The Presidency Is the Highest Political Office - Essay Example

Presidents Bill Clinton and Dwight D. Eisenhower have enjoyed wide popularity and acclaimed greatness for the prosperous times they served the nation (Griffin and Hines, 2008).

     President Abraham Lincoln, in my humble opinion, is undoubtedly the best American president. He stood firm in ensuring the victory of the Federal Government over the seceding Southern States during the American civil war. The victory, indeed, changed American history as it not only led to the consolidation of the union but also led to the emancipation of African-Americans from the bonds of slavery. Furthermore, Abraham Lincoln's beliefs and actions are the foundations of many American ideas. For instance, his definition of democracy as the government of the people, by the people, and for the people has become the universally accepted definition of democracy. Franklin D. Roosevelt had an enormous impact on American history. He fought and won two of the greatest threat to America – the Great Depression and World War II. His aggressive and well-implemented New Deal Program changed American history while his focused and committed leadership led to the defect of the Allies forces during the Second World War.

     While some presidents become great by influencing the time they served, others become great by the time they serve. Presidents Bill Clinton and Dwight D. Eisenhower are classic examples. The economic prosperity enjoyed by the U.S. during Clinton’s time in office was the major source of his popularity. His proposed national healthcare system failed and the Monica Lewinsky scandal led to his impeachment even though he was not removed from office. Dwight D. Eisenhower, another acclaimed great American president served the nation in the 1950s, a time of great prosperity and relative peace. For a nation that has emerged from the Second World War, enjoying peace and prosperity was more of a blessing. Thus President Dwight D. Eisenhower was acclaimed as a great leader even though he may not be responsible for the prosperity.