"Abraham Lincoln? He was a good president. He freed the blacks and all." Oh, what a shame it is to have public school systems spreading such utter garbage. Lincoln proposed the Emancipation Proclamation, in which the gist was to send the blacks back to Africa. The plan backfired. Thomas Jefferson in his First Inaugural Address said, "If there be any among us who would wish to dissolve this Union, or to change its republican form, let them stand undisturbed as monuments of the safety with which error of opinion may be tolerated where reason is left to combat it." Fifteen years later after the New England Federalists attempted to secede, Jefferson said, "If any state in the Union will declare that it prefers separation . . . to a continuance in the union . . . I have no hesitation in saying, 'let us separate'." Well,boys and girls, the south was ready to succeed from the union. Established a form of government, even had a president for a brief time. Lincoln did not like the idea of being the president to break up the nation, so there began the war. Lincoln's speeches were poetry, not logic; beauty, not sense. Lincoln said that the soldiers sacrificed their lives "to the cause of self-determination - government of the people, by the people, for the people should not perish from the earth." It is difficult to imagine anything more untrue. The Union soldiers in the battle actually fought against self-determination; it was the Confederates who fought for the right of people to govern themselves. President Lincoln broke nearly every provision in the declaration and attempted to find a way to abuse his presidential powers in every given situation. This man was not a fabulous president and by no means a hero.

I guess it depends on what part of the nation you are from.Here in the north,he is a hero.Down South,probably not.He held the union together and that was his prime motivation for the civil war.As he said,if he had to make all states slave states to hold the Union together he would do that.Eventually,he grew to hate slavery.He succeeded a whole platoon of weak presidents who were proslavery. Like President Bush,he was criticized heavily by political opponents and praised by friends.He did suspend habeas corpus which began a slippery slope that some other Presidents exploited.That is why I do not give Honest Abe a 5.But he deserves 4 1/2 stars for holding this nation together during a unique and frightening war.

One of America's finest presidents, even though it was rumored that he was a gay male and he enjoyed wrestling in the nude.

Abraham Lincoln showed that you can be both strong and lenient at the same time. He lead America through its darkest hour. Through his steadfast devotion to both his country and God, he kept the nation together. When the confederacy finally surrendurred, it was Lincoln who jump-started the reconstruction period. He did not punish or fine the south at all. We need strong presidents like he and George Bush through troubling times.

Most over rated President of all time. What did he really do? He dominated the South in weapons, supplies and everything and still almost lost the Civil Law. And NO. He did NOT free the slaves. The Emancipation Proclomation stated that SOUTHERN SLAVES be free. Well guess what? We were in war with them so obviously laws that he imposed on them had NO EFFECT. So really no slaves got freed with this document and he didn't even care one way or the other if they even were free. Only Reason I gave him 2 stars because at least he knew he had to keep the North and South together. But people only rate him high because he was president during a tough time.

You can thank government-run schools for a populace that would idolize a politician like Lincoln.

got rid of habeous corpus?!?

**im trying to get your vote on my government project. if u think its "A" quality, please send me a message** Abraham Lincoln, or Honest Abe, is the best and most outstanding American President from 1776-now in my opinion. His persistence and determination to succeed, his resilience, his ability to overcome setbacks, his willingness to ignore and forgive hostile criticism, ridicules and underestimation from his friends or opponents, his self-confidence as revealed by his bold decision to appoint almost all his former unfriendly political rivals to cabinet, including William Seward, Salmon Chase and others he even appointed Chase Chief Justice (who was responsible for making the Dread Scott Decision) after Toneys death in 1865 after Chase's previous unsuccessful attempt to replace him as the presidential candidate for the 1864 election. His will to use force to defend Federal Law or the Union. The way his law partner talked about him his ambition was a little engine that knew no rest, Abrahams refusal to submit to setbacks and difficulties, with anger towards none, and wanted charity for all. That pretty much secured him one of the top position in the ratings of all presidents. Lincoln did the right thing going to war to keep the Union together. Yes, he expanded the powers of the federal government but he had no choice. His enemies many of whom favored a smaller government, need to look at Lincoln in the context of the times. Lincoln did what needed to be done. He also issued the emancipation proclamation on January 1, 1863, in which declared forever that slaves be freed within the Country. And don't forget his humble background. He was born in the wilderness and had gone bankrupt twice in his early life. He had been defeated for Senate and in other elections multiple times, and held a congressional seat for only one term. He came to the White House Office in 1860 with less experience, prestige, and wealth than any other presidents in US history. That he could overcome all this insufficiency and do such a great job as saving the union and winning the civil war which cost more lives than any other wars in American history. He has surely been one of the greatest presidents in us history along with Washington, Roosevelt, Wilson, and Thomas Jefferson. and also if people are to rate this president as "terrible" then they are more than likely FROM THE SOUTH "stupid racists"

