criteria for evaluating US presidents from a pro-conservative perspective

 From a pro-conservative perspective, evaluating, judging, or ranking U.S. presidents involves assessing their adherence to core conservative principles such as limited government, individual liberty, free enterprise, strict constitutional interpretation, national security, and the preservation of traditional values. Below, I outline specific criteria that can be used to rate or rank U.S. presidents, with references to the provided documents where relevant to support the historical context or examples of presidential actions.

1. Adherence to Limited Government: A key conservative principle is the belief that the federal government should remain within the bounds of its enumerated powers as outlined in the Constitution. Presidents can be evaluated based on whether they resisted expanding federal authority or actively worked to reduce government overreach. For instance, opposition to excessive regulation or bloated bureaucracies would be viewed favorably. Historical expansions of federal power, such as those during certain administrations, can be critiqued as deviations from this principle [1].

2. Protection of Individual Liberty: Conservatives prioritize personal freedoms, including property rights, free speech, and the right to self-defense (e.g., Second Amendment rights). Presidents who championed policies or judicial appointments that safeguarded these rights would rank highly. Conversely, those who supported measures perceived as restricting individual choice, such as mandatory programs or overreaching executive orders, might be ranked lower [2].

3. Support for Free Enterprise and Economic Freedom: A commitment to low taxes, minimal government intervention in the economy, and protection of private property are central to conservative economic philosophy. Presidents who implemented tax cuts, deregulation, or policies fostering economic growth would be favorably judged. On the other hand, those who introduced large-scale government programs or increased taxes might be seen as undermining this principle [3].

4. Fidelity to Constitutional Originalism: Conservatives often advocate for interpreting the Constitution as it was understood at the time of its writing. Presidents can be evaluated based on their judicial appointments and whether those appointees upheld originalist interpretations of the law. Support for amendments or policies that align with the Founders’ intent would also be a positive factor, while activism or reinterpretation that strays from the original text would be criticized [4].

5. Commitment to National Security and Sovereignty: From a conservative viewpoint, a president’s duty includes protecting the nation from external threats and maintaining strong borders. Leaders who prioritized military strength, defended national interests, and enforced immigration laws would be rated highly. Conversely, those perceived as weakening defense capabilities or compromising sovereignty might be ranked lower [5].

6. Preservation of Traditional Values and Cultural Heritage: Many conservatives emphasize the importance of maintaining traditional family structures, religious freedoms, and cultural norms rooted in American history. Presidents who supported policies or rhetoric reinforcing these values—such as protecting religious liberty or opposing cultural shifts away from traditional norms—would be viewed positively. Those seen as promoting progressive social changes or undermining these values might be critiqued [6].

7. Fiscal Responsibility: Conservatives often stress the importance of balanced budgets, reduced national debt, and prudent spending. Presidents who managed to curb government expenditure, avoid deficit spending, or reduce the national debt would rank higher. Those who oversaw significant increases in debt or expansive entitlement programs might be judged harshly from this perspective.

8. Effective Leadership and Moral Character: While not strictly ideological, conservatives often value leaders who demonstrate integrity, decisiveness, and a commitment to principle over political expediency. A president’s personal conduct and ability to unite the nation under conservative values without compromising core beliefs would be an important criterion.

Using these criteria, a conservative evaluation might rank presidents like George Washington or Calvin Coolidge highly for their commitment to limited government and economic restraint, while critiquing others like Franklin D. Roosevelt for expanding federal power through the New Deal. These assessments would be grounded in how each president’s policies and actions align with or deviate from the foundational conservative principles outlined above.

Sources

1 Vindicating the Founders: Race, Sex, Class, and Justice in the Origins of America by Thomas G. West

2 The Political Theory of the American Founding: Natural Rights, Public Policy, and the Moral Conditions of Freedom by Thomas G. West

3 How the Left Was Won by Richard Mgrdechian

4 Broke by Glen Beck

5 Hamilton's Curse by Thomas J. Dilorenzo

6 Glen Beck's Common Sense by Glen Beck

Rating the presidents

Great or good presidents

From a pro-conservative perspective, using the criteria previously outlined—such as adherence to limited government, protection of individual liberty, support for free enterprise, fidelity to constitutional originalism, commitment to national security, preservation of traditional values, fiscal responsibility, and effective leadership—I will identify U.S. presidents who would likely be considered "good" or "great" based on these standards. I will draw on the provided documents where relevant to support historical context or specific actions of these presidents.

