[Tasaio]

It should be noted, that those presidents considered "the greatest" today, were not always so popular in their time.

Abraham Lincoln was widely opposed by copperheads (anti-war activists).

JFK is labelled "disappointing" by many scholars, but is revered by the public.

Nixon was widely praised prior to Watergate, and one scholar said of him: "..so brilliant, but so morally lacking". Another commented that Nixon would get "full marks in history".

Reagan did not have the highest approval ratings in his time, but today is considered by the public and scholars alike to be one of the best. (Personally, I very strongly disagree.)

There are others, but let us now consider the current presidency of George W. Bush. He started off reviled by many on the left--for obvious reasons. After September 11, his approval rating shot to 90%--the higest in the history of polling.

After that, it steadily declined until it reached its current levels: low 30s to high 20s.

Suffice to say, he has become an unpopular president. But as I mentioned, this doesn't always mean that scholars will agree.

My question is, how do you think George W. Bush should be judged, honestly, by history?

If you think he has done a good job, despite his unpopularity, then feel free to do so. Don't be afraid to be honest.

And if you think he's been terrible, then likewise, please be honest.