It's not a spam thread, guys. That's where it went.
Best presidents? Tough call, since I think the whole idea of having any leader, at any level, who craves the job, means that the person who (usually) gets it is gutter filth. That aside, here are a few I think deserve some regard:
George Washington: He twice refused to accept lifelong power, and once, an elavation to royalty. He also protested regularly to Congress, demanding respect for each other and dignity in office. Okay, it didn't work, and Bush is trying for the royalty angle, but hey, George gave it his best.
Andrew Johnson: The fall guy after the Civil War. The man who succeeded Lincoln. He immediately fell afoul of the Republican Abolitionist group in Congress, and was perceived as "soft" on slavery. In fact, he wasn't soft on slavery, but tried to achieve reconciliation between the states based on a plan that would satisfy the South as well as the North--and was doomed to failure from the start. Despite this, and the genuine hatred many in Congress felt for him, Johnson did his best to pursue his goals with honor.
Chester Allen Arthur: Chosen as vice president for James Garfield, who was shot by a disappointed office seeker and died in office. Arthur knew he stood a zero chance of getting the Republican nomination the next go-around, so he conducted his remaining term with an exemplary lack of party bias that sent the GOP howling mad.
Harry Truman: Man of many faults, but also hardworking, straightforward, responsible, and absolutely honest. Many of his personal policies never were translated into presidential actions, because he was too far ahead of the curve on such matters as racial equality and a social safety net.
Jimmy Carter: Like many governors, Carter came into office with little understanding how they do things "inside the Beltway," and he ended up seeming more than a little naive next to the slickers that ran Congress. Still, he stacks up as probably the most ethical man to occupy the White House in the 20th century. His decisions were almost always governed by what he thought were best in terms of others, rather than attempting to sell himself through constant polls. Though he received the Nobel Peace Prize a few years ago for his work in achieving world peace since leaving office, it really only acknowledges the personal qualities of the man.