American Presidents deal with dozens, if not, hundreds of issues while in office, and they have ups and downs, highs and lows, unavoidably.
But, ultimately, they are remembered for one action in office that either puts them in the great, successful category, or in the disastrous, unsuccessful category, and they may be praised or bitterly criticized for others, but they will always be remembered for one specific policy or event, which has the greatest effect on their legacy.
So when we look at Presidents since FDR, what stands out as their primary legacy?
Franklin D. Roosevelt–his New Deal programs that saved millions of Americans, and gave them hope for the future.
Harry S Truman–his courage in his dealings with the Soviet Union through the Cold War policies.
Dwight D. Eisenhower–the steadfastness of his Civil Rights policies, enforcing court orders and promoting the end of racial segregation.
John F. Kennedy–his forthrightness in dealing with the greatest threat in world history, the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Lyndon B. Johnson–his Great Society programs that advanced civil rights, education, health care, and a war on poverty.
Richard M. Nixon–his paranoia and illegal activities, leading to Watergate and his resignation.
Gerald R. Ford–his appointment of Justice John Paul Stevens, who became a giant on the Supreme Court for 35 years.
Jimmy Carter–his promotion of the Egyptian-Israeli Peace Treaty, the Camp David Accords, which have brought peace for 35 years.
Ronald Reagan–his tripling of the national debt through excessive military spending and massive tax cuts to the wealthy.
George H. W. Bush–his exceptional conduct of the crisis of the Persian Gulf War.
Bill Clinton–his promotion of the Northern Ireland peace agreement, between Anglicans and Catholics, and with Great Britain.
George W. Bush–the prosecution of the Iraq War, a war that was based on falsehoods, undermining the Middle East and emboldening Iran.
Barack Obama–the promotion of the Affordable Care Act, giving millions of Americans their first time coverage for health care.