north without losing both, but Eisenhower sent troops to protect the kids from a mob. He also ended the Korean War and created N.A.S.A ( which led up to Neil Armstrong on the moon ). Under him, America was the most powerful country in the world. The economy was great, highways were fixed and we were on equal stands with Russia. Eisenhower should be number 5, while JFK maybe 18.

Finished the victory in WW II in both parts of the world. Decision to use Nuclear Bomb saved many US lives and stopped MacArthur from starting war with Communist China.

Truman acted based upon what he thought was right, not what would get him reelected. He integrated the military, helped found NATO and the UN, pushed the Marshall Plan through Congress, and so much more. He was not afraid to exercise the power of the executive standing up to Stalin as well as McCarthyism. He came in to office not wanting the job, and this lack of political prowess allowed a man of integrity to do what was right for the country. He made some of the toughest decisions in the nation's history and his incorruptible spirit led to them being the right ones. Hands down the most underrated president in American history.

President Truman made the right decisions, Never the most popular. He fought for the country in WWI. He stood up against the KKK. He was against lying. His values were never questioned. He never trusted Stalin nor the USSR. He shaped the policy with his advisors on the cold war. He brought an end the WWII saving hundreds of thousands of allied lives and millions of Japanese. He stood up to the military. He asked Hoover to help feed millions in Europe after WWII. He actually took responsibility for his actions.

Can you imagine being V.P. for 52 days, kept in the dark by FDR, held in contempt by FDR's advisors, underestimated by just about everyone, including Churchill? He faced down Hitler and Stalin, knew little about the atom bomb, but used it to stop the war to save lives...both US and Japanese. He created a plan to rebuild Europe, but called it the Marshall Plan so it would be implemented. The Berlin Airlift saved a city and a nation without starting WWIII. He fired MacArthur because the primadonna threatened to use atomic weapons against China...preventing WWIII aaib. He recognized Israel, and fought for Civil Rights. This is a guy who rose to the occasion. Churchill later told Truman, I was wrong about you.

With few exceptions, John Adams is unmatched in Character, morals and honor. Of those in the 'top 10' only Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson come close to matching Adams. He is one of the original founding fathers, as a lawyer he defended the British soldiers in the Boston massacre (and got them equitted in a Boston courtroom full of people who wanted to hang them). He consistantly voted for what he believed was right (including voting for Indian rights) even when it was not popular. What president in the last 50 years would do that?

#2. (Federalist) another founding father who's examples lead to the creation of the constitution and declaration of independence. It is because of his actions that lead to our freedoms and fought for our rights as American citizens. He is also the well known successor of our nation's first president George Washington and continued to carry out his dreams and responsibilities that made America stand strong to this very day!

Ok literally why is he on the list at all? He did a great job with the revolution, no doubt, but as a president he screwed up horribly. He did not have the proper temperament to be president, and was so concerned with his own well-being that he literally created a document that inhibited free speech. I think the only president that was more paranoid was Nixon.

He was one of the only founding fathers to not own one slave. The Alien and Sedition Acts were not kind to his administration, but he did a better job than any other president of heeding George Washington's advice from his farewell address. President Adams does not get enough credit for the work that he did.

I've lost all faith in this list and in the people who have voted Bush as the 2nd best president, though I'm not surprised if you get your info from Fox News or even MSNBC.

The economy was BOOMING fantastically during this man's terms, and he knew how to work with both the Democratic and Republican party. Gas was cheaper than it ever was under George W Bush (and Barack Obama's first term. Another thing is that Bush DID NOT inherit a recession from Clinton; he inherited a SURPLUS and drove it into the ground, and yet the man is second place on this list?!

It joys me to see Democrats praise Clinton as one of the best presidents of all time and the best for them economically. He was after, by today's standards, very Conservative. He signed a Republican-sponsored welfare reform bill which helped people get off of welfare and balanced the federal budget. He signed into effect the Taxpayer Relief Act which stimulated the economy by giving the largest capital gains tax cut in U.S. history. Not to mention he was extremely anti-regulation. You guys are playing yourselves for supporting him as an advocate for a great Democratic candidate when he had largely Conservative economic values but I will take it for sure.