Fought the war hard, but wanted a gentle reconciliation after it was won. Led America through its darkest hour, while suffering a string of his own personal tragedies. He did free the slaves in the slave states, and started the long process of civil rights for blacks.

Let's just say that George W. Bush wasn't the first president to trample on large chunks of the constitution under the guise of security and national emergency. Granted, the circumstances in Lincoln's day were extraordinary, but whether he needed to go to the lengths he did is questionable. People always tend to overreact in times of crisis, after all. Yes, you say, but look at the end result. Sure, the United States became a singular expression instead of a plural one (in other words, the nation became much stronger and more united, rather than a squabbling collection of powerful states threatening secession over innumerable petty slights), and slavery came to an end. But that doesn't mean the ends justified the means. The 10th Amendment was all but snuffed out, and Hamilton's vision of a powerful central government finally prevailed, setting the stage for future presidents (like FDR) to build the federal bureaucracy into a freedom-smothering juggernaut. Beginning with Lincoln, the era of small government was officialy over.

Advanced the cause of civil rights and human dignity.

He was a terrific president worthy of our praise for generations to come!

Lincoln, or Honest Abe/ Father Abraham, is surely the best and most outstanding American President from 1776-now. His persistence and determination to succeed, his resilience, his ability to overcome setbacks, his willingness to ignore and forget/forgive hostile criticism, ridicules and underestimation from his friends/opponents, his self-confidence as revealed by his bold decision to appoint almost all his former unfriendly political rivals to cabinet, including William Seward, Salmon Chase and others(he even appointed Chase Chief Justice after Taney's (who was responsible for making the Dred Scott Decision) death in 1865 after Chase's previous unsuccessful attempt to replace him as the presidential candidate for the 1864 election) , his refusal to submit to setbacks and difficulties, with malice towards none, with charity for all.....secured him the top position in the ratings of all presidents from George Washington to George W Bush. And don't forget his humble background-- he was born in obscurity and had gone bankrupt twice in his early life. He had been defeated for Senate and in other elections multiple times, and held a congressional seat for only one term, came to the White House Office in 1860 with less experience, prestige, and wealth than any other presidents in US history. That he could overcome all this insufficiency and do such a great job as saving the union and winning the civil war which cost more lives than any other wars in American history, against the odds, surely merits our recognition and his place in American history along with Washington, Roosevelt, and Reagan. Personally, I would rate him as #1 in the US presidential rankings, before #2 Washington, and #3 Franklin D Roosevelt, #4 Dwight D Eisenhower Ike (both best military commander in world history and one of the most respected president in American history---this is rare...remember how Grant was a brilliant general who saved the union from defeat in the Civil War, Taft was a brilliant judge, but they were both not as good being presidents). P.S. Would it be more fun if going more global in the ratings/comparisons, I mean, comparing US presidents with other historical giants, like British Prime Ministers or 20th century leaders and revolutionaries (Lenin, Stalin and Mao Zedong). How about compare Washington, Jefferson with Lenin, or compare Lincoln with Churchill and Stalin? Which one of them makes a more successful leaders? (or compare Napoleon and Hitler with Alexander the Great, compare Mao with Bismarck, or with Roosevelt? Would the good be able to outweigh the evil? Eisenhower+ John C. Marshall VS Mao + Deng (who are utterly evil), Roosevelt VS Hitler, Churchill VS Stalin, Lincoln VS Lenin, Washington VS Mao, Napoleon VS Pol Pot, Haha!!!

