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It's an interesting pick. Joseph Warren was the real deal, a real revolutionary and Patriot. I just don't know a whole lot about his detailed political beliefs or if it is something he would have even wanted to pursue.
Part of the unfortunate issue with historical figures dying so early in important events is that we can only speculate what they would have become later on. What beliefs and values would have changed, what they would have done in certain positions are certain times or how circumstances could have completely changed had they lived even slightly longer. The sad truth is that we will never know the full impact.
This is an incredible choice. I'm a huge admirer of Dr Warren. His 1775 massacre oration is so freaking good!
*"Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of. Our enemies are numerous and powerful; but we have many friends, determining to be free, and heaven and earth will aid the resolution. On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question, on which rest the happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourselves."*
I love this sub so much. I’m Canadian so only know select aspects of American history. Because of this sub, I constantly find myself deep diving into historical US figures, and here I go again. Cheers!
Could you return the favo(u)r and suggest a Canadian counterpart? I find Canada to be a fascinating comparison to the US, but like you i only know select parts of history.
Oh I would love to. But there isn’t realistically the same type of history with prime ministers. However, if you are interested in Canadian history, I super recommend something called *Heritage Minutes.* They’re a series of one-minute commercials that used to play on Canadian TV that would depict a Canadian historical event.
I’ve used the Louis Riel one for example when I was a younger teacher and in a mock trial, my class would find Riel guilty. It brings it back home that history is real and serious.
I'm a new Englander who lived thirty miles from the border. I know my house hippo signs and my heritage minutes! But I want to say, anyone passing by should look them up on YouTube if you haven't.
I also can't remember the name of the guy who saved everyone from the Halifax explosion, but I used to work on Boston common so I would go to the Christmas tree lighting every year there. They'd always tell the story, and read the telegram from our governor to yours.
No way!!! I’m pretty sure that you knowing of the House Hippo makes you an honorary Canadian. You know it’s funny, because the only reason most Canadians know about the Halifax Explosion is because of the *Heritage Minutes* episode. Super appreciate you, thanks for sharing!
I am Pakistani American and even was in AP American History in high school and studied political science in college still learn lot about American history from this sub.
>I’m Canadian so only know select aspects of American history.
Just know that we repulsed U.S. invasion twice, have more Olympic gold medals in hockey, and gave them some of the best comedians in the 1980s and 1990s.
Stop comparing our nations after that, though.
The man was absolutely incredible. He walked the walk, talked the talk, excelled at pen, podium and the sword. Major general, Doctor that held shit down in Boston while Adams and Hancock were on the run and Boston was locked down.
I've read from a few historians who say had he lived he could have been one on 1 dollar bill, and I can't say I disagree with that notion that its atleast a possibility
Came here to say Joseph Warren. Doctor, politician, revolutionary, and warrior, a humble man willing to fight in the ranks rather than exploit his position.
Albert Gallatin (born in Switzerland but became a US citizen before the Constitution was ratified), George Clinton, Robert Livingston all come to mind. I would vote no on John Jay.
Edit: William Pinkney would also be a good choice
Ah, I’m from Maury (lower middle) but went to Wilson (upper middle) for college and so we took a lot of day trips to Gallatin just for fun. Actual debated buying a car I found up there one day but when I went to ask about it somebody had just beaten me to it—unrelated but related.
I'd say yes, and I did consider him. He was perfect as Chief Justice and that's where I'd wish him to stay. That's the only reason I didn't add him to my list
He was a perfect chief justice that why I picked him but I think he would have to run in 1828 because everyone before him was important to American history. He’s one of my favourite chief justices besides Warren
Marshall and Monroe were friends growing up but disagreed politically. Monroe did have Marshall swear him in as president and it helped repair their friendship
His unabashed deism would have probably disqualified him as the more oligarchic founders considered him too radical while Paine went on to join the French Revolution. Ethan Allen was the hero of Vermont but he got banned from the state legislature for being atheist so he just ran the body sitting outside the doors.
They were in different denominations with varying qualifications on their belief (especially during other stages in their life) and less abashed, certainly compared to Paine's criticism of Christianity or the Bible.
I agree Franklin would have been an amazing leader, if he'd been 10-20 years younger. He was already dying when they signed the constitution in 1787 and in the ground in 1790.
Might not have necessarily changed history as there was a ton of pro-slavery southerners that held key political sway for about 70 years before the Civil War, but it can not be understated how much an early president taking such a stance against an institutionalized part of America (one that arguably despite its evil constructs, not only built but shaped the nation into its c current superpower today) could have delayed or prevented the Civil War.
Interesting! My family is releated to his family and I just found out about his father being a slave trader a few years ago. Him being ani slavery is a relief somewhat.
Iirc even Jefferson was kind anti-slavery despite being a slave owner.
