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Trump pulls Buchanan out of presidential cellar

Now that I’m retired, I find time to learn about different stories in the news.

One interesting topic that I become aware of a few years back is the ranking of presidents. This ranking is conducted by members of the American Political Science Association.

Respondents are current and recent members of the Presidents and Executive Politics Section having expertise and knowledge with the subject matter. Members of this organization are comprised of a mix of conservatives, moderates and liberals from across the country.

Basically, they are not just some guys sitting in a bar coming up with an opinion with no knowledge or no understanding of what political science is. The primary purpose of this survey is to create a ranking of presidential greatness that covers all presidents from George Washington to now Donald Trump.

As expected, Abraham Lincoln retains his rank as the greatest president, with George Washington in second place. Third and fourth are filled by the Roosevelts (Franklin followed by Theodore).

Thomas Jefferson rounds out the top five. Of particular interest for Pennsylvanians is the ranking of our own James Buchanan. He has been holding on to last place like forever.

This ranking is due to his inaction/bad decisions credited for leading us into the Civil War.

Well, he has now risen out of last place.

So, thank you, Donald Trump, for raising Pennsylvania’s home boy out of last place by taking that spot.

Just looking back over presidents from the last 50 years: Excluding Trump, the worst ranked president was Richard Nixon at 33.

Bernie Mayancsik

Hollidaysburg

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