***(Editor’s Note: In conjunction with the Inauguration of America’s 44^th President, “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.)***

#22: George H. W. Bush (1989-1993)

Most remember him as the one term follow-up to the highly popular Ronald Reagan. Most remember the phrases “Read my lips: no new taxes” and “New World Order,” his strong dislike of brussels sprouts, and his strange reaction to Chinese hospitality. Yet, very few people know the fascinating history that is the life of George H.W. Bush.

A self-made millionaire by age 40, George H.W. Bush had made a name for himself long before his days of big oil. A World War II veteran, the elder Bush became the youngest aviator in American Naval history. Yet beyond the high seas and oilfields of Texas, Bush became a U.N. Ambassador, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, and finally Vice President under Ronald Reagan.  

Winning the Presidency in 1988 on the coattails of Reagan’s immense popularity, Bush’s own approval ratings hovered above 80% after the successful Gulf War against Saddam Hussein and Iraq. However, his failure to effectively end Hussein’s stranglehold of power in Iraq would prove costly to the United States, and more significantly, to his own son just a decade later.

Bush would have had a difficult struggle in defeating the charming and energetic Bill Clinton in the 1992 Presidential Election, even without the emergence of Conservative Independent Ross Perot. However, questions about Bush’s effectiveness in dealing with domestic issues, his reversal of his promise of “no new taxes,” Bill Clinton’s rise to popularity via the airwaves of MTV and their “Rock the Vote” campaign, and Perot’s divisive participation, cost Conservatives (and Republicans) any chance of winning. Unfortunately, the “loose ends” that were never tied up between George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton would linger well into the new Millennium. 

Notable Quotations: “If anyone tells you that America’s best days are behind her, well they’re looking the wrong way.”

“This is America, a brilliant diversity spread like stars. Like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.”

“My opponent won’t rule out raising taxes, but I will. The Congress will push me to raise taxes, and I’ll say to them, ‘read my lips: no new taxes.’”

“The biggest thing that has happened in the world in my life, in our lives, is this: By the grace of God, America won the Cold War.”

#22: George H.W. Bush

#21/20: Grover Cleveland (1885-89/1893-97)

Bringing us to the cusp of the Top-20 is the President who is counted twice due to his “split” terms in Office. Grover Cleveland served as both the 22^nd and 24^th Chief Executives. Cleveland fits perfectly in the “middle of the road,” as his two terms could not have been any more different, with only a brief ‘hiccup’ or interlude separating success and mediocrity.

Cleveland does hold that unique title of being the only President to serve two nonconsecutive terms. He also holds the unique distinction of being the only President to get married during his tenure, marrying a 21-year-old while he was over twice her age (49)! Despite the urban legend that attributes its name to Babe Ruth, the candy bar “Baby Ruth” was named in honor of the President’s daughter Ruth, who was born in 1891. Perhaps his good fortune did not stop there, as Cleveland is pictured on the $1,000 bill…not that I’ve ever seen one.

In regard to Presidential policy, Cleveland was a strong advocate of tariff reform, civil service improvement, and for creating a positive balance and healthy relationship between the branches of government (although he wasn’t always successful in the latter). Opposition from Republicans led to the somewhat surprising victory for Benjamin Harrison in 1888. Although Cleveland had received more Popular votes, Harrison had captured the all-important Electoral College. After his defeat, Cleveland was ready to relinquish his political aspirations for good, but within two years, he was once again back in the spotlight.

Based on Harrison’s lack of success, the opportunity was ripe for Cleveland to run again in a rematch of their earlier political showdown. This time, it was Cleveland who came out on top. Yet, the follow-up honeymoon didn’t last long, and America fell into an economic depression that plagued Cleveland’s second term. He was rendered ineffective as the nation, and its leadership, were split on how to deal with the crisis. This would prove to be costly to any chance Cleveland may have had in maintaining his Presidency for an additional term. Attempting to return Hawaii to Queen Liliuokalani in 1893 didn’t help his popularity (or chances) much either. 

Notable Quotations: “A man is known by the company he keeps, and also by the company from which he is kept out.”

“I am not concerning myself about what history will think, but contenting myself with the approval of this fellow named Cleveland, whom I have generally found to be a pretty good sort of fellow.”

“Men and times may change, but principles, never.”

“Franklin, I hope you never become President,” (conversation with Franklin D. Roosevelt, who was just a boy at the time).

#21/20: Grover Cleveland

PRESIDENTIAL RANKINGS SO FAR: 

#21/20: Grover Cleveland (1885-89/1893-97)

#22: George H.W. Bush (1989-1993)

#23: Herbert Hoover (1929-1933)

#24: Martin Van Buren (1837-1841)

#25: John Quincy Adams (1825-1829)

#26: Rutherford B. Hayes (1877-1881)

#27: Gerald Ford (1974-1977)

#28: Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929)

#29: Zachary Taylor (March 1849-July 1850)

#30: Benjamin Harrison (1889-1893)

#31: Chester Arthur (1881-1885)

#32: Jimmy Carter (1977-1981)

#33: John Tyler (1841-1845)

#34: Ulysses S. Grant (1869-1877)

#35: Millard Fillmore (1850-1853)

#36: Franklin Pierce (1853-1857)

#37: James Buchanan (1857-1861)

#38: Richard Nixon (1969-1974)

#39: Bill Clinton (1993-2001)

#40: Warren Harding (March 1921-August 1923)

#41: Andrew Johnson (1865-1869)

#42*: James Garfield (March 1881-September 1881)

#43*: William Henry Harrison (March 1841-April 1841)