The Leaders We Deserved

The Leaders We Deserved, also known as The Leaders We Deserved (and a Few We Didn't), is a non-fiction book written by historian Alvin S. Felzenberg. Published by Basic Books in 2008,[1] the work chronicles United States history with a specific focus on the relative performances of different national leaders, the author contrasting his categorized approach with what he views as the sloppier record of past rankings. Presidents receive distinct analysis based on multiple factors including economic wisdom, ideal-based foresight, personal character, and more in the book.[2][3]

The Leaders We Deserved
First edition hardcover image
AuthorAlvin S. Felzenberg
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
SubjectHistory of the U.S.
Politics of the U.S.
U.S. economy
U.S. presidential rankings
Published2008
PublisherBasic Books
Pages480
ISBN9780465002917

In the book, the author concludes that Abraham Lincoln was America's greatest president. James Buchanan, Lincoln's immediate predecessor, occupies the dead last slot. Andrew Johnson, Lincoln's immediate successor, ranks next to last.[3]

Felzenberg is additionally known for his professorial work at George Washington University and the University of Pennsylvania as well as for his service with multiple organizations including, in media terms, assisting the Voice of America organization.[1][3] The book has received praise from several of Felzenberg's fellow historians, examples including Burton W. Folsom, Jr. and James McPherson.[1][2]

Background and contents

Alvin S. Felzenberg has served as a professor at both the Elliot School of International Affairs within George Washington University and the Annenberg School for Communication within the University of Pennsylvania. He has additionally worked in the 9/11 Commission, becoming one of the organization's principal spokespeople. Other positions held by the author include working for the U.S. House of Representatives as well as the Department of Defense and State Department. In terms of media, he's assisted the Voice of America organization as well.[1][3] Felzenberg's broad motivation for the book came from his interest in American presidents and his intent "not to fix their reputations in concrete, but to provoke discussion."[3]

Looking back at past discussions over the various American presidents and historical rankings later made of them, the author argues that the academic process has fallen victim to certain negative trends, and he stresses that the analysis must not only attempt to evaluate individuals based on broad assessments of their performance but on a composite approach looking at different leadership categories. These, in Felzenberg's opinion, should include looking at diverse factors from the performance of the U.S. economy due to presidential actions to leaders' behaviors in advancing the causes of individual liberty to intellectual competence in the administrations managed by the presidents and more.[2][3]

The author particularly lauds the achievements of Ronald Reagan's administration, labeling the statesman as one of America's top three greatest leaders for reasons such as Reagan's Cold War policies.

In his study of American history, the author finds fault with conventional wisdom in certain areas and agrees with it in others.[2][3] In particular, Felzenberg's assessment of Abraham Lincoln as America's greatest president is followed closely by that of George Washington as its second greatest while both Ronald Reagan and Theodore Roosevelt tie for third place. Dwight D. Eisenhower falls into fifth place.[3]

In contrast to Lincoln's placement, James Buchanan, Lincoln's immediate predecessor, occupies the dead last slot. Andrew Johnson, Lincoln's immediate successor, ranks next to last. Felzenberg chooses not to evaluate historic leaders James A. Garfield and William H. Harrison as well as then currently serving president George W. Bush.[3]

In terms of the general conclusions of his analysis, Felzenberg later stated,

"The best presidents were intellectually curious, were good communicators, advanced a vision that proved beneficial for the nation, availed themselves of the technological innovations of their times to advance their agendas, drew upon the best talent available, and related to people from all walks of life. The worst presidents were 'been there, done that' know-it-alls, were set in their ways, bore grudges, grumbled in public about all the burdens of office, had a limited world-view, and stretched the powers of their office for power’s sake."[3]

Reception

Publications such as The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Times ran supportive reviews, with the former newspaper acclaiming the author's "breezy style". Positive commentary also came from National Review. Specifically, the publication's review stated that "Felzenberg is to be credited with bringing to the presidential ratings game a quality that had been sorely lacking: an opportunity to debate."[1]

The book has additionally received praise from various historians and commentators on American leadership; for example, James McPherson, author of works such as Battle Cry of Freedom has supported the author's attempt at a new analysis, McPherson remarking,

"Felzenberg has written an incisive, readable book in which he offers detailed evaluations of presidents according to several key criteria. His rankings contain some surprises, with which not everyone will agree, but all readers will be stimulated and will come away better informed than before."[1]

Walter Isaacson, CEO of the Aspen Institute and author of works such as Einstein: His Life And Universe, has also praised The Leaders We Deserved, Isaacson commenting,

"This book goes beyond the parlor game of rating presidents and digs deeply into what qualities truly matter. By doing so... Felzenberg has produced a smart and fascinating look at the impact our great presidents have had."[1]

As well, the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE) published a supportive review by historian Burton W. Folsom, Jr. Labeling the author one of a group of "thoughtful scholars" objecting to past assertions about the U.S. leaders, Folsom considered Felzenberg's approach and explanation of the results to be "refreshing" while praising Felzenberg for practicing "what he preaches" intellectually. Though objecting to certain conclusions, particularly the relatively high ranking of Franklin D. Roosevelt, Folsom wrote that generally the "insisting on evidence and on multiple criteria" means that "Felzenberg’s book has advanced the art of evaluating American presidents."[2]

Later comments by the author

In an interview with the website Freakonomics.com after the book came out, Felzenberg stated that he believed that physical endurance should be another category by which presidents should be evaluated. He remarked, "The endless 24/7 cycle of appearances, interviews, fundraising, and all the rest that goes along with running for president that the two top contenders [running in 2008] have endured reminds us that the job of president almost demands superhuman qualities."[3]

See also

References
  1. "The Leaders We Deserved (and a Few We Didn't): Rethinking the Presidential Rating Game". AbeBooks.com. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
  2. Folsom, Jr, Burton W. (April 24, 2009). "The Leaders We Deserved (and a Few We Didn't): Rethinking the Presidential Rating Game". Foundation for Economic Education. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
  3. Mengisen, Annika (October 31, 2008). "The Presidents Ranked and Graded: A Q&A With the Author of The Leaders We Deserved". Freakonomics.com. Retrieved April 3, 2020.
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