Every now and then you'll see lists of who scholars think are the most influential or successful presidents. it should come as no surprise at all that these lists partisan and not subjective in the least. Democratic scholars think that FDR was the greatest president of all time. They'll ignore his economic policies prolonging the great depression and his approval of Japanese interment camps-the same way republicans will ignore Iran-Contra that happened with the Reagan administration. Personally I think Reagan and FDR were both great presidents regardless of their faults and missteps.
George W Bush will be a tough one to historically evaluate. The hate he got was intense, and it was mostly from people who claim to be tolerant and loving. W will be correctly evaluated for the Iraq War and the bailouts-but his leadership during the aftermath of 9/11 was superb and it should be recognized as such.
I don't agree with much that Obama has done, but he also deserves credit for authorizing the execution of Osama Bin Laden. I was surprised when he did that, given that liberals are against the death penalty and generally against military involvement. I will give him eternal credit on that one, and most Americans should too.
Presidential historical ratings are like presidential debates. The person you liked before won and the person you didn't like lost. Virtually no one can be objective when it comes to such a personal subject like politics.
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