US Presidents, Ranked By Who Deserves To Be Canceled
Vote up the most cancellable US presidents; vote down the presidents worth keeping around.
Cancel culture is alive and well. Whether it's a celebrity, politician, or some other known figure who says something in poor taste, commits a gaffe, or takes a roundly criticized action, a career can be broken in an instant.
Of course there are incredibly offensive and heinous acts that people - even US presidents - have committed that are undeniably cancelable. But, people don't always get canceled for what they've recently done. A cultural cancelation may come from a past statement, activity, or egregious offense. Modern standards dictate whether or not a deed comes roaring back to bite someone in the a**.
Cancel culture isn't about who's the best or worst person, it's about who simply needs to be removed from the larger conversation. For politicians, cancel culture is about what they did while in office and how it looks through a modern lens.
So, when it comes to politics and US presidents, who do you think deserves to be canceled once and for all?
- 1
Johnson's mishandling of Reconstruction allowed for “Black Codes” to take effect across the American South. He was also the first US president to be impeached by Congress.
- Presidency: 17
- Profession: Politician, Tailor
- 2
Abrasive, foul-mouthed, and considered a bully by some, Lyndon Johnson kept the United States in the Vietnam War too long. He also misled the American public about the prospects of success in the conflict.
- Presidency: 36
- V.P.: Hubert Humphrey
- Profession: Politician, Teacher
- 3
In 1850, Millard Fillmore signed the Compromise of 1850. This included the Fugitive Slave Act, which compelled the apprehension of runaway slaves.
- Presidency: 13
- Profession: Politician, Lawyer
- 4
After Dred Scott sued for his freedom in 1847, the matter dragged on until it reached the US Supreme Court in 1857. Two days before the ruling came down, Buchanan said in his inaugural address that he supported whatever they decided. This, in the end, endorsed its determination that Scott was not a citizen because he was Black.
- Presidency: 15
- V.P.: John C. Breckinridge
- Profession: Politician, Diplomat, Lawyer
- 5
Woodrow Wilson was unable to persuade Congress to join the League of Nations. After health issues rendered him unable to do the job of the president, Wilson didn't step down - rather, his wife, Edith, took over many executive responsibilities.
- Presidency: 28
- V.P.: Thomas R. Marshall
- Profession: Politician, Historian, Professor, Political scientist
- 6
Harding's presidency and legacy were marred by the Teapot Dome scandal which involved bribery, illegal alcohol sales, and a murder-suicide. Harding was also involved in numerous extramarital affairs and fathered at least one child out of wedlock.
- Presidency: 29
- V.P.: Calvin Coolidge
- Profession: Businessperson, Politician, Journalist
