Ranking U.S. Presidents
57 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★ - 102 ratingsWe rank U.S. presidents. We also look at their policies, personalities and term(s) in the White House.
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Episodes
Donald Trump Part Two: Presidency
June 28, 2022 14:30 - 1 hour - 111 MBWell everyone, it's been a fantastic journey but we have finally made it to the finale of the Ranking President's Podcast. In today's episode, we are talking about the presidency of Donald John Trump and ranking him. Follow us on Twitter at @PresidentsRank for our official ranking graphic of all 45 Presidents!
Donald Trump Part One: Early Life and 2016 election
June 20, 2022 14:55 - 1 hour - 70.7 MBWell folks we have finally made it to the one the only...the Donald. In this week's episode we are looking at the early life of Donald John Trump as well as the 2016 election where he ran over every Republican nominee and become the 45th President.
Barack Obama Part 2
June 01, 2022 01:40 - 56 minutes - 60.2 MBIn today's episode, we will look at Barack Obama's two terms in office. He had a lot on his plate as president: with two wars, an economic crisis and an increasingly polarized Congress. How did America's first Black President handle these issues? And where does he rank?
Barack Obama Part 1
May 19, 2022 19:00 - 47 minutes - 51.3 MBBarack Obama: America's first African American President. What was his life like? What was it like growing up in a multiracial background? In this episode we will look at his life and how he became president
George W Bush Part 2
May 15, 2022 05:02 - 1 hour - 69.7 MBThey misunderestimated me. At least that's what George W Bush played. But how does his actual legacy stand up to this claim? In this episode we will be looking at his domestic and foreign policy and ranking this divisive president.
George W Bush Part 1
May 04, 2022 23:14 - 28 minutes - 32.9 MBDubya is well known for gaffes and invading Iraq, but what is he really like? In this week's episode, Brad will look at George W Bush's early life and political career as well as the election of 2000.
Bill Clinton part 2
April 27, 2022 03:37 - 49 minutes - 51.8 MBIn today's episode, we are looking at Bill Clinton's domestic policy as well as his various scandals, including the infamous Monica Lewinsky scandal but also the various women who have accused him of sexual misconduct. And we will be ranking him!
Bill Clinton: Part 1
April 21, 2022 01:21 - 35 minutes - 36.2 MBIt's Bill time. We are talking about Bill Clinton's early life, political career and foreign policy. We will rank him in the next episode.
George HW Bush
April 14, 2022 01:42 - 52 minutes - 57.5 MBIt's Daddy Bush time. He took over as President as the Soviet Union was falling and also served at the helm during the Gulf War and was infamous for his promise, "Read my lips, no new taxes." But how did he really do as President? And where does he rank?
Ronald Reagan Part 2
April 06, 2022 22:17 - 52 minutes - 56.5 MBReaganomics, trickle down economics, whatever you call it, it's one of Reagan's lasting legacies. But how conservative was Reagan's domestic policy? And how did he handle various issues such as the AIDS crisis? Find out in this episode as we look at his domestic policy...and rank him.
Ronald Reagan Part 1
March 30, 2022 18:22 - 58 minutes - 61.2 MB"Mr. Gorbachev tear down this wall!" These are the most iconic words from one of our most iconic presidents: Ronald Reagan. Reviled by some, loved by others: who was Ronald Reagan in reality? In this episode we will take a deep dive into his personality, early career and controversial foreign policy. In part two, we will look at his domestic policy and rank him, so strap in for a two part ride with Ronald.
Jimmy Carter
March 06, 2022 04:08 - 1 hour - 73.3 MBJimmy Carter is(as of this episode) the first living President we have covered! A peanut farmer and Navy veteran took over the Presidency from Gerald Ford. As president, he would preside over economic issues, energy issues and conflict in the Middle East and an infamous hostage situation in Iran. Although he is often maligned for his presidency and praised for his post presidential work, how well did he really perform as president? Find out in this episode!
