By James Taranto
Presidential Leadership rates the best and worst of the U.S. Presidents (Washington - George W. Bush). This is no flippant evaluation. Editors James Taranto and Leonard Leo include their ranking methodology and survey participants, seeking to "resolve the conflict between prior rankings of of presidents done mostly by liberal scholars or mostly by conservative scholars, but not by both together." p. 250 Readers will find political assessment, not biographical synopsis. If that sounds boring, it is not. Interesting anecdotes, political milestones, and insightful quotes fill these pages. Lessons abound!
The books needs to be updated to account for Presidents Obama, Trump, and soon, Biden. Even without the most contemporary presidential analysis, Bill Bennett's forward is spot on:
Our students and our country need to relearn why we once celebrated leaders such as these--as well as their predecessors and successors. In his farewell address, President Reagan warned the American people--and the world--of a whirlwind we would reap by not studying history . . . . "If we forget what we did, we won't know who we are. I'm warning of an eradication of the American memory that could result, ultimately, in an erosion of the American spirit." p. 3
Here are a few notes and quote:
On transition>: Of all the presidents who have followed giants into the office, only Harry S. Truman managed to escape his predecessor's shadow. And even Truman did it mostly in retrospect. Page 49
On transition: Despite the extent of his studies of politics and history, Adams was not a strong president or political leader. Following Washington was challenging enough, but Adams's presidency was overwhelmed by intense partisan rivalry. Vice President Jefferson was the acknowledged head of the opposition party, and Adams unwisely decided to retain Washington’s cabinet, whose highest loyalty was to Alexander Hamilton, a rival for the leadership of the Federalist. Where Washington could dominate a Jefferson and a Hamilton in his cabinet, Adams lacked the political skills to control lesser partisans. p. 23
On leadership and teams: Harding was not afraid to give prominent positions to men who might outshine him. 142
Quote: Benton‘s epitaph of John Quincy Adams: "Where could death have found him, but at the post of duty?" p. 43
Quote (government): "The strongest of all government is that which is most free." William Henry Harrison p. 53
And by the way, Washington is first; Buchanan last.