Top Presidents

1 Abraham Lincoln (16)

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States, serving from March 1861 until his assassination in April 1865 . Lincoln led the United States through its Civil War - its bloodiest war and its greatest moral, constitutional, and political crisis .

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.

Abraham Lincoln is the reason the United States is still United and began the elimination of racism by ending slavery. To do this he began a largely unpopular but necessary war. This made him hated to the point where he was assassinated but he went through with his decision anyway. Would any politician today do this? I doubt it.
M+126

Abraham Lincoln was 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.
M+54


2 George Washington (1)

George Washington was the first President of the United States, the Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

Even more than Jefferson or Madison he fought for a balance between state and federal government. Not to mention he believed in what he was doing. - LadyLioness

#1. (no party) The father of this nation. If it wasn't for him, we simply would not be here and would never have gotten the experience to live in the best country in the world. It is because of strong and heroic men like him, that we live free today and he is a constant reminder of our democracy and the reason why our flag stands up strong and will continue to serve us forever and ever!

Don't get me wrong. I love America. But even if the country I am about to say did have an evil, evil history and terrible leaders, it got better after a bit. I'm proud to be 1/4 of the country who brought us Albert Einstein, even if Steven Hawking is smarter. Germany FOR THE WIN!


George Washington kept the fledgling nation alive during one of its greatest challenges, and did it without circumventing the constitution. However, the most remarkable thing about his presidency is that I can't think of anything bad to say about his time in the office. Bush jr., Reagan, FDR, JFK, and Clinton belong nowhere near the top 10.

He helped free the country. He should be #1

3 Ronald Reagan (40)

Ronald Wilson Reagan was an American politician and actor who was 40th President of the United States from 1981 to 1989 . Prior to his presidency, he was the 33rd Governor of California from 1967 to 1975, following a career as a Hollywood actor and union leader .

 (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.


The only president that was true to his word, most people that don't like him want a pacifist in charge, why do you think we are still bad ass


Ronald Reagen is top president. He is a real but kicker, and if you see this in heaven ron I'll say you're the best president that ever lived and is still living.

A true conservative who not only revitalized the American economy but also won the Cold War!

4 Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was an American Founding Father who was principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

I personally don't understand how anyone can out rank this founding father, other than General Washington, for his role in creating the Americas. But even then - what is America if not free?

Jefferson was one of those rare independent thinkers, who spent his life studying the nature of man; and when you read what he wrote, it was all spot on. All his warnings and insistence on keeping power at a local, state level, where people could be held accountable for their actions were warnings that the entire world, not just America can learn from in today's globalist governments who act with impunity.

He was unfortunately the last of a dying breed of men, whose education of Latin and philosophy was soon traded for the ideals of the industrial revolution.

I often wonder what Jefferson would think of the modern world. Yes, our lives are incredibly easy and comfortable, but are we truly free? Would he sit back as the fed rapes and ruins what he fought for.

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.

Thomas Jefferson was a Hypocrite... he might have come up with the Declaration of Independence but he refuse to free the slaves because their absence would make his life hard. I have not respect his efforts.


Thomas Jefferson was a hero, visionary, revolutionary thinker, as well as architect and all around genius. Any man who rejects these facts is just plain stupid and to replace them with the slavery scandal will be just as much so. What jefferson provided for this nation far surpasses any of his person shortcomings which all presidents even Washington and especially Lincoln, and to judge his political character by these would be foolish.
M+19

This guy is awesome. he wrote a book where he took perts of the bible and made it his own version. he bought the Louisiana purchase. And he sent Lewis and Clack on an expedition that hanged history. If is was not for this great founding fath where would this country be?

5 Franklin D Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and political leader who served as the President of the United States from 1933 to 1945. A Democrat, he won a record four presidential elections and dominated his party for many years as a central figure in world events.

Franklin D Roosevelt is probably my favorite, if not one of my favorite, presidents to date. He was so ahead of his time in his beliefs about how to properly handle the depression. In the 1920's, America was overrun with conservative rugged-individualists who wanted the government to be as weak as possible and hated any attempts by the Feds to regulate the economy. This lead to the Great Depression, which crippled the planet's economy and left 99% of humans dirt poor. Roosevelt brought back progressivism and, more amazingly, brought it into the previously racist and white supremacist Democratic Party. Wilson's attempts to do this during WWI failed because he himself had been a white supremacist and a radical southern baptist. Roosevelt deserves the credit for actually re-starting progressivism, and in doing so saving the country from collapsing into total anarchy. He passed new laws to regulate the printing and value of money, the competence of banks, emergency funding of schools and ...more

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.

Lead us through one of the toughest times this country has ever faced. How could Governor Bush even be on this list. Yes I still call him governor because that's the only political position he's actually ever fairly won (remember Al Gore and Florida? )

He was second best president of the twentieth century. He formed social security for the working man, to have a pension when they retired.
Mnew

6. Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt was an American statesman, author, explorer, soldier, naturalist, and reformer who served as the 26th President of the United States from 1901 to 1909. As a leader of the Republican Party during this time, he became a driving force for the Progressive Era in the United States in the ...read more.