Lincoln, or Honest Abe/ Father Abraham, is surely the best and most outstanding American President from 1776-now. His persistence and determination to succeed, his resilience, his ability to overcome setbacks, his willingness to ignore and forget/forgive hostile criticism, ridicules and underestimation from his friends/opponents, his self-confidence as revealed by his bold decision to appoint almost all his former unfriendly political rivals to cabinet, including William Seward, Salmon Chase and others(he even appointed Chase Chief Justice after Taney's (who was responsible for making the Dred Scott Decision) death in 1865 after Chase's previous unsuccessful attempt to replace him as the presidential candidate for the 1864 election) , his refusal to submit to setbacks and difficulties, with malice towards none, with charity for all.....secured him the top position in the ratings of all presidents from George Washington to George W Bush. And don't forget his humble background-- he was born in obscurity and had gone bankrupt twice in his early life. He had been defeated for Senate and in other elections multiple times, and held a congressional seat for only one term, came to the White House Office in 1860 with less experience, prestige, and wealth than any other presidents in US history. That he could overcome all this insufficiency and do such a great job as saving the union and winning the civil war which cost more lives than any other wars in American history, against the odds, surely merits our recognition and his place in American history along with Washington, Roosevelt, and Reagan. Personally, I would rate him as #1 in the US presidential rankings, before #2 Washington, and #3 Franklin D Roosevelt, #4 Dwight D Eisenhower Ike (both best military commander in world history and one of the most respected president in American history---this is rare...remember how Grant was a brilliant general who saved the union from defeat in the Civil War, Taft was a brilliant judge, but they were both not as good being presidents). P.S. Would it be more fun if going more global in the ratings/comparisons, I mean, comparing US presidents with other historical giants, like British Prime Ministers or 20th century leaders and revolutionaries (Lenin, Stalin and Mao Zedong). How about compare Washington, Jefferson with Lenin, or compare Lincoln with Churchill and Stalin? Which one of them makes a more successful leaders? (or compare Napoleon and Hitler with Alexander the Great, compare Mao with Bismarck, or with Roosevelt? Would the good be able to outweigh the evil? Eisenhower+ John C. Marshall VS Mao + Deng (who are utterly evil), Roosevelt VS Hitler, Churchill VS Stalin, Lincoln VS Lenin, Washington VS Mao, Napoleon VS Pol Pot, Haha!!!

Who the hell gave Abe Lincoln a 1?

After the South left the Union and threw a tizzy fit because they couldn't get their way with regards to slavery (make no mistake, the South left because of slavery--the states's rights idea perpetuated by neo-Confederates is a myth), Lincoln did the right thing going to war to keep the Union together. Yes, he expanded the powers of the federal government but he had no choice. His detractors, many of whom favor small government, need to look at Lincoln in the context of the times. Lincoln did what needed to be done. He is second only to Washington in presidential greatness.

he was a great man should be everybodys idol he did many great deeds for this country

The freeing of the slaves, whatever his motivation, was a good thing. Not clear if fighting the civil war was a good idea. I sometimes wonder if it wouldnt have been better for all concerned to have let the south secede and become its own nation. Keeping it together certainly came at a staggering cost in terms of lives lost.

Possibly the best President and American of all time. If it wasn't for Abe, we might not be sitting here today.

How Abraham Lincoln should not be considered anything less than this nation's greatest President is beyond absurdity. Without this great man, there simply would be no United States today. It is true that Lincoln was a controversial figure in his day, exercising extraordinary powers during his Presidency. And Lincoln seemed largely ambivalent at the beginning of his administration to the issue of slavery. However, Lincoln quickly found his mission, as Commander-in-Chief, to preserve and protect his then-rapidly-dividing nation. And as he grew weary over the tragedy of the Civil War, Lincoln began to fully understand the magnitude of slavery and how it tore the United States apart. It is probably safe to say he became an abolitionist as the war exacted a heavier toll on the nation. Notwithstanding the Emancipation Proclamation (which today is considered by many historians to be the greatest political speech written), or his brilliance as the unquestioned leader of an administration full of extremely ambitious individuals, Lincoln proved himself to be the savior of the Union cause- and moreover his country. As such, Lincoln deserves his lofty perch as the greatest of all American Presidents. He honestly was, and to say he isn't is to deny the reality of it.

Abraham Lincoln was an amazing President, one of the best we've ever had.

Most important and greatest president. Violated the constitution many times, but it was required. Had he not been shot reconstruction would have gone much better- Lincoln's death was the worst thing that happened to the South after the war.

How can a President that died in 1865 be ranked number one and have 536 people comment?! Who today knows if this guy was a good President.

not only did he end slavery, but he was a republican

Thanks for freeing the slaves, Link.

