We arrive at Richard Nixon; easily one of the most controversial Presidents to sit inside the Oval Office. Whilst his IQ is not to be scoffed at, we see once more that intelligence does not necessarily mean a job well done in the White House. Among his antics are an attempt to assassinate a journalist by exposing him to copious amounts of LSD, as well as the infamous Watergate scandal, Nixon is certainly not one of the most intelligent figures to hold public office.
Following a break-in to the Watergate complex in Washington, it was found that the burglars were indeed linked to Nixon. Attempting to spy and sabotage on Nixon’s opponents, 69 government officials were charged, including many from Nixon’s most trusted people. Threatened with impeachment, perhaps the smartest decision Nixon made was to resign in 1974. Yet another embarrassing end to a politician with a “high” IQ. Seems there’s a trend emerging here.
18. James K. Polk (No. 11) - IQ 143.4
Tied with McKinley we see James K. Polk, one of the more effective Presidents of the pre-Civil-War time. Born in a log cabin, Polk was known as the ‘dark horse’ candidate. As President, Polk made real change, with developments in banking, territorial disputes as well as fiscal policy.
He maintained peace with the U.K, emerged victorious in the Mexican-American War and expanded U.S borders. His campaign promise to be a one-term president was kept, passing away just as he left the White House. It is said that the stress of the presidency left him in poor health. Looks like a high IQ doesn’t necessarily mean a high tolerance to stress. RIP Polk, we wouldn’t be here today without you.
19. Grover Cleveland (No. 22) - IQ 144
An interesting guy to say the least, we present Grover Cleveland. With an IQ of 144, he just falls short of our upper half of Presidential IQs. So interesting he was elected twice, Cleveland was not without controversy. Maybe there’s a correlation with intellect and getting into trouble? Let’s find out more.
Here’s a question; would you marry your daughter? No? Ah well, you do not stand with Mr.Cleveland. He seemed to have no problem with saying “I do” to his adopted 21-year-old daughter, whom he had known since she was a mere 11 years old. Consequently, she became the youngest first lady in history. Not quite spooked yet? Well, Cleveland, in his younger years, served as Sheriff of Erie County, New York. Before his Presidential stint, Cleveland opted to personally hang a criminal. “High” IQ; who wants in? Let’s move on… shall we?
21. Dwight Eisenhower (No. 34) - IQ 145.1
Dwight David “Ike” Eisenhower served as America’s 34th president. A five-star general and Supreme Commander of Armed Forces in Europe, Eisenhower is remembered as one of the most popular presidents in U.S History. With an IQ of 145.1, his list of achievements is extensive. We have a lot to thank him for; interstate highways, the creation of NASA, and swearing in five justices to the Supreme Court. They say that those with great intellect are also great creatives, and Eisenhower proves this theory; he took up painting seriously and created at least 250 artworks.
In 1967 a reporter questioned the inspiration behind his works, to which he replied, “they would’ve burned this sh*t a long time ago if I weren’t the President.” Hey, we didn’t say great intellect = great artwork. Aside from art, Eisenhower was a keen golfer. However, he faced a fair few, small, problems; the White House grounds’ resident squirrels. The critters repeatedly dug up the putting green for their acorns and walnuts, much to his frustration. He sounded the death knell for the mischievous fur balls, however the Secret Service quietly ordered the groundskeepers to trap and release the squirrels elsewhere. No need to get your golfing whites all mussed up Ike!
22. Benjamin Harrison (No. 23) - IQ 145.4
Technically smarter than Grover Cleveland by one IQ point comes Benjamin Harrison at 145.4. The 23rd President, he was nicknamed “Little Ben” due to his short stature. However, Harrison held his own, helping to shape U.S foreign policy. Despite an above-average IQ, he was just like you or I. In terms of stature? No, but in terms of strange phobias, yes! For Mr. Harrison, it was electricity which made him...well…a little jumpy.
The period in which he served gave way to developments in electrical conduction. He himself introduced electric lighting into the White House, however, he refused to flick on the lights due to a fear of being zapped! What a time to be alive eh?