According to experts and professional historians, a survey published by CSPAN ranked the best and worst US presidents. The ranking quickly sparked outrage for its perceived shortcomings and subjectivity. Undoubtedly, many Americans disagree with the ranking. Americans have been encouraged to share their thoughts and, most importantly, exercise their right to vote in order for their voices to be heard. In the following photos, we explore the best and worst US presidents, according to the experts.
Ranked #1 Best: Abraham Lincoln
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Ranked #2 Best: George Washington: First President of the United States; led the Continental Army to victory in the American Revolutionary War and is known as the “Father of His Country.”
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Ranked #3 Best: Franklin D. Roosevelt: 32nd President of the U.S.; served four terms and led the country through the Great Depression and World War II.
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Ranked #4 Best: Theodore Roosevelt: 26th President of the U.S.; known for his progressive reforms, conservation efforts, and role in negotiating the end of the Russo-Japanese War.
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Ranked #5 Best: Dwight D. Eisenhower: 34th President of the U.S.; a five-star general in World War II who oversaw the Allied invasion of Europe and later focused on infrastructure and international diplomacy.
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Ranked #6 Best: Harry S. Truman: 33rd President of the U.S.; succeeded FDR and made critical decisions during the final stages of World War II, including the use of atomic bombs on Japan.
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Ranked #7 Best: Thomas Jefferson: 3rd President of the U.S.; principal author of the Declaration of Independence and a key figure in early American history.
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Ranked #8 Best: John F. Kennedy: 35th President of the U.S.; known for his inspirational speeches, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the early stages of the Space Race.
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Ranked #9 Best: Ronald Reagan: 40th President of the U.S.; former actor and governor of California, known for conservative policies, economic reforms, and his role in ending the Cold War.
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Ranked #10 Best: Barack Obama: 44th President of the U.S.; first African American president, known for his signature healthcare reform, economic recovery efforts, and emphasis on social justice.
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Ranked #1 Worst: James Buchanan: 15th President of the U.S.; his presidency is often criticized for its inability to address the issues leading up to the Civil War, including the tension over slavery.
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Ranked #2 Worst: Andrew Johnson: 17th President of the U.S.; succeeded Abraham Lincoln and is noted for his contentious Reconstruction policies and impeachment by the House of Representatives.
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Ranked #3 Worst: Franklin Pierce: 14th President of the U.S.; known for his attempts to address sectional conflicts over slavery, which ultimately failed to prevent the Civil War.
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Ranked #4 Worst: Donald J. Trump: 45th President of the U.S.; a businessman and television personality who focused on deregulation, tax reform, and an “America First” policy agenda.
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