I wrote this Daily Report on Presidents Day about Presidents Day. There is no doubt American history is unique, and our constitutional republic is a major reason why. The role of the president through our nation’s history has, without argument, been consequential. It is impossible for a president not to affect his citizenry, whether positively, negatively, or a mix of both. We set aside this day to recognize and honor their contributions to our nation’s history.

I enjoy reading, but especially about our nation’s history. One cannot read our nation’s past without seeing the impact of decisions made by its leaders. I have read many presidential biographies and have many more on my “to be read” list. Each president has made his mark in history: some for good, some for bad, some for consequential, and some less so. I also believe the narrative surrounding presidents changes over time because it is impossible to fully see how history will unfold. Quite frankly, my opinions on certain presidents have shifted over time as I have come to better understand the context of their decisions. Often, history has revealed that their choices were the right ones. As we consider presidents and Presidents Day, here are the parameters I use to judge a president, whether he is a current officeholder or one from our nation’s history.

Personal

I want to read about their personal lives—their background, experiences, struggles, and successes. These details give us a better peek into the man and the life shaped by these experiences. Whether he was moral or immoral, saved or lost, his personal life provides insight into who he was as a person.

Political

I also want to learn about a president’s political beliefs, leanings, and involvement. The rise of many of these men—sometimes from obscurity to the highest office in the land—is fascinating to me. This reveals much of their political prowess and the importance of their political timing. Say what you will about a man’s personal life, but political acumen is necessary to win elections and then navigate the complexities of governing a nation. Many rise to the occasion, becoming nothing short of political geniuses. Others win elections but are overwhelmed by the magnitude of governing a diverse country.

Principles

A president’s principles—his core beliefs—ultimately shine through in both his personal and political life. Governing a nation is difficult, but I am interested in each president’s non-negotiables. Many times, we do not know a president’s principles until the occasion calls for them. There have been many presidents whom I believe were surprising because their core principles were revealed when circumstances demanded them.

Now, here is where I may differ from others in how I evaluate a president. My preference would be an A+ in all three areas, but that does not happen, as they are just men. Some may dismiss a president entirely because he failed in his personal life, but I am not so quick to do so. If a man excelled politically and held firm principles, then he helped secure the freedoms that allow U.S. citizens to thrive.

Let me illustrate. Jimmy Carter was a professing Christian with Christian values and character, but he was a disaster as a president. His political and principled failures affected the country, while his personal life did not. This debate also played out before the 2016 election, when many Christians opposed Donald Trump because of his personal life. Instead, they endorsed the “Christian” candidate, who, in my opinion, would have been a political disaster. If that man had won the primary, we would have ended up with President Hillary Clinton. Where would our Christian liberties be today?

There are other presidents whom I believe we judge too harshly because they did not meet expectations in one of these three areas.

With that said, may we enjoy our unique history and learn from the humanity of these men, including both the good and bad that resulted from their decisions. We do not know who will be a consequential president. I believe we can celebrate the patriotism, service, and sacrifice of those who have made a difference in our nation throughout its history.

PRESIDENTS DAY BONUS:

My Favorite President

• George Washington

Additional Favorites:

• Thomas Jefferson
• John Quincy Adams
• Andrew Jackson
• Abraham Lincoln
• Dwight Eisenhower

Least Favorites:

• Andrew Johnson
• Lyndon B. Johnson
• Jimmy Carter
• Barack Obama
• Joe Biden

Most Intriguing President

• Theodore Roosevelt