Presidential Greatness: The Shifting Sands of Legacy and Public Perception

As the legacy of former President Joe Biden approaches its evaluation, questions arise about how future generations will perceive his four years in office. Historical assessments of American presidents have long shifted in response to evolving societal values and priorities.

Historians have been ranking presidents since Arthur Schlesinger Sr.’s inaugural survey in 1948, which placed figures like Abraham Lincoln and George Washington in the “great” category. Conversely, Ulysses S. Grant and Warren Harding have often been deemed failures.

Over the years, several surveys have deepened the analysis of presidential legacies. Schlesinger Jr.’s 1962 study reflected a shift as Andrew Jackson fell into a “near great” classification, showcasing how perceptions can transform.

The methodologies of these surveys vary; some rank presidents overall, while others assess specific leadership traits such as economic policy or diplomatic endeavors. Nonetheless, a consistent trend emerges: while Lincoln, Washington, and Roosevelt dominate the top ranks, noticeable fluctuations occur among those deemed less successful.

C-SPAN has engaged in recurring surveys since 2000, polling historians with each administration change. The network’s assessments reveal not just overarching rankings but detailed evaluations across ten key leadership categories, including public persuasion, crisis management, and moral authority.

Lincoln’s enduring supremacy contrasts sharply with his immediate predecessors, Franklin Pierce and James Buchanan, as well as Andrew Johnson, who have perpetually occupied the lower ranks. Donald Trump debuted in C-SPAN’s 2021 survey ranked 41st among 45 presidents, a position that may shift with subsequent evaluations.

The interpretation of what constitutes effective leadership remains a subject of scholarly inquiry. Dean Keith Simonton’s model suggests historians view presidents positively when they align with an image of strength and virtue—qualities often tied to their service duration, wartime heroism, or tragic endings.

Scandals, such as Nixon’s Watergate or Harding’s Teapot Dome, dramatically impact rankings, illustrating how a president’s moral failings can overshadow their achievements. For instance, Nixon and Harding occupy the 31st and 37th positions, respectively, in C-SPAN’s latest survey.

Recent scholarly focus has emphasized presidents’ stances on race, influencing evaluations considerably. Woodrow Wilson’s segregationist policies have garnered renewed scrutiny, diminishing his standing from a former fourth-place ranking to 13th in 2021.

Jackson’s status has similarly declined, dropping from 13th in 2000 to 22nd amid discussions of his policies regarding Native Americans. Others, including Polk and Taylor, have faced similar reassessments due to their associations with slavery and civil rights failures.

Contrarily, Ulysses S. Grant’s reputation has significantly evolved, marking a notable recovery in rankings. Once deemed a failure, he surged 13 positions in C-SPAN’s assessments, reflecting a growing recognition of his commitment to equal justice.

These rankings underscore the evolving nature of historical evaluations, with moral authority emerging as a crucial criterion. Grant’s ascent in this category mirrors the broader trend where historians weigh presidential legacies against ideals of justice and ethical governance.

In conclusion, the criteria shaping perceptions of presidential effectiveness remain complex and multifaceted, often shifting with the culture and values of society. As Biden’s time in office concludes, historians are poised to embark on another phase of evaluation, determining where he will ultimately fit in the annals of American leadership.