Note: this includes only Trump’s first term. However, we have gotten more of the same only worse. Plus he has enriched himself and his family in ways that normally would be untenable in terms of ethical, uncompromising behavior. His negative impact on our society will be felt for many years.
Barack Obama (2009–2017)
Very highly ranked — In the Presidential Greatness Project’s 2024 survey, Obama came in 7th. Northwest Progressive Institute+2TIME+2 In C-SPAN’s 2021 survey, he rose to 10th. Augusta Free Press+1
Historians tend to praise his crisis leadership (especially during the Great Recession), public persuasion, and moral authority. He’s also viewed favorably for his agenda setting and promoting social equality. Gephardt Daily Some criticisms remain regarding foreign policy or administrative constraints, but overall his presidency is seen quite positively.
Joe Biden (2021– )
Middle-to-high among modern presidents— In the 2024 Presidential Greatness Project, he ranked 14th. Axios+1
Scholars note that Biden’s presidency is still somewhat “in progress” in terms of historical judgment. But they credit him for restoring a more traditional presidential style after Trump, and for stabilizing institutions. On the flip side, some worry about how future historians will assess his handling of crises and long-term legacy. Northwest Progressive Institute
Donald Trump (2017–2021)
Very low — In the same 2024 survey, Trump is ranked last (45th) out of all U.S. presidents. Northwest Progressive Institute+1Also, C-SPAN’s 2021 survey rated him extremely poorly, especially in “moral authority” and “administrative skill.” Yahoo+1
Historians criticize him for his polarizing style, weak administrative organization, and institutional norms erosion. His high public persuasion score is offset by very low marks on moral authority, and many see his presidency as a threat to long-term institutional stability. Yahoo
George W. Bush (2001–2009)
Moderate — According to C-SPAN’s 2021 historian poll, he was ranked 29th. Augusta Free Press
His ranking reflects mixed views: on one hand, his presidency included major challenges (9/11, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq); on the other, some credit for decisiveness, but also criticize long-term foreign policy consequences. Over time, his reputation among scholars has seen some recovery. Augusta Free Press
Bill Clinton (1993–2001)
Above average / relatively well-rated — In various surveys, he often falls in the upper-middle tier. For example, in some historian rankings he is around the top 15–20. donsnotes.com
Historians tend to praise his economic management (the 1990s saw growth), his political skill, and his ability to work with Congress. Criticisms often focus on scandals (e.g., impeachment) and perhaps shortcomings in foreign policy.
Lyndon B. Johnson (1963–1969)
Highly regarded for domestic policy — Many historians rank him high because of his civil rights legacy, the Great Society, Medicare, etc. Wikipedia
His civil rights achievements (Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act) and social programs are major pluses. On the downside, his presidency is heavily criticized for the escalation of the Vietnam War, which tarnishes his overall legacy.
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 
Barack Obama (2009–2017) Very highly ranked — In the Presidential Greatness Project’s 2024 survey, Obama came in 7th. … Historians tend to praise his crisis leadership (especially during the Great Recession) BenefitJack Note: The Great Recession was over in March 2009, two months after he took office, long before any legislation was passed by Congress, let alone took effect. Most Obama legislation has been a failure, notably, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. In that way, his efforts following the Great Recession, especially Health Reform, were more like Hoover.
Joe Biden (2021– ) Middle-to-high among modern presidents— In the 2024 Presidential Greatness Project, he ranked 14th. … restoring a more traditional presidential style after Trump, and for stabilizing institutions. BenefitJack note: Nothing stable about running nearly $1.5 Trillion a year in annual deficits every year of his presidency – sending the bill to those too young to vote and generations yet unborn. Digging deep holes for all future generations and all future Presidents. Solving none of the major challenges America faces – domestically or internationally. He is easily the worst president of my lifetime, even worse as a president compared to President Carter – Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Clinton, George W. Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden. Though Trump II looks like he is giving him a run for last place.
Donald Trump (2017–2021) Very low — In the same 2024 survey, Trump is ranked last (45th) out of all U.S. presidents. BenefitJack note: An idiot and an ass – but first term much better than Biden, did much less harm, and Operation Warp Speed likely saved tens of millions of lives around the world, and made Biden’s deficit blow out from the American Rescur Act unnecessary. “The evil that men do lives on, the good is oft interred with their bones.”
George W. Bush (2001–2009) Moderate — According to C-SPAN’s 2021 historian poll, he was ranked 29th. Benefitjack Note: Sorry, he was much better than more recent fools / idiots like Obama, Trump and Biden. He was obviously left an international mess from President Clinton, who failed to address various bombings, and other challenges. I doubt there are more than a handful of Presidents of any age who would have done as well in the aftermath of 9/11. Mistakes were made – which is what happens when enemies are shooting at you.
Bill Clinton (1993–2001) -Above average / relatively well-rated — In various surveys, he often falls in the upper-middle tier. For example, in some historian rankings he is around the top 15–20. donsnotes.com Benefitjack note: I agree. I never voted for him, nor for Hillary (nor for Trump or Biden). However, although all gimicked up, President Clinton did balance the budget with the assistance of Speaker Gingrich – bringing to mind the days when President Reagan and Tip O’Neil would work together. I give him a A for triangulation – he was the best at that concept, taking the best from his political opponents, and using it to his advantage (e.g., “end welfare as we know it”)!
Lyndon B. Johnson (1963–1969) Highly regarded for domestic policy — Many historians rank him high because of his civil rights legacy, the Great Society, Medicare, etc. Benefitjack Note: My score about Johnson is much lower – based on where I was when. We still don’t know what happed in the Tonkin Gulf – we do know what happened to 58,000+ Americans, and millions of Vietnamese, Cambodians, etc. And, people living in Southeast Asia are still dying today due to left behind munitions, etc.
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All time low….Axios and the Progressive Institute. Please stick to financial discussions. You have become bitter, negative, and distasteful. TDS is not curable. You are ruining your site and reputation Mr Quinn..
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Al Lindquist
let’s see the Gephardt goes back to 2017 or ’18 so forget about that–Joe Biden ranks higher than Reagan??–all one needs to do is laugh–Joe was an absolute loser and forced to leave the race because his party knew he was a loser as well as demented–only to be replaced by a bigger fool–
top 5 makes some sense but most of this done by lefty academics so enough said!!
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