Gerald Ford
February 24, 2022 03:17 - 54 minutes - 57.1 MBGerald Ford was America's only president who wasn't actually elected. Coming in as VP for Nixon after the fall of Spiro Agnew, he was left to pick up the pieces after Nixon resigned in 1974. As president, Ford would have to handle the fallout from Nixon, economic woes and foreign policy challenges, all while dealing with SNL jokes about his accident prone nature. How did he handle all of this? And where does he rank? Listen to find out!
Richard M Nixon Part 2
February 12, 2022 05:45 - 1 hour - 77.9 MBI am not a crook. At least that's what Nixon claimed. In this episode we will be looking at Nixon's foreign policy and the infamous Watergate scandal. Also special guest Matt will join us to discuss the culture of the 70s and how the true counter culture was born during the era of Nixon. Also, we will finally rank ole tricky Dicky.
Richard M Nixon: Part One
January 29, 2022 05:37 - 1 hour - 76.5 MBIt's the president you'll all been waiting for: Tricky Dicky himself. In this episode we will be looking at his early life, political career and domestic policy as president. We will be saving his foreign policy and a little something called Watergate for part two.
LBJ Part 2: Presidential years
January 13, 2022 01:19 - 57 minutes - 60.7 MBLBJ inherited a heavy burden, taking over for JFK. But was he up to the challenge? How did he handle Civil Rights crises, the war in Vietnam and growing poverty in America? Listen to find out!
LBJ Part 1: Early life, political career and the LBJ treatment
January 04, 2022 13:56 - 49 minutes - 52.2 MBBefore LBJ became president, he led an interesting political life, engaging in a good deal of questionable campaigns to rise to his station. He was particularly infamous for what became known as the LBJ Treatment, a method of intimidation that involved close contact and public nudity. In this episode, we will look at his early life, career and his beliefs on matters of religion and...race.
JFK Part Two: Presidency
December 21, 2021 15:05 - 1 hour - 64.9 MBDespite only being President from 1961 to 1963 due to his assassination, a lot happened during JFK's presidency. He presided over massive Civil Rights protests and segregationist riots and the infamous Cuban Missile Crisis. How did he handle these events and where does he rank as a President? Does he live up to the legend of Camelot?
JFK Part One: Life, Sex, Death and Conspiracy
December 18, 2021 02:13 - 49 minutes - 50.3 MBFor the Camelot era of JFK, we are going to need more than one episode. In part one, we will be looking at his life before the presidency, his personality and his many many affairs both before and during his presidency. We will also be skipping ahead to look at his assassination and take a look at some of the conspiracy theories surrounding his death.
Dwight D Eisenhower
December 10, 2021 16:56 - 55 minutes - 59.2 MBEisenhower was many things: war hero, anticommunist and President. As president he oversaw the birth of the atomic arms race, the end of the Korean War and various Civil Rights issues such as the Little Rock desegregation case. But the real question is do we like Ike? Give us a listen and find out!
Harry S. Truman
December 01, 2021 14:28 - 59 minutes - 62.5 MBTo say Harry S. Truman's presidency started off with a bang would be an understatement. As president following the death of FDR, Truman had to bring WWII to a close, convert a wartime economy to a peacetime one, handle the rising power of Communism and try to keep FDR's legacy alive. And that's not even all he dealt with! How did he handle all these things...and where does he rank?
Franklin Delano Roosevelt Part Three: 1941 to 1945
November 10, 2021 17:32 - 1 hour - 104 MBThis week we are covering FDR's final years as President as he takes on Hitler and Hirohito and Mussolini in WW2! And we finally see where he ranks. Like our work? Support us on patreon! https://www.patreon.com/rankinguspresidents Follow us on Twitter! https://twitter.com/PresidentsRank
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: 1933 to 1941
October 26, 2021 12:59 - 58 minutes - 38.8 MBIn this episode, we are covering the first two thirds of FDR's administration as he tackles both the Great Depression and rising tensions in Europe and the Pacific. We will examine not only his avalanche of new policies as part of the New Deal but also his struggle with the Supreme Court and how he attempts to balance neutrality with support for the Allies as World War II begins.
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Part 1: Early Life
October 19, 2021 14:12 - 43 minutes - 24.5 MBWe are finally tackling one of the most influential presidents of the 20th century: FDR. For this four term president, we are going to take our time. For the first episode, we will be looking at his early life and political career. What made this man tick? And how did he rise to become America's leader during both the Great Depression and WW2?
