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The Greatest American Presidents
By Lt Col P
As I suggested below, I think the greatest American President is George Washington. His influence on the character of the nation itself, on its young and emerging governing institutions, and on the course of history, is so pervasive and strong that no other chief executive can be adequately compared to him. So, for me, the real question is, Who is the greatest American President other than GW?
I would nominate Abraham Lincoln in the 19th Century-- he preserved the Union.
I would nominate Theodore Roosevelt in the 20th Century-- he brought the U.S. into the community of first-rate powers, and oversaw extensive doemstic reforms. Also, he led a great, tough, truly American life.
Your turn. (Remember the rules...)
1. George Washington is out. He's in a class by himself, and it's not fair to compare any others with him.
2. You are allowed two submissions, one each for the 19th and 20th centuries.
3. Defend your candidates, but be brief.
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Comments
19th
1. Abe has to be top choice - won civil war, preserved Union.
2. Thomas Jefferson - 1st President of the century, scary SMART, Lousiana Purchase and Lewis & Clark- adventurer/scientist/statesman.
20th
1. Ronald Regan - humble beginnings to influencing a generation and leading a world.
2. Teddy Roosevelt - Great white fleet, Panama canal, conservationist, outdoorsman and statesman.
21st
1. G.W. Bush - only President who's personally thanked me for my job. Plus his views in the long war are too shabby either.
One president who receives little recognition, and was arguably one of the most effective, mission oriented president's would be James K. Polk. He accomplished the four tasks he clearly delineated at the beginning of his term:
Resolving the Oregon Territory issue and securing a good portion of the territory.
The purchase of California from Mexico in turn became the war with Mexico which established the U.S.'s southwestern boundary.
He reduced tariffs, and reestablished the treasury system.
A fifth item not original to his goals was the creation of the Department of the Interior.
He did this in the one-term he stated he would serve.
Calvin Coolidge-Limited Government 20th Century
John Adams-Principled-19th Century
2nd Coolidge for the reason listed above. I will also ad:
The man as Governor knew how to play hardball with public unions that strike. Like Reagan, he fired them (Boston Police) for leaving the city in Chaos.
Wrote his own speeches.
Was a laconic man which is a total opposite of your typical attention whore who seem to dominate politics these days.
Was a true tax cutter and had a strong faith in Federalism. He opposed building flood control in places like New Orleans fearing the entire nation would be on the hook for people who decide to build in an area below sea level. Coolidge was prophetic.
I have to agree, mwslover is dead on.
Polk is by far the best president we've ever had.
Lincoln-for holding us together during a tough period, and FDR for getting us through WW2 and a depression
I liked Ike, he just played golf and let the country take care of itself!
19th Century - Lincoln...c'mon you'd have to practically walk on water to match the mans achievements.
20th Century - Reagan. FDR might be a close 2nd, but he had the entire country behind him. Reagan didn't. Reagan put the spear into the USSR that caused it to expire. He did so because of a clear vision of right and wrong. Without him, Democrats would have ensured that the USSR lived on, and that consequently millions would continue to live under the heel of Communism in Europe.
Martin Sheen.
The best American President's were George Washington of the Revolution, Jefferson Davis of the War Between the States and Ronald Reagan of today.
My nominations have to do with the ability of each President to drive the balky machine of the US government. Both these guys did it well during some trying times.
19th century-Andrew Jackson
20th century-FDR.
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Being Dutch I thank Roosevelt for taking sides in WW2. The participation of the US was a decisive factor in defeating Germany and saving a democratic Western Europe.