An honest politician, if there is such a thing. A man who actually cared about the average American citizen and the environment. He was brave in conflicts on the battlefield and in Washington. I'm not what you would call an educated man (only high school grad. ) But I can read and from what I have read, I feel I am right. We would have no National Parks if it was for him. A great solider, sportsman, conservationist, and most of all President. Thank God for Teddy Roosevelt.
M+72

 (Republican) strong imperialistic leader who's influence on government is still vital to the U.S. today with the creation of the Big Stick Policy. His love for nature and keeping America's national landmarks forever reserved is a constant symbol representing our pride and integrity! He also installed other effective policies such as the Meat Inspection Act and was determined to fight for the workers rights and benefits for the many Americans affected by America's Industrial Period.


Come on, he was a cowboy for one, and was even shot before giving a speech but still gave it.

7. John F Kennedy
John Fitzgerald "Jack" Kennedy, commonly referred to by his initials JFK, was an American politician who served as the 35th President of the United States from January 1961 until his assassination in November 1963. The Cuban Missile Crisis, The Bay of Pigs Invasion, the Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, the ...read more.

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 don't disagree with you that JFK was a good president; however, to blame the Iraq/Afghan War on George Bush is absolutely ignorant of the entire remainder of the story. - themusicking101


People who say JFK doesn't belong in the top ten obviously don't know JFK at all. He negotiated the Cuban Missile Crisis, which stopped a potential nuclear war, he was the one who started the Space Race which ultimately landed an AMERICAN on the moon, and he was a war hero, Purple Heart bearer who was willing to die for his country long before he actually did. I would cast my vote for JFK as one of the best presidents ever any day.


He also caused the Cuban Missile Crisis (via the Bay of Pigs invasion) - marmalade_skies


He's was the only Irish-Catholic president ever, and he was the youngest elected president ever. No one can represent the world, let alone America, as well as this guy. He would've completely solved any problems with Russia or Cuba, and who knows, even Korea or the Middle East. This guy knew what he was doing, unlike some other guys (ahem... Bush).
M+28

He wasn't that great in foreign affairs ( Bay Of Pigs cough, cough ), but his healthcare plan was good.
Mnew

8. Dwight D. Eisenhower

Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower was an American politician and general who served as the 34th President of the United States from 1953 until 1961. He was a five-star general in the United States Army during World War II and served as Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces in Europe.

. (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!


The reason why America rose to be a GREAT nation. He built our national infrastructure. He built our space program. He educated our population. He WARNED of the military industrial complex. He oversaw 8 years of peace during one of the worst periods in history. He was everything that Republicans today despise.


A very skilled politician who helped ease Cold War tensions and downsized the military-industrial complex, focusing on air power. While he was not personally invested in preventing segregation, he enforced court orders against it. He left most of the New Deal and Fair Deal intact as well. Overall, a very effective politician who fits the label "conservative" in a literal sense. Modern Republicans probably wouldn't support a candidate like him though.

9 William Clinton

William Jefferson Clinton was the 42nd President of the United States . He previously served as governor of Arkansas . He became president after unseating incumbent president, George H . W Bush in 1992 . He was re-elected in 1996 after defeating Senator Bob Dole .

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?!


Really, being rated ahead of Truman, John Adams, Polk, Jackson and Coolidge. All of his domestic legislation was initiated by Newt Gingrich or Bob Dole. Some of it was excellent and fortunately public opinion forced him to sign the legislation. In fairness to Bill he did expand NATO and built Middle East pipelines around our enemies, but he did screw up in his deals with N. Korea and China. If teachers would really teach American History he would not be rated any where near this level


It was the best era in my life time. The economy was good. I had my first job and making good money. There was so much prosperity and so much surplus then little Bush took us to war in Middle East and took it all away.

10 James Madison (4)
James Madison, Jr. was a political theorist, American statesman, and served as the fourth President of the United States.

#4. (Democratic-Republican) the father of the bill of rights who helped create the individual demands and benefits that still hold true to the American people this very day! Another perfect example of a founding father who's policies helped America succeed and improve its conditions for a stronger and more reliable nation. His strong inspiration and courage is a constant reminder of the civil liberties that represent our constitution and law of the land.
M+11

He was a very well-informed person, and many admired this about him. Because he knew so much and contributed a lot to the debates, Madison was called "Father of the Constitution." Also, Madison he took notes -published in The Federalist Papers- which are today our best record of what happened during the Constitutional Convention. Madison argued for federalism (power being divided between the states and national government), which eventually won over antifederalism (states having more power than the national government). Madison helped convince Virginia, which as a whole was opposed to a stronger central government, to ratify the Constitution. Madison was secretary of state for Thomas Jefferson (some even commented he controlled the president! ) and then became president himself. While he was president, the U.S. faced the War of 1812.


He led the nation through the War of 1812, securing US sovereignty for generations to come. He was also the father of the constitution and help to write the Federalist Papers without which we might not have democracy in the world today.


Hello, he framed our government!