***(Editor’s Note: Leading up to Inauguration Day on January 20th, “The Thirsty Quill” is publishing a series entitled “Ranking The Presidents.” There is no ‘exact science’ to these rankings other than personal opinion based on such factors as policy, performance, popularity, perseverance, integrity, and legacy. Aside from those Presidents ranked in the top 25% and the bottom 25%, there is a great deal of ‘wiggle room’ for discretionary placement and movement. These rankings are strictly the personal opinion of the Editor of ‘The Quill,’ and should not be regarded as an academic survey of any type. Debate of these rankings is highly encouraged and appreciated.)***

#41: Andrew Johnson (1865-1869)

You’re never going to rank very high if you were one of only two U.S. Presidents to be impeached. In fact, two separate attempts at impeachment were carried out by Congress, yet both were unsuccessful at removing Johnson from office. And while he never officially received his walking papers from his peers over in the Capitol Building, Johnson’s reputation was scarred beyond repair, and he lost the respect of his peers and future generations alike.

As a “War Democrat” (later a member of the National Union Party), Johnson made for a rather interesting sidekick when President Lincoln (a Republican) was re-elected in 1864. Yet Lincoln was convinced that Johnson was a good fit due to fact that the Civil War was nearing an end and Johnson was what many considered to be a “Union Southerner.” Unfortunately, Johnson’s time in the spotlight got off to a rather rough start, as he gave his Vice-Presidential inauguration speech in a drunken stupor in March of 1865. That should have raised a few red flags to even the most optimistic observer.

When Lincoln was assassinated a month later, Johnson assumed the Presidency (oddly enough, a similar plot against Johnson on the same night had failed to materialize). After being sworn in, Johnson (the “Union Southerner”) began to develop a sense of sympathy for his Confederate brethren. He consistently looked for opportunities to veto proposed civil rights legislation and used his position to promote amnesty for Confederates. In a nation trying to re-stabalize itself after a long and bloody war, his antics did little to mend the fences that had been destroyed. Congress impeached Johnson in 1868 after alleging that he violated the Tenure of Office Act. Their attempt fell short by only one vote.

Notable Quotations: “Secession is hell-born and hell-bound.”

#41: Andrew Johnson

#40: Warren Harding (1921-1923)

A newspaper publisher turned politician, Harding will forever be remembered for running one of the most corrupt Presidential administrations in American history. Despite his overwhelming victory in the Election of 1920 (Popular Vote: 60% to 34%), and his successful establishment of a handful of peace accords on the heels of World War I, Harding’s most significant impression upon the History books will be his administration’s involvement in political scandal.

After winning the Presidency, Harding was quick to reward many of the ‘good old boys’ who had aided his ascension to prominence with various positions and appointments. These cronies of Harding ultimately used their new authority to steal, defraud, and swindle their way to wealth and prosperity. However, it was the infamous Tea Pot Dome scandal that would forever taint Harding’s legacy. “Tea Pot Dome” refers to a dirty deal (complete with bribery and kickbacks) over an oil field in Wyoming that involved several high-ranking members of Harding’s administration. Aside from that, other administration officials were implicated in various crimes, schemes, and illicit activities. Whether or not Harding was ever aware of what was happening around him remains uncertain. However, we must conclude that even if Harding was oblivious to the crimes that were being carried out under his nose, it reflects poorly upon his leadership, foresight, and judgment considering his appointment of these crooks in the first place. They were, after all, his buddies. He should have known better…

Yet we never will. Harding passed away in August of 1923 from either a heart attack or stroke after suffering complications from pneumonia. He served just a little more than two years in the Presidency.

Notable Quotations: “The White House is a prison. I can’t get away from the men who dog my footsteps. I am in jail.”

“My God, this is a hell of a job! I have no trouble with my enemies. I can take care of my enemies all right. But my damn friends…my damn friends are the ones that keep me walking the floor at night.”

#40: Warren Harding

PRESIDENTIAL RANKINGS SO FAR:

#40: Warren Harding

#41: Andrew Johnson

#42*: James Garfield

#43*: William Henry Harrison