The results don't surprise me. Perception is shaped by symbolism. Communism was the longest-running evil of the 20th century, and Reagan presided over its demise. In addition, no matter who was responsible, his administration turned around a dreadful economy riddled with double-digit inflation. Finally, although Reagan's subordinates got into some scandals and controversies, Ron managed to stay above it all and emerge unsullied and Presidential. Plus, he's just kind of a likeable guy, more like your uncle than your President. OK, he wasn't the brightest guy in the world, or the most sophisticated, but what the hell does that have to do with being a good president, or being perceived as one?

You will be surprised to read this. For all the grief I have given Clinton over the years, I agree with his high placement on the list. He ignored the Democratic agenda and ran a pragmatic ship. The biggest concerns at the beginning of his administration were rampant crime, the size of government, and the degeneration of education. By any objective standards, America has done well on his watch on all three. The crime rate has reversed after years of explosive growth. Clinton's administration has had the best budget control of any president since Hoover. Declining SAT scores have finally started to show some signs of recovery, and 1997's scores were the highest since 1971. The two issues that are always important are peace and prosperity. The economy has stayed prosperous, he's been friendly to business, and he's managed to keep America's children and dollars out of any debilitating major foreign entanglements. I know he's a lyin' horndog, and his wife is one of those people who think they know better than you how you should live your life. I don't like them very much at all. But you know what? Bubba did OK.

Truman should not have placed so well, but my comment is only based on a technicality. It is reasonable to argue that Truman was a great President in the first half of the 20th century, but that wasn't the question. His major accomplishments were from 1945-1949, which was the first half of the century. This poll was about the second half. In the second half, his administration was pretty much of a disaster. He did nothing important except : he fired MacArthur, which he should have, but he failed to heed MacArthur's sound military advice about never committing US ground forces to an Asian land war, and ordered direct US engagement in the Korean War. Harry was completely justified in firing the arrogant and insubordinate MacArthur, but Truman's commitment of US ground forces to an Asian war, thus beginning 25 years of same, was probably one of the five worst single national policy decisions since Napoleon invaded Russia.

In 1952, he ordered the federal seizure of the steel mills in order to avert an impending strike. Although the Supreme Court quickly and correctly overruled him, it was possibly the most blatant example of a genuine impeachable offense in the history of the US Presidency. The only contender I can think of would be Andy Jackson's relocation of the Indians, the so-called "trail of tears". And the trail of tears was more of a moral crime, rather than a specific violation of the law or constitution. Truman's wholesale seizure of private property was clearly illegal and unconstitutional, and he knew it full well, but he did it anyway because he thought it was necessary. As always, though, you had to admire his cojones and his willingness to do what he thought was the right thing, irrespective of the Congress, the press, and the polls.

Senator McCarthy's hearings began, and Truman stands condemned today for what he did NOT say. He owed the nation a thundering repudiation of McCarthyism, and he was surprisingly subdued on the subject.

"Is Playboy Model Laurie Wallace the same person as Katie Kean, porn star and ALS model?? Here are some pictures so you folks can decide. Sorry, but I can't send any Playboy pics for comparison (Scoopy's rules)." Frodo wanted everyone to know that I, not he, abbreviated San Francisco to Frisco in his previous post.

Katie Keane (1, 2, 3, 4) Laurie Wallace (1, 2, 3, 4)

Members Bonuses

I'll talk about this in about a week or so, when I do my version.

Juliette Binoche (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12) Lena Olin (#1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14, #15, #16, #17, #18, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23, #24, #25, #26, #27, #28) Consuela de Haviland (#1, #2, #3) Miscellaneous (Pascale Kalensky, Swimmers, Swimmers, Swimmers, Upskirt)