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?
20. Richard Nixon (No. 37) - IQ 142.9
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.
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!
23. George Washington (No. 1) - IQ 140
Ringing in the 140s is George Washington, the very first President of the United States. One of the Founding Fathers, Washington left behind an outstanding legacy for America and the free world. His military accomplishments aside, as well as his skill in dancing up a storm, Washington also operated one of the largest distilleries in America at the time.
After his term as President, Washington was not contented with pottering around his mansion at Mount Vernon, so he decided to try his hand in liquor. At its peak, the business produced 11, 000 gallons of un-aged whiskey. Sorry doc, did you say alcohol kills all your brain cells?
24. Martin Van Buren (No. 8) - IQ 146
The 8th President of the United States, Van Buren is best known for being a founder of the Democratic Party. With an IQ of 146, his policies could have been extraordinary. However, they weren’t; his lack of popularity led to his failure of securing a second term in office.
Nicknamed “Martin Van Ruin”, he was succeeded by William Henry Harrison…and we’ll soon find out that didn’t end well either. The early Presidents may have had intellect well above that of the commonfolk, yet they were largely uninspiring during their terms in office.