Lincoln did the toughest job a president ever had to do, hold the Union together.

with the freeing of the slaves, he performed the single greatest civil rights advancement to date; He also refused to give any concessions to the Confederacy

Honest Abe is arguably our greatest president. Lincoln embodied everything American. Born into a poor family he was predominantly self-educated. He worked as a riverboat operator and was elected to a postmaster position. Later he served as a state legislature and member of the House of Representatives. As president the impact he had on the nation we see today is unparalleled. Beyond preserving the union- his first priority- he grew into the belief that our nation could not survive while preserving slavery as an institution in any state. By the commencement of his second term he was a fully evolved abolitionist who sought to free southern blacks from the atrocities of human bondage. His eloquence is unmatched by any president prior or since- the Gettysburg Address and his Second Inaugural Address are two of the greatest speeches ever given. Only through skilled statecraft and leadership was he able to attain victory in the most brutal war in our history while being roundly criticized and lampooned by the media and elitists of the time. The passage of the Homestead and Morril Acts gave every American the ability to purchase a portion of the American dream- no laws have ever assisted more individuals in gaining mobility up the economic ladder. Sadly only a few days after the end of the Civil War he was struck down by an assasin's bullet. I suggest David Herbert Donald's biography for anyone interested in learning more about Lincoln. Beyond all the historical info I was absolutely surprised by Lincoln's sense of humor and affable demeanor.

Abraham Lincoln has got to be the greatest American president. He lead this country in the most terrible war it had experienced. It took him a while but he managed to emancipate the slaves-first in the states that had left the union then all slaves. Who knows what he would have done had he not been assasinated. I think the country wouldn't have taken so long to end segregation and other oppressions the whites put on them after the war and into at least the 60's.

Lincoln had one and only goal; to keep the US together as a United Country. To that end he gave everything he had, including his life.

Great poise during a critical time in history. Knew he would have to sacrifice some personal beliefs and, most importantly, was willing to do so.

He was the first gay President!!!

Can't be any less than one of the top 3 presidents we have ever had. A master politician with a clear vision and sense of morality tinged with pragmatism.

He broke the law ...alot... but at least he took care of those dirty southern rats.

I know all you stupid southern people are probably gonna' talk about how horrible Lincoln was for destroying your part of the countries pride, in prejudice. Well guess what. Live with the fact the Lincoln was a great President who kept you guys from becoming your own country!

Did what needed to be done. Can't really be blamed for the unforseen consequences of gross abuses to Constitutional government that followed in the wake of the war.

Would have been a 5 star rating if he would have burned the entire south.

He kept the union together and was a man of great conviction. However, he did not fight the south for slavery issues primarily. He fought the south to keep the nation together. He realized that slavery was a hot issue and decreed the emancipation proclamation, in part, to appease the abolitionists of his day and to stop infighting that was going on in Congress and in many larger northern cities who favored the south leaving rather than dying four. History would have benefited, however from him serving two, maybe more, full terms. He was a great man. We need more like him.

As a Civil War veteran and someone who has dated abe's sister, i obviously have to give him.....4stars!!!

If ever there has lived a man with the weight of the world and all the odds against him ... If ever there was one man who by sheer will and determination kept a nation together ... If ever there is a less appreciated man for obeying and making the Constitution of the US a living and breathing document - then that man was Abraham Lincoln ... I have read volumes of books and biographies about President Lincoln, and at the end of the day in comparison to todays president (W) to your 16th president my conclusion: Lincoln makes me truly wish I were an American, George W makes me thank God each day that I am not!

The Great Emancipator -- the best president in history! (unless you're a backwater Southern redneck like CSACrusader down there!)

He destroyed the South. Need I say more?

He destroyed the South. Need I say more?

wooo

the main reason that he stayied in office was because of the fact that we were in the middle of a war. most people thought that he really wasnt that great of a president.

Are you kidding me? He was the first Fascist!

outsource bush! g'dam i love that bumper sticker

The second greatest president of all time, only behind FDR. When he went into office, 7 states had seceded from the Union. When he left office, the Union was once again a Union.

If you believe that Lincoln was a saint who led a crusade against slavery, then you are absolutely wrong and need to read some serious history and not base your knowledge on your high school textbook.

he wasn't the smartest man and I'm prety sure he had an agenda but he was behind a lot of great things in this country's history so he gets my vote