Buchanan was, easily, the most governmentally experienced presidential candidate in the first 80 years of the republic. Buchanan was, easily, the most governmentally experienced presidential candidate in the first 80 years of the republic — and perhaps even through the present day. Yet as president, Buchanan chose the wrong path at every fork in the road. Three men always top historians’ list as the best presidents: George Washington, Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt. Like Buchanan, those at the bottom of presidential success lists had long elective careers: Richard Nixon was a congressman, senator and vice president.

Source: Los Angeles Times September 12, 2016 12:00 UTC