Our country prospered during the Clinton years. I liked that he could connect with an array of folks in and out of government. He seemed to be respected in other countries, and I felt that he had the people in America in his best interest. So what if he messed up in his personal life. It had nothing to do with his performance as president. And I think that Hillary played a huge part in the success of our country supporting our President.

While he helped to create the financial collapse through deregulation which would come to affect the US economy in later years, he was the only President in most current history that balanced the budget w/o a deficit. His personal life aside, he worked very well as a leader in foreign affairs, was a good negotiator, and domestically we as citizens could not have asked for more from a President. He worked well with Congress and created great economic prosperity. I will always remember this a great time in American History.

The greatest president of the 20th century. His demeanor brought the country together: blacks, whites, upper class, and lower class. Under his presidency, the United States saw the greatest economic expansion in its history, which was evenly spread throughout all classes. Not only that, but he restored the integrity of the national government, avoided war with Mexico, normalized relations with Cuba, passed the Young and Dawes acts, which postponed World War II, limited the growth of government, and reduced taxes so the middle and lower classes were paying close to zero percent rates. Despite all these successes, the most profound aspect of Calvin Coolidge, was his adept understanding of the executive branch. Presidents do not create laws, but rather enforce them.

Unlike FDR and Obama, he had no lust for power. He refused to seek re-election after seven years of presidency before the 22nd amendment was passed when he was highly popular. While Obama said that no one was more qualified than Mrs. Clinton to be the president to manipulate the election in 2016 in the end of his presidency, Coolidge said nothing about his successor when he was about to leave the office and left such a choice to voters directly. Few presidents these days still think and act in the way he did.

Calvin Coolidge is only ranked low because he is falsely associated with leading to the Great Depression. He had economic policies that spurred economic growth and stopped the recession he faced early on. He sought racial equality more than the presidents who preceded and proceeded him. He reduced the scope of government when it desperately needed it.

Best President in our history. His and Harding's policies pulled us out of the Depression of 1920-21 and lead to the single longest period of unbridled economic growth in the history of our country bar none. Had Hoover and Roosevelt taking cues from him instead of becoming big government bullies, the Great Depression of the 1930s wouldn't've been near as long and wouldn't've been known as the "Great" Depression.

Jackson had many flaws that came with his "My Way or the High Way" personality. But he was also one of the greatest leaders. Jackson was the purest form of what a democrat should be: He looked out for the common people (yes, only whites, but his whole generation was racist so I don't blame him too much), Jackson had been a militant fighter since 13 years old, Jackson single-handedly removed the U.S. debt, took down South Carolina when they tried to nullify laws, and even showed that the Supreme court (which had often been criticized for granting far too much power to the government) had literally no way of enforcing their jurisdiction.

Reagan - tripled the national debt, bombed Libya and Grenada
F. Roosevelt - internment camps, bombing German civilians...
T. Roosevelt - massively raised tariffs
Kennedy - failed Bay of Pigs, Vietnam...
Eisenhower - illegally overthrew several democratically elected leaders...
Clinton - bombed Kosovo, massively stepped up the war on drugs...
Truman - 250,000 Japanese dead, failed Korean War

Jackson was the only President to end the national debt and pursue economic policies not aimed at protecting the interests of the financial and mercantile class. The Trail of Tears was nothing in comparison to the heaps of war crimes that have been pursued by the administrations of every twentieth-century president since the Second World War...

He got rid of the Federal Reserve, which most Americans have no idea is not part of the federal government. Fought the British as a 13 year old. Fought the British at New Orleans and whipped their butts. There was no national debt for the first and last time in history. As far as the trail of tears, bad deal for the civilized tribes for sure but you never hear of anyone wanting to the the land back to the Native Americans. Such was the case with Manifest Destiny.

