Who was the best president?
These days, being the president of America is a fiendishly difficult job. Which of them has done it better than all the rest? Four Economist writers and two guests give their answers
GEORGE WASHINGTON
1732-99; no party; 1st president, 1789-97
Emily Bobrow
Who was the best president? That we can even ask the question is thanks to George Washington (1st president, 1789–97)who shaped the role with his own battle-hewn hands. Elected unanimously, he assumed the job reluctantly and batted away efforts to make him a king. His humility ensured the institution was built to last.
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