Who was your favorite American president, and why?

To answer my own question: despite the fact that I am a conservative, I’d say Woodrow Wilson. He got reforms done such as women’s suffrage that were long overdue, yet did not over-push his progressivist agenda. It should also be noted that he’s the only president who was elected on a campaign promise of peace who did not secretly plot war (part of why I have my doubts about Obama XD).

As you may be able to tell from the question, my least favorite was FDR

@Hobosnake- Wilson didn’t want women to have the vote. Basically the issue was forced upon him and he relunctantly accepted women’s suffrage. He also brought Jim Crow laws to Washington and had several secret wars going on in Latin America.

Suffice it to say, there is a lot about the terms of dead presidents that we were never told about.

Bill Clinton. Homeboy was gettin his freak on in the oval office.

“First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen, he was second to none in humble and enduring scenes of private life. Pious, just, humane, temperate, and sincere; uniform, dignified, and commanding; his example was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that example lasting…Correct throughout, vice shuddered in his presence and virtue always felt his fostering hand. The purity of his private character gave effulgence to his public virtues…Such was the man for whom our nation mourns.”

—Congressman Henry Lee in his eulogy for George Washington

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George Washington because he was a great leader and a great man.

@AstroChuck: Was it really forced on him though? I thought they pressed him slightly and he decided for himself.
Either way, however, he did get progressivist reforms such as trust-busting bills through the senate rather quickly, and the point is that he promised to keep us out of WWI and he actually meant it, unlike FDR and Nixon.

And yes, I heard he wasn’t the greatest in terms of liking African-Americans (he publicly announced his love for “The Birth of a Nation”, a pro-klan film). I don’t condone that, but I see more good than bad, and that’s pretty darn rare for an American president.

My favorite would be Franklin Roosevelt because he created the working middle class in this country. Before he came to power the common laborer couldn’t afford to buy a house or put his children through college. And let’s not forget social security. Before that many elderly literally starved. Also, along with Eleanor, he did much in way of support for African-Americans. Of course interning American citizens of Japanese descent during WW2 was shameful.

Thomas Jefferson, mainly just because he said “I cannot live without books.” Lincoln a close second.

@augustlan- Jefferson is my number two. Truman is my number three, then Lincoln.

George Washington because he was always a great leader. Thomas Jefferson bacause of his common sense and intelligent skills (writer and books). Abraham Lincoln because he abolished slavery and did great things. Roosevelt because of what @AstroChuck said, and Theodore because I just happen to lurve him.
[they are in no particular order. (: I have a feeling someone is going to say MLK in this thread.]

@AstroChuck I have a soft spot for Truman because he lived around the corner from my mom in Independence, MO when she was a little girl. :)

G.W.Bush because we had so much to laugh about :)

Jefferson, not as a president per se, but as an architect, designer, and letter-writing guy. Fucking badass.

I thought hard. I can’t come up with one, not even Obama, whose administration is too recent for me to consider. I have serious problems with things that all of them did, though I doubt I’d be any better.

I guess as a person, I’d have to say Truman. Just a plain-spoken guy.

Truman is up there on my list as well. Also, I’d like to clarify: I do like a lot of what FDR did, but I can’t stand his precedent of creating so many unnecessary government programs, and I have trouble seeing past that enduring legacy. This expose had me ready to vote for Ron Paul (not that I could have at my age anyways, but he has my support). In short, the government-run programs generally due a terrible job, and where such programs are replaced they are much more effective, and they don’t “mysteriously lose” trillions of dollars in tax money each year.

I have to go with the obvious – Lincoln. Not just because he “freed the slaves,” but because of his humanity, humor, modesty and intelligence. I think he is fascinating. Next would probably be Roosevelt – again for his humanity (and Eleanor’s) and the New Deal and social programs. (And the CCC built some wonderful cabins at my state forest that I still love to stay in.)

I think Obama is going to have a high place on my list, although the jury is still out. I think he has the same qualities of humanness, judgement and intelligence as the other two, but I am waiting to see how effective he can be.

Jefferson, Lincoln, Kennedy, Clinton, Truman, Teddy Roosevelt, FDR.

I do admire Kennedy. One hand on the hot-line to Kruschev, One hand on the Nuclear Button, and his cock up Marilyn Monroe riding the desk. That’s someone who understands power!

Oh shit! How could I forget Kennedy!

I would go with Lincoln, too—and for the same reasons as janbb. I admire his intelligence, humor and humanity. He extended the promise of democracy to many more Americans. My second choice is Washington, who set the tone for the office for all time, and was wonderfully wise, followed by Jefferson, and both Roosevelts.

As far as Presidents in my lifetime, I have great admiration for Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson. All had flaws, but contributed so much. I have great hopes for Obama.

FDR! No contest!

Theodore Roosevelt.

He was pretty much Billy-Badass for much of his presidency and life.

WIlliam Henry Harrison. Because he knew how to be brief.

@rovdog- Not with his inaugural address.

@AstroChuck Yes, that’s true. Ahh… you’ve pointed out the logical flaw in my joke! Damn you! Well, he knew that it was better to only say things once.

You think they would have given him a jacket or something- didn’t they have goose down? American history would totally different if he’d just listened to his mother and worn a sweater.

WHH… longest inaugural address and the shortest presidency… doesn’t get any better than that. :D

Maybe he was happy with just becoming president and didn’t have much to keep living for after that anyways. At any rate, he’ll be remembered, even if it’s not for what he accomplished.