Herbert Hoover
October 11, 2021 14:47 - 47 minutes - 26.6 MBHe's the president who was at the helm for the first four years of the most devastating economic disaster in modern times: the Great Depression. Was he up to the task? And what other policies did he pursue when he wasn't handling the Depression? Find out here!
Calvin Coolidge
October 06, 2021 14:29 - 42 minutes - 23.1 MBThis week we are discussing Silent Cal, America's 30th President. He's the sixth VP to take over after the President dies in office. But is he up to the task for tackling the roaring 20s? And what role does he play in the Great Depression that will hit during Hoover? Find out in this week's episode!
Warren G Harding
September 29, 2021 14:05 - 56 minutes - 36.9 MBIt's time to review the president who gambled the White House china and had more affairs than perhaps any other president. It's Warren G Harding time. His cabinet was infamously corrupt, but was he just as crooked? We shall see on this episode of Ranking Presidents.
Woodrow Wilson: 1915-1921
September 10, 2021 12:59 - 57 minutes - 31.5 MBIt's Woodrow Wilson time..again. This time we are looking at how this president handles the sinking of the Lusitania, the U.S. entry into World War 1, women's suffrage and so much more. And finally we will get to see where this controversial president ranks!
Woodrow Wilson: Part One
September 03, 2021 17:43 - 34 minutes - 19.7 MBIt's time for one of America's most controversial presidents of the modern era: the President of Princeton himself: Woodrow Wilson. We are looking at his life, personality, beliefs on religion and race and his presidency up till the sinking of the Lusitania in 1915.
William Howard Taft
August 30, 2021 14:12 - 44 minutes - 26 MBIt's Taft time baby. We are talking about America's favorite president to get stuck a tub. But Taft was more than just a big man, he was also the inheritor of Roosevelt's legacy and busted more trusts than even Teddy. But can he live up to the legacy of Theodore? We shall see.
Theodore Roosevelt: Part Two, The President
August 20, 2021 13:21 - 51 minutes - 34.3 MBWe are back with Theodore Roosevelt! This time we are discussing his two terms as President. During his time, he radically expanded the power of the office...but did he do a good job? How effective was he? And...where does the Rough Rider rank?
Theodore Roosevelt: Part One, the Rough Rider
August 10, 2021 13:49 - 42 minutes - 28.6 MBIt's the man, the myth, the legend, ole Teddy Rough Rider Roosevelt himself! Today we are looking at the personality, beliefs and early career of Theodore Roosevelt before he became President. Because for the fourth member of Mt. Rushmore, we are going to need two parts to cover his story!
William McKinley
July 30, 2021 15:43 - 59 minutes - 40.5 MBSay goodbye to the 19th century, it's the 20th century folks and we have our first modern president: William McKinley. Although often remembered as the prequel to Theodore Roosevelt, he left his mark as well with labor policies and the Spanish American War and the birth of American imperialism. He was also assassinated, the second to last American president in history to suffer such a fate. Let's find out more about his presidency and where he ranks!
Benjamin Harrison
July 23, 2021 19:49 - 47 minutes - 27.1 MBIt's the president who came between two Clevelands! He's probably the least well known of any president, which is a real shame considering all he accomplished. One law he passed is still in effect today! But...where does this Hoosier rank? Find out!
Grover Cleveland
July 13, 2021 18:43 - 44 minutes - 28.9 MBIt's Big Steve time. We are talking about Grover Cleveland of course, the only president to serve two non consecutive terms. But did he deserve those terms? And where does he rank?
Chester A Arthur
July 02, 2021 13:02 - 42 minutes - 24.2 MBArthur was the kingpin of the New York political machine...but then became known as an anticorruption champion in the White House. This little-known president was also around for one of the most influential immigration bills in American history. So...where does he rank?
James Garfield
June 17, 2021 16:43 - 35 minutes - 22.8 MBThis president led a fascinating life. Unfortunately his time in office was cut short by an assassin's bullet. Let's explore the life of death of America's second president to be assassinated...and see where he ranks.