He was one of the first presidents to come from nothing into something, and used those skills he grew up with, as well as his military skills to influence the idea of expanding American democracy for virtually all white males, which was revolutionary at that time. He also saved us from getting into a civil war by passing a bill to lower taxes on cotton in the south, since the south, especially South Carolina, had been taxed on cotton severely.

The Civil Rights President. Despite what he did in Vietnam, in which he and Kennedy largely started, his legislation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the other Great Society programs were monumental for the United States. Also nominated the first African-American Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, which helped ensure many progressive changes were kept on the Supreme Court. Like Joe Biden, also had a lot of experience in the legislative process and was able to get things done which made him a very effective legislator.

Domestically, he did more for average, middle-class Americans of all races than any President other than Franklin D. Roosevelt, and especially more for African-Americans than any President outside of Abraham Lincoln. His great tragedy was allowing military generals' advice direct his policies on the Vietnam War without questioning their opinions. JFK, had he lived, wouldn't have done that. But based on domestic, social policy achievements alone, he has to be rated as one of the best Presidents. It's amazing that a Southern politician was that progressive. And probably NO President handled Congress more effectively !

LBJ is shamefully neglected when it comes to rating US presidents. He fought his way to the top without having the benefit of patricians, as JFK had, who may have had an intellectual and moral motivation to end poverty and discrimination, but LBJ lived it! He was a plain man but a brilliant politician who inherited an unwanted foreign war and outsmarted anachronisms such as the Dixiecrats. He may not have had the charisma of a Lincoln, Kennedy or even a Reagan, but he was a truly great president and it is shameful to see who has now inherited this great office.

LBJ should be higher his issues came in his foreign policy. However his work in creating the america we see today is irrefutable. He passed the Civil Rights act of 64 and Voting rights act of 65 creating an Atmosphere where in which African Americans can prosper rather than be discriminated on. Not to mention 'the great Society' in this period he created a prosperous nation of equality which the US takes for granted today, it is my firm belief that as a democratic leader LBJ is the best the US has had however overall not so.

Obama Is probably the most underrated president since Lincoln. Right wing propaganda shows like Fox News make him out to be some sort of Antichrist, but any logical person who really looks back on what this man has done for our country so far can say that he has done pretty well. First and foremost, he is the first African president in a country infamous for racism and segregation, specially against blacks. He's erased the ultimate stereotype by reaching the nation's highest office despite his skin color. He ended the pointless oil grabbing war in Iraq and cut off the head of AlQueda by killing Bin Laden, and by doing so avenging all those who lost they're lives in the 911 attacks. He has put millions of Americans back to work, though America has not yet reached the pre bush economic prosperity. He supports same sex marriage, facing extreme opposition from homophobic right wingers and Ultraconservative religious organizations. He has done more to help the ailing environment than any ...more

President Obama has managed to end the war in Afghanistan, is ending the war in Iraq, reform health care, save the auto industry, begin the road to economic recovery, and take a strong position on human rights issues such as gay rights and women's issues. And he's done all this despite working with the most uncooperative Congress in history. The House led by a man whose state main goal was not to do anything good for the nation, but to keep President Obama from getting reelected and it showed because that's all he tried to do for four years. If President Obama had had a cooperative Senate and House throughout his tenure, no telling what he might have accomplished!

Without Obama in office we would have not have been able to escape the scariest economic disaster in most of our lifetimes. He has supported every ideological thought and idea that this country was founded upon. Just as well he has still been able to put his own, and the country's own spin towards every pressing issue that we have faced together. Every right-winged media outlet and hardcore conservative has pushed him under the microscope beyond belief. Everything from his birth, his family, his views and of course his politics have been dragged through the mud of our "politically correct" society. The man stands up for what is right, what is both morally and fundamentally sound, people in this country just can't admit the fact that a man of race/nationality pulled us out of a dark place in our history. That a "true-blue" born American family man wasn't the one to do it. It was done by a man who no-one asked or expected to do so. He has the right to be compared to Lincoln, Washington ...more

