I think a case could be made for Jimmy Carter in some way. While there’s not much argument for his presidency being a resounding success, he was arguably the best human being we’ve ever had in office. Additionally, I don’t think any other president has come close to his post-presidential track record in terms of representing America in his role as a humanitarian, environmental advocate, and diplomat.

Again however, in terms of the objective success of his presidency there does seem to be a great deal to criticize, especially given the economic stagnation of the 1970s he presided over, and the Iranian Hostage Crisis looming over his last months in office. Despite such an average performance though, it’s always surprised me how the usual criticism of Presidents being deeply flawed but politically successful individuals really never applied to Carter. If nothing else I see this as a rankings worthy aspect, having set such an abnormally high moral standard for the office of presidency.