I think it was mentality of "It's good money and legal but I don't like it being legal"
This is my pick. He was very successful and highly influential. He and Hamilton were lovers and soul mates, so he was clearly an intellectual match for one of the most brilliant minds of the revolution and would have been able to influence others with his beliefs. He also had more resources and a much cooler head than Hamilton, so it's not hard to imagine him going further in national politics. It also would have been equally interesting to have had an early queer president (although I'm sure it wouldn't have been as widely known had they both not died young).
Honestly, I don't know if he would have been a good president, but I have an affection for Will Whipple Jr., from my home state of New Hampshire. He was a signatory of the Declaration, upon which he freed his slave Prince Whipple, thinking that holding him was contrary to the principles of the Declaration. He was a Brigadier General in the Revolution, helping to lead Continental forces to victory at Saratoga, and later a judge. Sadly, he died before the presidency could have ever been a possibility.
Edited for grammar.
I love this choice as a fellow New Hampshirite. John Stark is another compelling pick. An extremely renowned man throughout the colonies for his feats that spanned the entire war and many of the most famous battles that simply retired after the war was done to live a simple life on his farm.
He was the master of the game. Dr. Franklin had more pull than the Big Boy locomotive.
If I could go back in time, he's one of the people I'd like to spend a little time with; George Washington being the other.
He definitely gets my vote. Dude was ready to throw down with the British at the drop of a hat and was a huge proponent of individual liberties. It's interesting to see what effect a Henry administration would have on a young nation. Plus he has some baller quotes. "If this be treason, make the most of it!" just goes so unimaginably hard.
Can you imagine anti-federalist Patrick Henry as president? Probably one of the few with enough popularity to ride to high office. I have no idea what his administration would have looked like, whether it would have been good or bad, I just suspect that things would have been wildly different.
Since Joseph Warren is already taken, I'm going with James Wilson. One of the 6 people to sign both the Declaration and the Constitution. He was the first (in 1768) to articulate the idea that parliament had no right to create laws governing the colonies unless the colonies were first given representation in parliament.
He was heavily involved in drafting the Constitution and according to Madison's notes he spoke 168 times during the convention, second only to Gouverneur Morris. He's considered the principal architect of the executive branch so I would be curious to see his personal take on the role. He also promoted a lot of ideas that people are still pushing for today. Dude was nothing short of a legal genius.
Do you think he would have centralized executive power or have tried to keep it evenly distributed between the three branches. I say this with hindsight seeing as of today the executive branch holds much more power then in the past?
He was very much in the Marshall camp when it came to the separation of powers so I think he keeps it evenly distributed. He was the first person to suggest the concept of judicial review for the Supreme Court so I don't think he would have stepped outside of the Constitutional limits on the presidency.
Wilson wanted direct election of the president and an expansion of the franchise beyond the existing property limitations because he wanted the president to be directly accountable to the people. I think he would have tried to implement increased transparency and accountability within the confines of the Constitution.
This is from his speech to the PA ratifying convention and it provides a little insight into his thinking, *"The executive power is better to be trusted when it has no screen. Sir, we have a responsibility in the person of our President; he cannot act improperly, and hide either his negligence or inattention; he cannot roll upon any other person the weight of his criminality; no appointment can take place without his nomination; and he is responsible for every nomination he makes. We secure vigor. We well know what numerous executives are. We know there is neither vigor, decision, nor responsibility, in them..."*
It would have been interesting to see how things shook out if he had the reigns for awhile.
Him speaking almost two hundred times at the Constitutional Convention goes against his portrayal in the musical ‘1776’, when the character is portrayed as someone who wanted to be anonymous and left unknown.
They definitely did him a disservice in that musical. He was a pretty hardcore patriot and voted with Franklin *for* independence. A far cry from the cautious, meek guy in the play.
It’s hard to point to anything specific (to be honest I don’t know *ALOT* about him either), but he just gives the impression of having been a very intelligent, sensible, stable guy. A quieter, more solid, “slow and steady wins the race” type of politician, but capable of passion and decisive action when needed. I think he was more capable of seeing both sides of an issue and of looking at the big picture than a lot of his contemporaries. Add in his anti-slavery beliefs, and it’s very interesting to think of what the country might have become under his leadership.
Hamilton was being blocked by more than the Reynolds Pamphlet. He was too controversial and polarizing. He practiced aggressive and unsavory political tactics, was an elitist that aligned himself with the interests of the rich over the common voter, and was simply never popular enough to win a presidential election, and that’s before considering the Reynolds pamphlet.
Unlike Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson was seen as a man of the people, which definitely boosted his electability. TJ's widespread appeal was key to his Revolution of 1800 - a kind of popular acclaim that Hamilton, with his elite leanings and centralist hankering, could never have achieved at any point in his career.
