The 2024 Presidential Greatness Project Expert Survey Reveals Rankings of Past and Present Presidents
In a recent survey conducted by the Presidential Greatness Project, 154 historians and presidential experts weighed in on the ranking of US presidents. Joe Biden was ranked 14th in the survey, surpassing the likes of Woodrow Wilson and Ronald Reagan. On the other hand, former President Donald Trump received the lowest ranking at 45th, behind Andrew Johnson and James Buchanan.
The survey found that partisanship and ideology played a significant role in experts’ rankings, with conservatives rating Biden lower than liberals and moderates. The top three presidents in the survey were Abraham Lincoln, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and George Washington. Trump was considered the most polarizing of all ranked presidents.
With both Biden and Trump potentially being contenders for the 2024 presidential race, the survey results hold particular weight. Republicans and conservatives ranked George Washington as the greatest president, while Democrats, moderates, and independents placed him second or third. Bill Clinton’s ranking also varied among right-leaning respondents compared to liberals and moderates.
One key takeaway from the survey is the subjectivity and selectivity of measuring presidential greatness. Historians reanalyze leaders’ successes and failures to determine their rankings. The goal of the survey is to provide experts with an opportunity to evaluate current leaders in a broader historical context.
Overall, the survey sheds light on the differing perspectives on presidential greatness and how current political affiliations can impact those views. As the 2024 presidential race looms, the rankings may continue to evoke discussions on the legacies of past and present presidents.