A great president for our time. If there is such a thing as an honest politician, I think it is Obama. He's good man who has tried so hard to do the right thing. As the first Black president, he has been under constant pressure to perform and indeed he has especially with an obstructionist Congress. He brought a suffering economy back, lowered unemployment to less then 7%, has been a good steward of the planet, created the Affordable Care Act, opened up travel and possibilities of trade with Cuba, has been vigilant in protecting the US from more terror attacks and has worked toward tighter gun control. These are just a few things he has done as the first African American President. Honestly, if he could be elected for another term, I'm sure he would win hands down.

James Knox Polk was THE best example of a leader with efficiency, promise, consistency, and was really a major unsung hero. Polk came into the presidency with some laid-out goals, promised to get them all done, ended up completing everything he wanted to do (which was incredibly significant and crucial), and then left and never came back. What a bad-ass. This guy never gets enough credit and is a true success among US presidents. Polk's my favorite of all time, and he should definitely be a Top 10 staple. Polk should never be looked past.

Top 10 President #6 He said that he had an agenda and if he achieved it then he would not run again. He set goals and achieved them. Such agenda like annexing Texas, acquiring land in the west and settling the Canada--USA present border. Polk accomplished these goals in Texas becoming a state, the Mexican War with land acquired to the Pacific Ocean and fifty-four forty or fight to settle the question with Great Britain. He was successful so he served for 4 years as a result.

The most underrated president of all time, he should honestly be ranked much higher. He was the embodiment of Manifest Destiny, and thanks to that we now have Cali and Texas (although one could argue that Tyler helped set it up). We can thank him for settling a border dispute with Great Britain. He stuck to his word about leaving office, and we all know how often a politician keeps a promise.

Would raid Mexico again for some more land/10

He made the United States be a bad guy for awhile so he doesn't deserve to be ahead of some presidents like Truman. He deliberately used propaganda to turn the U.S against Mexico in a war that was cruel. This guy shouldn't be number 15 because he is a disgrace to the greatest country ever.

Combined the strategies of Washington and Jefferson/Madison to solve issues. Bought Florida from Spain and really was the man who bought Louisiana from France.

He was one of the great Presidents. What made him more special than all others is that he was a leader as well as a great President. Washington was a leader, but a poor President, so was Jefferson and Madison, He held two cabinet post at one time under Madison, Secretary of State and Secretary of War (Defense) during the war of 1812. He was the most well loved and admired Presidents in history by the people. Admitted 5 states to the Union, Purchased the Florida Territory, which included Spain ceded Texas and Southwest US. Part of territory claimed in the Oregon Territory., stabilized the Panic of 1819, which lasted two years. Last of the Founding Fathers. Monroe Doctrine, last president not photographed, died poor, Governor of Virginia. Rush-Bagot Treaty with England, Treaty of 1818 with Britain, Russo-American Treaty of 1824. His accomplishments goes on and on.

The Monroe Doctrine was an important contribution. The geographic isolation of the United States was necessary for this country's experiment in democracy (yeah, I know we're a republic but this had never been tried on such a grand scale before) to come to fruition. The Monroe Doctrine supplemented the geographic isolation.

Monroe guided the nation safely through two great crises -- the War of 1812, during which he served as Secretary of State and of War--and the Missouri statehood controversy. He also helped to insure a peaceful transition of power after the contested 1824 election.

#41. (Republican) great leader economically and improved the quality of the economy after he took over from Reagan. The fiscal success from the 80's was able to continue strongly into his presidency and his foreign policy skills were also very sharp and effective. He succeeded at attacking Iraq from Kuwait and resolving conflicts in the Middle East with Iraqi dictator Saddam Heussin.

Stock Market did great under him. Also we had economic recessions during Vietnam and World War 1. Got us Middle Eastern Oil. Recessions are beyond a Presidents Control so Clinton was lucky. Yes un-employment occured under him and he added new taxes. For some of you though, he was not President when 9-11 happened, his son was.

