THE NEW REPUBLIC RATES THE BEST & WORST PRESIDENTS
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) The New Republic* has published an article titled "The 10 Best--and 10 Worst--Presidents in American History." It is described as "a subjective appraisal of the job performance of Oval Office occupants."
Candis Watts Smith of Duke University says, "The best presidents used the federal government to not only expand the American imagination of the ways in which the government can solve society's biggest problems but also significantly...improve the lives of millions."
John Fabian Witt of Yale Law School adds, "The most striking thing...is how much easier it is to fill the (worst president) category than the" (best president) one.
John F. Kennedy came in 10th in the Best President category. Here is the reason.
"One of the nation's most rhetorically gifted presidents (known for) his inspirational words, and also for navigating the world's moment of maximum peril, the Cuban Missile Crisis."
The 10 Best Presidents (The New Republic-2026)
1. Abraham Lincoln 2. FDR 3. George Washington 4. LBJ 5. T.R.
6. Barack Obama 7. T. Jefferson 8. D. Eisenhower 9. HST 10. JFK
The 10 Worst Presidents (The New Republic-2026)
1. DJT 2. A.Johnson 3. J. Buchanan 4. RMN 5. GW Bush
6. W. Harding 7. A. Jackson 8. H. Hoover 9. Pierce 10. R. Reagan
*The New Republic is a magazine that focuses on politics, news, culture & the arts. Its editorial headquarters is located in Washington, D.C. & its operations headquarters is located in New York City. The first issue is dated Nov 7, 1914.
SOURCE
"The 10 Best--and 10 Worst--Presidents in American History," The New Republic, June 24, 2026, www.newrepublic.com/
