Steve Vassallo: The 10 Greatest U.S. Presidents

With President Donald Trump’s first State of the Union Address just a week away, I reached out to my inner circle of historians to obtain a consensus view of the greatest American presidents. These eight brilliant, well-informed and well-read individuals chose as follows:
1. George Washington: Who could argue this choice? The founder of our nation overcame all odds to win America’s independence.
2. Thomas Jefferson: Possibly the lead genius of the 45 presidents, Jefferson is one of the greatest statesmen in U.S. history, if not the greatest.
3. Teddy Roosevelt: A visionary well beyond his time, TR was one of the more courageous men to ever occupy the White House. He’s also one of the four presidents enshrined on Mount Rushmore.

4. Ronald Reagan: “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall” – With that statement, the 40-year Cold War ended. The Great Communicator gained the respect of all of Washington, D.C. after a difficult start.
5. Andrew Jackson: A military strategist who saved New Orleans and the infant nation from the British, Jackson was a true American hero in every respect.
6. Dwight D. Eisenhower: Another military icon, the General was instrumental in concluding World War II in Europe and then presiding over a robust economy for eight years.

7. Donald J. Trump: With only a year in office, the American economy is reaching plateaus never previously seen. With ISIS on the run, President Trump is getting good reviews on his foreign policies as well.
8. James K. Polk: One of the most underrated presidents, Polk managed an expanding country, making all the right moves at the right time.
9. Harry S. Truman: The development and use of the atomic bomb saved a million American lives by preventing an invasion of Japan. “The Buck Stops Here” president earned the respect of a nation wishing to end the war and return to an era of peace.
10. Calvin Coolidge: A businessman who entered the presidency following the death of Warren Harding, “Silent Cal” steadied the ship at a time when the country called for stability following Teapot Dome.
There you have it. The biggest surprise was the absence of Lincoln and FDR. Neither received a single vote!

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.