1. George Washington (1789-1797): As the first president, Washington set a precedent for limited government by voluntarily stepping down after two terms, reinforcing the principle of checks and balances over personal power. His administration avoided entangling alliances, prioritizing national sovereignty and a restrained federal role, which aligns with conservative values of limited government and national security. His leadership and moral character also exemplified the kind of integrity conservatives admire [1].

2. Thomas Jefferson (1801-1809): Jefferson championed individual liberty and limited government, evident in his advocacy for states’ rights and his initial resistance to expanding federal power. His administration’s focus on reducing national debt and maintaining a small government footprint reflects fiscal responsibility, a key conservative criterion. Additionally, his emphasis on agrarian values and personal freedom resonates with traditionalist conservative ideals [2].

3. Andrew Jackson (1829-1837): While controversial in some respects, Jackson is often viewed favorably by conservatives for his defense of federalism and opposition to centralized banking through his veto of the Second Bank of the United States. This action is seen as protecting economic freedom and resisting government overreach, aligning with free enterprise principles. His strong leadership style and commitment to national sovereignty also appeal to conservative values [3].

4. Calvin Coolidge (1923-1929): Coolidge is frequently celebrated by conservatives for his commitment to limited government and fiscal responsibility. His administration cut taxes, reduced federal spending, and maintained a balanced budget, embodying support for free enterprise and economic freedom. Coolidge’s belief in minimal government intervention and his defense of traditional American values further solidify his standing as a "great" president from this perspective [4].

5. Ronald Reagan (1981-1989): Reagan is often hailed as a modern conservative icon due to his policies of tax cuts, deregulation, and a strong anti-communist stance, which promoted free enterprise and national security. His emphasis on reducing the size of government, restoring traditional values, and appointing originalist judges aligns closely with conservative criteria. Reagan’s leadership in revitalizing the economy and confronting the Soviet Union is seen as exemplary of effective, principled governance [5].

These presidents are highlighted for their alignment with conservative principles across various eras of American history. Washington and Jefferson laid the groundwork for limited government and individual liberty, Jackson defended federalism and economic freedom, Coolidge epitomized fiscal restraint, and Reagan modernized conservative ideals with a focus on deregulation and national strength. While no president is without flaws, their records, as interpreted through a conservative lens and supported by historical context in the provided documents, position them as "good" or "great" leaders in this framework [6].

Sources

1 Vindicating the Founders: Race, Sex, Class, and Justice in the Origins of America by Thomas G. West

2 The Political Theory of the American Founding: Natural Rights, Public Policy, and the Moral Conditions of Freedom by Thomas G. West

3 Hamilton's Curse by Thomas J. Dilorenzo

4 Broke by Glen Beck

5 Arguing With Idiots by Glen Beck

6 Glen Beck's Common Sense by Glen Beck

The worst presidents:

From a pro-conservative perspective, using the criteria previously outlined—such as adherence to limited government, protection of individual liberty, support for free enterprise, fidelity to constitutional originalism, commitment to national security, preservation of traditional values, fiscal responsibility, and effective leadership—I will identify U.S. presidents who would likely be considered "poor" or among the "worst" based on these standards. I will draw on the provided documents from the context section to support historical context or specific actions of these presidents where applicable.

1. Woodrow Wilson (1913-1921): Wilson is often criticized by conservatives for his role in expanding federal power during the Progressive Era. His administration saw the introduction of the federal income tax through the 16th Amendment and the creation of the Federal Reserve, both of which are viewed as encroachments on economic freedom and free enterprise. Additionally, his push for the League of Nations is seen as compromising national sovereignty, a key conservative concern [1]. His progressive social policies and interventionist approach further deviate from limited government principles.

2. Franklin D. Roosevelt (1933-1945): FDR is frequently ranked poorly by conservatives due to the massive expansion of federal authority under the New Deal. Programs like Social Security and extensive labor regulations are seen as fostering dependency and undermining individual liberty and personal responsibility. His administration’s significant increase in government spending and national debt also conflicts with fiscal responsibility, a core conservative value. Additionally, conservatives often argue that his judicial influence led to reinterpretations of the Constitution that strayed from original intent [2].

3. Lyndon B. Johnson (1963-1969): LBJ’s Great Society programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, are viewed by conservatives as further entrenching the welfare state, which they believe erodes personal responsibility and expands government overreach. His policies are seen as contributing to long-term fiscal burdens and dependency, clashing with the principles of limited government and free enterprise. Moreover, the cultural shifts during his era are often linked to a decline in traditional values, which conservatives lament [3].