Rutherford B Hayes
June 02, 2021 14:05 - 41 minutes - 27.9 MBKnown as his Fraudulency or Rutherfraud, this president came to power during the most contested election in American history. He was the last Reconstruction era President and the first of the Gilded Age. He had to handle corruption, racism and a general strike. How did he handle it? Well....
Ulysses S Grant
May 26, 2021 19:56 - 46 minutes - 27.1 MBToday we have a very interesting president, another general everyone knows by name, but usually knows nothing about his presidency. We are talking about Ulysses S. Grant, the man who beat the Confederacy. But can he handle the Presidency? We shall see.
Andrew Johnson
May 19, 2021 17:02 - 45 minutes - 25.9 MBLast week we had Lincoln...now we have...Andrew Johnson, America's "plebian president." Can this VP take up the mantle of Lincoln and handle reconstruction of the defeated southern states? Find out in this week's episode.
Abraham Lincoln part 2
May 12, 2021 13:37 - 1 hour - 47.4 MBIt's Lincoln again! This time we are discussing his presidency, the Civil War and his legacy. Does he live up to the hype? Also we have a special guest Matt to talk about the battles, generals and how they related to Lincoln.
Abraham Lincoln part 1
May 03, 2021 15:52 - 47 minutes - 26.4 MBAt long last, we have made it..to Honest Abe himself. This week we are looking at Lincoln's personality, his religion, his views on slavery and his early political career. There's so much to talk about Lincoln that we won't be ranking him this week. That will have to wait for part 2! In this episode, you'll learn about Abe's sex life, his dislike of religion and his rather....complicated relationship with slavery.
James Buchanan
April 29, 2021 13:37 - 43 minutes - 30.3 MBIt's time for ole Aunt Nancy himself: James Buchanan. He was the man at the helm when the Civil War was brewing. How responsible was he for the war? We shall see when we rank him.
Franklin Pierce
April 21, 2021 16:10 - 39 minutes - 22.8 MBIt's Frank time. And by Frank time, we mean Bleeding Kansas. Let's check out America's 14th president Franklin Pierce, the man at the helm during the infamous Bleeding Kansas incident. He was also around for some free booter coupes in Central America. Let's see how he handles all of this.
Millard Fillmore
April 14, 2021 14:31 - 45 minutes - 26.2 MBOf all our presidents, Fillmore was one of them. He was Zachary Taylor's VP and would serve out the remainder of his term when he died. He was the president during the infamous Fugitive Slave Act. But is he as bad as history makes him out to be? We shall see!
Zachary Taylor
April 05, 2021 18:12 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBAre you rough and ready? Zachary Taylor certainly was! He was our nation's second Whig president, the last Whig to be elected as president actually and just like William Henry Harrison, he died before completing his first term. Unlike Harrison, he did manage to get a few things done in his 16 month time in office, mainly tackling the issue of new Western states and slavery. But the real question is: Where does he rank?
James Polk
March 31, 2021 16:14 - 46 minutes - 31.4 MBGrab your accordions, it's Polk time. We are talking about the president who had set goals when he entered the White House, which included conquering territory from Mexico and handling the slavery issue and he accomplished them all in one term...or so he claimed. Let's see where he ranks.
John Tyler
March 25, 2021 15:19 - 41 minutes - 24.1 MBHe's the first VP to take the reigns as president after the current president kicked the bucket. But is he up to the task? Strap in folks, it's John Tyler time.
William Henry Harrison
March 18, 2021 13:10 - 38 minutes - 22.1 MBHe was president for 31 days, and our first Whig president and the first to die in office. What were his ideas for the nation? If he had had a chance to perform his presidential duties, would he have been successful? And ultimately where does he rank?
Martin Van Buren
March 10, 2021 16:51 - 40 minutes - 27.1 MBIt's the mutton-chop episode. We are discussing Martin Van Buren, a man known by children for his amazing sideburns and not much else. In reality, Van Buren was the successor to Andrew Jackson, but found himself immediately dealing with an economic depression called the Panic of 1837. Was he up to the challenge, or was he another disappointing president? Find out in this week's episode!