***(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.)*** 

#28: Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929)

When Warring Harding died suddenly in 1923, legend has it that Coolidge was sworn in as President by his father (who was a Justice of the Peace), then he went back to bed. If the story holds true, then it was a fitting entrance for the man who became known as “Silent Cal.” Although he was visible to the public by holding press conferences, and was often heard in regular radio addresses, Coolidge was relatively quiet during Cabinet meetings and other important political gatherings. This was quite a contradiction in personalities for the President, who seemingly spoke more to the public than to his own cabinet. Regardless, he was known as a man of few words. Yet then again, Coolidge was a rather interesting character who kept a pet raccoon (that he walked around the White House each day), commonly wore Indian headdresses and cowboy hats, and had a mechanical horse installed in the Executive Mansion.

Maybe one reason Coolidge held his tongue while meeting with Cabinet members was because most were holdovers from Harding’s administration. That’s right, the same corrupt administration that Harding could not control had their tenures renewed by Coolidge. Although he later removed some of the members after they had been convicted on bribery and other crimes, it took time for Coolidge to shake the shadow of Harding. This was a heavy phantom to lose for Coolidge, as Harding’s corrupt administration, ties to the Ku Klux Klan, adulterous affairs, and lack of self control (including gambling away the White House china), had created a lack of trust between the American public and the Executive Office.

However, in 1924 the slogan “Keep Cool With Coolidge” finally created some separation between the two, and Coolidge was elected to serve his own term. Finally free from Harding’s shadow, Coolidge was able to implement his own policies. Yet, he is often remembered more for what he did not do while in office. During the success of the “Roaring Twenties,” Coolidge felt it was important to keep government out of the American business sector, and his decisions may have aided the Great Depression to some extent. His failure to pass a bill aimed at farm relief is often viewed as one his greatest blunders. 

Notable Quotations: “I have noticed that nothing I never said ever did me any harm.”

“The chief business of America is business.”

“The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.”

#28: Calvin Coolidge

#27: Gerald Ford (1974-1977)

I don’t know whether to classify Ford as “lucky” or “unlucky” in regard to the Presidents. The man was a stud, having been a tremendous athlete and even a male model at one time. His skills on the gridiron had even earned him professional football contract offers from the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. To embolden his heroic stature, Ford had earned ten battle stars for combat in the Navy during World War II.

Yet, Ford had the undeserved bad luck of taking over the Presidency in the wake of Nixon and the Watergate scandal. It is important to remember also that Ford was never elected as President…or Vice-President for that matter. The Minority Leader in the House, Nixon tapped Ford for the Vice-Presidency when then VP Spiro Agnew resigned amid scandal and tax charges.

Facing certain impeachment over Watergate, Nixon resigned, and left the White House sitting in Ford’s lap. Lucky, or unlucky, historians remain torn over the issue. As President, Ford did a tremendous job restoring America’s confidence in their elected officials. He picked up the pieces of a shattered puzzle, and began the long process of rebuilding credibility that had been lost.

On the other hand, Ford was unsuccessful in repairing the economic woes that plagued the nation, and was ridiculed for granting Nixon a full pardon for Watergate. These were perhaps the biggest factors that contributed to Ford’s short term in office. 

Notable Quotations: “I was America’s first instant Vice President, and now, America’s first instant President. The Marine Corps Band is so confused, they don’t know whether to play ‘Hail To The Chief’ or ‘You’ve Come A Long Way Baby.’”

“I’m a Ford, not a Lincoln.”

“Truth is the glue that holds governments together. Compromise is the oil that makes governments go.”

#27: Gerald Ford

PRESIDENTIAL RANKINGS SO FAR: 

#27: Gerald Ford

#28: Calvin Coolidge

#29: Zachary Taylor

#30: Benjamin Harrison

#31: Chester Arthur

#32: Jimmy Carter

#33: John Tyler

#34: Ulysses S. Grant

#35: Millard Fillmore

#36: Franklin Pierce

#37: James Buchanan

#38: Richard Nixon

#39: Bill Clinton

#40: Warren Harding

#41: Andrew Johnson

#42*: James Garfield

#43*: William Henry Harrison