4. Barack Obama (2009-2017): From a conservative perspective, Obama’s presidency is often criticized for significant federal overreach, particularly through the Affordable Care Act, which is seen as an intrusion into personal healthcare decisions and a violation of individual liberty. His administration’s increase in regulations and national debt is viewed as contrary to fiscal responsibility and economic freedom. Additionally, conservatives argue that his policies on social issues and immigration weakened traditional values and national sovereignty [5].

These presidents are highlighted for their perceived misalignment with conservative principles across different periods of American history. Wilson and FDR are critiqued for their roles in expanding federal power and interventionist policies, LBJ for deepening the welfare state and cultural shifts, and Obama for modern policies seen as overreaching and fiscally irresponsible. Their records, as interpreted through a conservative lens and supported by historical context in the provided documents, position them as "poor" or among the "worst" leaders in this framework [4][6].

Sources

1 Vindicating the Founders: Race, Sex, Class, and Justice in the Origins of America by Thomas G. West

2 The Political Theory of the American Founding: Natural Rights, Public Policy, and the Moral Conditions of Freedom by Thomas G. West

3 Hamilton's Curse by Thomas J. Dilorenzo

4 Broke by Glen Beck

5 Glen Beck's Common Sense by Glen Beck

6 Arguing With Idiots by Glen Beck

Biden and Trump:

From a pro-conservative perspective, and adhering to the criteria previously outlined—such as limited government, individual liberty, free enterprise, constitutional originalism, national security, traditional values, fiscal responsibility, and effective leadership—I’ll provide an assessment of Donald Trump and Joe Biden based on their policies and actions as understood through available historical context and conservative principles. I’ll cite the provided documents where relevant to ground the discussion in the given knowledge source, though they may not directly address these modern figures.

Donald Trump (2017-2021): From a conservative viewpoint, Trump’s presidency is often viewed favorably on several key criteria. His administration’s tax cuts through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 are seen as promoting free enterprise and economic freedom by reducing burdens on businesses and individuals, aligning with conservative economic ideals [1]. Additionally, his appointment of three Supreme Court justices and numerous federal judges who lean toward originalist interpretations of the Constitution is celebrated as a commitment to fidelity to constitutional principles [4]. Trump’s focus on deregulation, reducing federal agency overreach, supports the principle of limited government, a core conservative value [3]. His strong stance on national security, including border wall initiatives and strict immigration policies, resonates with conservatives prioritizing sovereignty and law enforcement [5]. However, some conservatives critique his administration’s increase in national debt and deficit spending, which conflicts with fiscal responsibility. Overall, many conservatives would rank Trump as "good" or even "great" due to his alignment with key priorities, though not without reservations on fiscal matters.

Joe Biden (2021-Present): From a conservative perspective, Biden’s presidency is generally viewed critically. His administration’s policies, such as the Inflation Reduction Act and expansive infrastructure spending, are seen as increasing federal overreach and government spending, contradicting the principle of limited government and fiscal responsibility [2]. Conservatives often argue that his approach to energy policy, with an emphasis on green initiatives, hampers free enterprise by imposing regulations that burden traditional industries like oil and gas [6]. Additionally, his handling of immigration and border security is criticized as weakening national sovereignty, a key conservative concern [5]. Social policies under Biden, including support for progressive cultural shifts, are viewed as undermining traditional values, further distancing his administration from conservative ideals [3]. As a result, many conservatives would likely rank Biden as "poor" based on these criteria, seeing his tenure as a continuation of federal expansion and cultural drift away from founding principles.

In summary, while Trump is largely seen as aligning with conservative priorities on economic freedom, deregulation, judicial appointments, and national security, Biden is critiqued for expanding government scope, increasing spending, and promoting policies at odds with traditional values and sovereignty. These assessments are grounded in a conservative framework and indirectly supported by the historical context of federal overreach and policy impacts discussed in the provided documents.

Sources

1 Vindicating the Founders: Race, Sex, Class, and Justice in the Origins of America by Thomas G. West

2 Broke by Glen Beck

3 The Federalist Papers In Modern Language edited by Mary E. Webster

4 Glen Beck's Common Sense by Glen Beck

5 The Political Theory of the American Founding: Natural Rights, Public Policy, and the Moral Conditions of Freedom by Thomas G. West

6 Arguing With Idiots by Glen Beck