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We cannot tell a lie: When people talk about the nation's leaders that they'd love to kick back and drink a beer with, none that have assumed the role of El Jefe over the years come to mind more quickly than a certain ten. Sure, some of them might've struggled with their own demons in the past (some of which had names, and internships at the White House), but they also did awesome things for the country, whether inspiring hope in dark times or, you know, founding it. Today, we raise our glass to these men (especially since many of us are fortunate enough not to be at work because of them). In honor of Presidents Day, check out our list of the 10 Coolest Presidents.
Written by Lauren Otis (@LaurNado)
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Ronald Reagan
10. Ronald Reagan
Could this actor-turned-ruler have paved the way for the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Mila Kunis to assume the slightly more complex role of commander-in-chief? It's entertaining to think about. In addition to helping bring down inflation, you can also find the institutor of "Reaganomics" dominating the big screen in flicks like Bedtime for Bonzo, Cowboy from Brooklyn, and Knute Rockne, All American, which further popularized the slogan, "Win one for the Gipper."
George Washington
9. George Washington
The very first president of the United States didn't just lead us to victory over the British in the Revolutionary War—he also had one of the first famous grills on record. Though the Father of our Country was believed to rock a set of wooden teeth, after conducting a series of scans on Washington's original dentures, researchers recently discovered that they actually consisted of ivory and gold. Niiiiice.
Woodrow Wilson
8. Woodrow Wilson
Going from professor to president isn't an impossibility: That's exactly what the nation's 28th commander-in-chief did, prior to putting into effect the Federal Reserve Act, The Clayton Antitrust Act, and proposing the idea for the League of Nations to help promote peace (additionally helping him become one of four presidents to score the coveted Nobel Peace Prize). Disgruntled teachers, let Woodrow Wilson's tale serve as lesson to you.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
7. Franklin D. Roosevelt
In addition to looking out for the poor, bringing work relief to the unemployed, and helping the country begin its climb out of the Depression, easily one of its most grim points in history, the 32nd U.S. president kept his promise to voters get Prohibition repealed. Now that's a move worth toasting!
Thomas Jefferson
6. Thomas Jefferson
We co-sign when it comes to the Founding Father's literal co-signage—or more specifically, principal authorship—of the Declaration of Independence, proclaiming the U.S. free and independent of the British crown, and further asserting that all men are created equal with undeniable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness (as well as a much-appreciated day off for boozing, barbecuing, and watching fireworks).
John F. Kennedy
5. John F. Kennedy
Inspiring of hope in millions? Check. Military hero? Check. Hot wife? Check. Dirty dalliances with sex bomb Marilyn Monroe? (All signs point to "Check.") Part president, part celebrity, JFK was the youngest leader (and first Catholic) ever to win office by election.
He was also encouraging of space exploration, providing service to underdeveloped nations and facilitating peace through the establishment of the Peace Corps, and getting whiny U.S. residents off their asses by famously stating, "Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country."
Bill Clinton
4. Bill Clinton
When it comes to sticky icky, President Clinton might've famously claimed never to have inhaled, but more recent rumors stemming from the release of Christopher Hitchens' memoir Hitch-22 suggest that he had no need—he was apparently getting his buzz from pot brownies, according to a mutual ladyfriend. Not that we'd ever hate on him for that.
While his love of partying, sometimes with the wrong people, may have gotten him into a bit of trouble (or impeached), he earned one of the highest end-of-office approval ratings of any president since World War II. And he also plays a mean sax.
Abraham Lincoln
3. Abraham Lincoln
"Don't talk about it, be about it" is a phrase that couldn't be better showcased than by an exemplary leader like Abe Lincoln. The guy ended slavery. What have you done lately?
And he was assassinated in a theater (Ford's), so you know he had culture.
Teddy Roosevelt
2. Teddy Roosevelt
In the event reports of the dude owning a pet lion aren't enough to convince you of the 26th president's badassery, the original Rough Rider was shot while campaigning in Milwaukee. Did that stop him from going on with his speech? Nope. With a bullet lodged in his chest and blood seeping through his clothes, Teddy Roosevelt carried right on as planned, kicking off with, "I don't know whether you fully understand that I have just been shot; but it takes more than that to kill a Bull Moose."
What's that you were saying about your weak-ass cold?
Barack Obama
1. Barack Obama
In addition to making history as the nation's first African American president, signing off on the repeal bringing the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy to an end, sanctioning the military operation that brought down Osama bin Laden, admitting to inhaling repeatedly, and having serious hoops game, our current leader has proved that he's proved that he's got some pipes on him, as well, unleashing his own smooth cover of Al Green's "Let's Stay Together" at the Apollo earlier this year.