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.
5. Andrew Johnson (No. 17) - IQ 138.9
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.
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.
8. Andrew Jackson (No. 7) - IQ 145
Smack bang in the middle of our list is Andrew Jackson, with an IQ of 145. His belief in the “common man” to “arrive at the right decision” was equal to his love for duelling, taking part in over 100 duels. As the old adage goes “if it doesn’t kill you, it makes you stronger”, and this certainly rings true for Jackson, who even suffered an injury of a shot to the chest.
Jackson also spent his IQ points on teaching his pet parrot Polly to swear; he invested so much of his time in this exercise that the bird had to be removed from Jackson’s own funeral for its potty mouth. We’re thinking twice about asking Polly if she wants a cracker.
9. William Howard Taft (No. 27) - IQ 139.5
With an IQ in the high 130s, we introduce the 27th President of the United States, William Howard Taft. Not only was this man the President, he was also the 10th Chief Justice, and remains the only individual to have held both offices. Upon reflection, the White House acknowledged he was a poor politician, spending an uncomfortable four-year term in the famed White House. It seems that this great man was not only great of mind, but great of size; he had a custom-made bathtub which could accommodate four average-sized people.
But even with such a brain, it seemed that Taft just wasn’t cut out for Presidential duties, documented as writing “I don’t remember that I ever was President.” Looks like the average American wasn’t the only one dissatisfied with their job!