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[Triumph]

Karl Rove... no wait...

 

[MrPing1000]

well the rest of the world likes Clinton.

Lyndon B. Johnson wud have been great if it wasn't for that Vietnam thingy

 

[KingV]

LBJ WAS great. He regularly gave interviews on the shitter, what else do you really need?

Not sure about all this Clinton love though, he wasn't a bad President, but... the best? He didn't really do anything. He was President during what was probably the least eventful 8 years in American History. The thing that most people remember about Clinton is the Monica Lewinsky affair. I can't think of a single instance where Clinton took a strong stand on pretty much anything. That said, I don't really think he was challenged to during his two terms either.

 

[kablooey]

I don't know about the best...but my favorite is by far Teddy Roosevelt. One of the first leaders of the Progressive movement, who believed that the government could be used to balance the playing field, eliminate monopolies, and in the end raise the quality of life for the poor to an acceptable level. We need more people like Teddy Roosevelt to run for President today, I think (as in an anti-corporatist who looks out for the people...sort of like Ralph Nader ).

While it's true that WW2 is actually what brought the country out of the Great Depression, FDR's social programs at least gave people something to hold onto, whereas Hoover believed in "letting things work themselves out". FDR was a good President, but things like the Japanese WW2 internment camps prevent me from liking him much overall.

Edit: Listage-

Best:
1. Teddy Roosevelt
2. George Washington
3. Abe Lincoln
4. FDR

I don't know enough about obscure Presidents to know who the worst is.

 

[AniHawk]

I'd say FDR only barely edges out Lincoln, though they're pretty much in a dead heat.

My great-Grandparents prolly woulda loved to smack the everliving piss outta FDR. They were die-hard Republicans and hated anything he did. The social programs forced my great-Grandfather to go work down south for money while the rest of the family stayed in Park Ridge, Illinois. They loathed him for the whole "We wont send boys into foreign wars" and then getting involved in WWII too (probably moreso after both their sons went to go fight in the war).

Back on topic: my vote goes to Teddy or Lincoln actually... FDR gets knocked down a couple pegs for what Jonnyboy mentioned.

 

[Jonnyboy117]

I don't know about the best...but my favorite is by far Teddy Roosevelt.

Yeah, Teddy was pretty awesome. He had all the "cowboy soldier" appeal of Bush, except it was legitimate and he used that charisma and momentum to topple people who abused power, not coddle them.

FDR was a good President, but things like the Japanese WW2 internment camps prevent me from liking him much overall.

Damn, I forgot to even mention the internments. Like I said in my post, FDR's social programs were mostly good ideas that did have positive results, but their longevity has hurt our society in many ways. And the manner in which they were passed through Congress has severely hurt our political process.

 

[MetaKnight]

 

[FortNinety]

After reading some of the reponses, I wish Presidents today had the power and drive and guts to actually make a difference, like Washington and Lincoln and others did.

But to answer the question, either Washington or Lincoln.

 

[cvxfreak]

FDR.

 

[Kon Tiki]

What ever president was in office when the canadian/british burned down the Pink House.

Imagine the shame you would have had today if you had a stronger leader. Weak is better.

lol what? Must of been a good night.

 

[Baron Aloha]

Since I've been alive? Clinton.

All time best? Lincoln and FDR.

 

[Ferd]

MacArthur.

 

[AssMan]

Chester A. Aurther

 

[AniHawk]

Nevermind.

 

[MetaKnight]

MacArthur.

Sadly, he was never in office :sad:

 

[KingGondo]

I'm gonna say FDR, if only because of WWII, the Depression, and the New Deal.