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.
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.
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!
10. Gerald Ford (No. 38) - IQ 140.4
The 38th President of the United States, with a 140.4 IQ, is Mr. Gerald Ford. Following Nixon’s resignation after the disgrace of Watergate, Ford became the first unelected president in U.S history. Whilst his presidency is looked at with disinterest, Ford is credited with restoring the confidence of the people in the government following the Watergate era.
Aside from his commendable IQ, Ford was one of the most accomplished athletes to sit inside the Oval Office. Years of football and skiing kept him lithe and energetic, and coupled with his IQ, brings new light to the old adage of “all brawn and no brains.” Ford leads us now to question; Porque no los dos?