Ranking One-Term Presidents: Ford, Bush, Carter, Kennedy, and Johnson

How would you rank single term Presidents Gerald Ford, George H. W. Bush, Jimmy Carter, John F. Kennedy, and Lyndon B. Johnson from best to worst? Did any of them deserve a second term?

Controversial Rankings

The rankings of one-term Presidents can be quite controversial. This article explores the merits of each President, ultimately placing:

George Bush - Should have had a second term Gerald Ford - Should have had a second term LBJ - No re-election JFK - No re-election Carter - No re-election

John F. Kennedy: An Unfinished Presidency

While John F. Kennedy probably deserved a second term, his untimely assassination makes it difficult to fully judge his presidency. However, his leadership and impact on history are significant. Here are some of his achievements:

Race to the moon Peace Corps Cuban missile crisis management

Undoubtedly, Kennedy was one of the greatest presidents in American history. His spirit of leadership and handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis were exemplary.

George H. W. Bush: A Mixed Legacy

George H. W. Bush was a very good President. On his watch, the Berlin Wall fell, Desert Storm was a success, and Noriega was captured. Despite these significant achievements, his presidency was marred by a key issue: a compromise on taxes in exchange for spending cuts, and the entry of Ross Perot into the race. Had these factors not intervened, Bush would have likely been re-elected.

Lyndon B. Johnson: Vietnam and Legacy

Lyndon B. Johnson might have gone down as one of the greatest presidents, but his presidency was overshadowed by the Vietnam War. While he made significant legislative achievements, including the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act, the impact of Vietnam was devastating. Many consider him among the worst presidents due to the war's failure and the resulting legacy.

Gerald Ford: The Pardoned Leader

Gerald Ford's presidency was the shortest of any President, lasting only two years. His greatest accomplishment was the pardon of Nixon, which remains controversial. Ford's leadership style was more caretaker-like, and his tenure was not inspiring, but it was not evil either.

Jimmy Carter: Malaise and Regret

Jimmy Carter is one of the great ex-presidents. While initiatives like the peace negotiations with Sadat and Begin were significant, his presidency as a whole was marked by "malaise." Carter was clearly not suited for the office, and his term is easily forgotten and regrettable.

My Opinion

Regarding the rankings:

Kennedy: Difficult to fully judge due to his assassination, but his leadership spirit was mostly sound. His handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis was exemplary, despite the tragic outcome. George H. W. Bush: A personally decent man, but his covert activities were murky. His handling of the Gulf War was exemplary, but breaking his promise on taxes was a downer. Despite this, he probably deserved a second term. Ford: A caretaker president, and his participation in the whitewashing of the Warren Commission was controversial. He was not inspiring, but not evil either. Carter: Clearly not suited for the office. His humanitarian aspect is commendable, but his presidency was too weak. His term is regrettable and easily forgotten. Johnson: A psychopathic usurper who achieved office through an assassination. A ruthless tyrant, he caused great and lasting damage through mishandling of Vietnam and other serious errors.

These rankings highlight the complexities of American presidential history and the varied impact of these leaders on the nation.