Not a great leader economically, in fact he was more of a disaster. Along with his son, the first presidents to have a recession during a war. Until Bush, the one saving grace about a war was that at least it did help your economy. He left Clinton an economic mess, which Clinton promptly cleaned up.

George had more guts to make the difficult decisions.
That's better then lots of the recent and current president. (Excluding
Ronald Reagan)

Only president to have made two not consecutive mandates. He was the 24th president from 1893 to 1897 and also the 22nd from 1885 to 1889.

This guy signed the bill that brought Segregation. He was a horrible president.

For some reason, every president is on this list except Grover Cleveland...?

The only truely fiscally conservative president since Jefferson.

J Q Adams was hampered by Jackson after a deal with another foe for the Presidency gave Adams the votes he needed to win. Jackson formed an alliance with others to keep Adams from doing anything of substance. John Quincey was the brains behind the Constitution, and worked tirelessly for the success of the Madison presidency.

He was constantly prevented from governing during his administration, but his platform would have been good for America. That includes strong economic policies and rights for Native Americans and such. Also, after his presidency he continued fighting for America in the House of Representatives.

One of the most brilliant men of his time, he fought for the change we see as normal today during a time that it was not popular to support these radical ideals. He is one of the most inspiring and influential people in U.S. history.

Only president that I agree with all of his decisions: supported high tariffs, strong national bank, nationalizing canals and railroads, giving rights to Native Americans, and supporting the arts and academia.

Garfield didn't have a chance to accomplish much because he was shot. Why was he shot? Because someone wanted a job in the government but didn't get one, even though he was a big Garfield supporter. That was because Garfield didn't just give jobs to his biggest fans.

Garfield is a blacks-right supporter, so if he wasn't murdered in 199 days then he would be pretty good. Garfield was unlucky because he was elected in 1880 (the third year for Temcuseh's).

Had he not died in his first year, could have been among the greatest presidents.

Very underrated. If he had the time, he would be one of the best presidents.

The worst. He was a super religious imperialist, annexating anything he could get his hands on. He didn't only win the spanish-american war, he started it. What for? Only to prove his power. He invaded The Philippines and instigated inhuman massacres. Frankly, I understand why he was assassinated by an anarchist. He brought the USA to where it stands now. An imperialist power. So whether you like McKinley comes down to whether you like imperialism.

Most underrated president of all time. Annexated Hawaii, won the Spanish-American war, and paved the way for Ted Roosevelt and the American empire as it is today, and finally taken by an assassin's bullet.

He is usually ranked in the 20s, but deserves much more credit.

Good president but we are in the stage where America can do no right so I have to follow the trend *cough * cough here I go he was imperialist who took Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines from poor Spain and annexed poor Hawaii from... poor Hawaii bad person bad bad person

Again, he was half-and-half. He had a good economic policy, but a bad foreign policy.

Similar to Eisenhower, Grant quelled the hatred in the South during Reconstruction, and secured the lives of many blacks. He was probably the finest American General, and without him, the war may have been very different. Although he was President during corrupt times, the whole late 19th century was corrupt, so don't let that shadow his presidency.

Southern sympathizing propagandists had spent almost a century undermined his reputation. But you can't keep a good man down. If Lincoln hadn't put his trust in Grant, there would be no USA as we know it today. One of the country's greatest and most important figures.

His high moral character which is evident in his attempts of peace with the native Americans, along with sending federal troops to round up the KKK in the south has to be appreciated considering he followed arguably the most racist president ever (A. Johnson)

He was the only president to put us in the green economically and got rid of the BANK during his presidency... He accomplished something all others had failed... Our history books said he was the worst president... They are wrong!

Only president that wasn't around long enough to screw up.

I'd give my left nipple to be half the man that he was. What a great president...

The guy that said he was a legend for signing papers is right. He IS a legend.

Outlived his children. I am not weird just because I vote for a guy that did not really do anything