After a baptism by fire entrance into the public eye, Johnson, former vice president under Abraham Lincoln, moved into the White House. While Johnson supported the Union, he was not so supportive of giving freed slaves the right to vote, nor any Reconstruction efforts for that matter. He was the first President to be impeached after his permission to implement “black codes”, which essentially oppressed newly freed slaves. He purposely vetoed legislation which was designed to protect these people.
For someone with an IQ which is still relatively high, his thinking was still extremely backward and racist. Whilst the House made Johnson sweat a little following a long trial, they were unsuccessful in removing him from office. His time in office lasted from 1865-1869, which spelt disillusionment and dissatisfaction for the people. Fortunately, following his term in office, the American people had the sense to elect smarter men to create a better future for all.
3. Warren G. Harding (No. 29) - IQ 139.9
As we segue from the 130s to the 140s, we finish on a household name. Warren Harding died one of the most popular presidents in history, after a fatal heart attack cut his time short. Posthumously, scandals such as ‘The Teapot Dome’ however, damaged his glowing reputation. The scandal gave private oil companies lucrative rights to extract oil and gas from federal land in Wyoming, organised by Harding’s interior secretary Albert Fall. Money was funnelled through the White House and yep, you can guess who enjoyed the spoils. For this, he is now considered one of the most unintelligent men to have held power.
During his time in office, Harding watched over a White House riddled with drama and controversy, though, none of it was ever traced back to him. Harding believed in an America where the economy was king, and the rich became richer. Whilst he boosted the economy and reduced public debt, his legacy was not solid enough to weather the Teapot Dome Scandal as well as the other goings-on in the Oval office. Thank u, next.
4. George W. Bush (No. 43) - IQ 138.5
It seems that the “dumbest President ever” label has been stolen by Mr Trump, so while he isn’t the best thing to happen to the U.S, he certainly is a blessing in disguise for Mr Bush. Over the years, Bush earned a reputation for being one of the worst Presidents ever, what with his lack lustre public speaking skills. Though, he was quite the wordsmith, inventing words and fabricating sayings which, when one stopped to ponder, didn’t make any sense at all.
During high school, he may not have had outstanding grades, but he was wonderful at socializing, including a stint as head cheerleader. Maybe you don’t want to think about George W Bush with pom-poms, but we’re sure you’ve already got a mental image. Cannot. Be. Unseen. Remember folks, we’re only just getting started here; so things can only get better, right? Right??
6. Zachary Taylor (No. 12) - IQ 139.8
Cherries are a wonderful source of Vitamin C, but sometimes there is such a phenomenon as having too much of a good thing. Taylor’s term in office was cut to 16 months, after gorging himself on the little red fruits during 4th of July celebrations in 1850.
Whilst his gluttony was the reason for his end, he held the sobriquet of “old rough and ready” for his heroism in the Mexican-American War. Seems that neither his intellect, nor his war acts could save him from the seemingly innocent red fruit.
7. James Buchanan (No. 15) - IQ 139.6
A proslavery politician who thought the Dred Scott decision would solve all the nation’s issues, comes in James Buchanan with an IQ of 139.6. His IQ did not aid him during his term, as he lacked the foresight and understanding necessary to close the rift over slavery. His support of Dred Scott delighted the Southerners, yet infuriated the Northerners, leading to a snowball effect whereby he alienated members of his own party.
Things spiralled downward, and we’re thinking that if a more insightful President had been elected, the nation may not have imploded. The 15th President is known for essentially ushering in the Civil War, before handing over the nation in crisis to Lincoln. Buchanan was just as unlucky in love as he was in politics, remaining the only lifelong bachelor to serve as President. Perhaps his intellect wasn’t the only thing he was lacking in.