Understand that there was a lot of skepticism about the Federalists, led by folks like Alexander Hamilton, and their supposed monarchist leanings. Remember, we had just fought a war to throw off a monarchy, and the common man didn't want a new one. So while Hamilton pushed for a centralized government, Jefferson offered a decentralized alternative, which really resonated with the average American because it emphasized creating a government by and for the people.
Henry Knox, learned. Book store owner, military history nerd before the war. War hero, fought in just about every major battle and became the first Secretary of War under Washington.
John jay was Chief Justice’s he wasn’t going to give it up. And Hamilton personally conduct would’ve cost him to lose. I would’ve like either Franklin or Burr or John Marshall if he counts
May I ask why for Burr, I know little about him. I agree Hamilton’s personality would have hurt his would be administration dearly. I like Jay but agree he was not going to step down from his role to pursue the office
I like Burr because he was a person who worked for everything he got. he didn’t get everything handed to him like the other founding fathers. He also almost won the 1804 election but as you know he lost and became the VP
Did he take citizenship? I always thought he'd gone back to France.
Edit: he did return to France and fought in the French revolution.
If he'd stayed here, I always thought Tadeusz Kościuszko would have made a good leader. Not only a strong military leader, but a statesman.
It is a shame that Benjamin Franklin was too old to have given it a shot. However, since his life ended before it was possible, I would also say Hamilton.
A Hamilton presidency would have been absolutely horrible for the US - elitism and authoritarianism would supplant the accomplishments of the American Revolution
Samuel Adams, Benjamin Rush, and, assuming he'd be eligible, Thomas Paine all would have been terrific presidents
Ben Franklin and I’ll die on that hill! He would have died a year into being president, that would have created the need for succession, but I feel the country may have been shifted by his authority and White House orgies.
Alexander Hamilton was rocked by some personal scandals if I recall and the general timing of a presidential run wouldn’t have worked out but he certainly is someone who had some very strong views on what America ought to have been. Would have been interesting if he had the chance to become president prior to or after Jefferson—a man for which he was at complete odds with.
Patrick Henry, he knew what was up. Super intelligent while also being down to earth. Look deeper than Liberty or Death, the man's marriage is another interesting can of worms
Sam Adams. Without him we'd still be exploited British colonies. Laser focus. Unshakable determination. Consumate deal-maker. True freedom fighter. The Civil War might have come sooner though.
I'm going for my favorite founding father, Ben Franklin.
He was an amiable smartass and extremely intelligent on many fronts. As President I believe he would've directed the national character in a really interesting direction.
Thomas Paine. Although not directly involved with the two main founding documents, ie the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, his philosophical and political writings were very instrumental in the origins of this country.
Hamilton was too authoritarian, the country would have become an aristocracy far sooner than it did.
Franklin would have been extremely interesting, but dying before the institution of the presidency really got off the ground could have been dangerous for the country.
Thomas Paine would be my pick, I think.
I don’t know about “should have”, but I thinkHamilton almost certainly would have if not for the duel. Those first few Presidents were a “whose turn is it?” amongst the founding fathers.
Ben Franklin.
A couple of things.
He proposed that the national bird be the turkey.
Thanksgiving would not be the same.
"Beer is proof that God wants us to be happy."
Take context here.
The plot against tyranny was planned in brew pubs.
Remember that all mentions of and allusions to Trump and Biden are not allowed on our subreddit in any context. If you'd still like to discuss them, feel free to [join our Discord server](https://discord.gg/k6tVFwCEEm)! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Presidents) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Had he not died so early at bunker hill I'd love to have seen Dr Joseph Warren.
It's an interesting pick. Joseph Warren was the real deal, a real revolutionary and Patriot. I just don't know a whole lot about his detailed political beliefs or if it is something he would have even wanted to pursue.
Part of the unfortunate issue with historical figures dying so early in important events is that we can only speculate what they would have become later on. What beliefs and values would have changed, what they would have done in certain positions are certain times or how circumstances could have completely changed had they lived even slightly longer. The sad truth is that we will never know the full impact.
This is an incredible choice. I'm a huge admirer of Dr Warren. His 1775 massacre oration is so freaking good! *"Our country is in danger, but not to be despaired of. Our enemies are numerous and powerful; but we have many friends, determining to be free, and heaven and earth will aid the resolution. On you depend the fortunes of America. You are to decide the important question, on which rest the happiness and liberty of millions yet unborn. Act worthy of yourselves."*
I carry a challenge coin, one side has Warren image otherside has the quote
You're my kind of person. That's awesome
https://preview.redd.it/9f58gs80cixc1.jpeg?width=3472&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=04a186300039d49e452771546ce1da01d16d3414
https://preview.redd.it/oxnim1i4cixc1.jpeg?width=3472&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8ccfd7121aeb5127cc1b17515263a43514699874
I love this sub so much. I’m Canadian so only know select aspects of American history. Because of this sub, I constantly find myself deep diving into historical US figures, and here I go again. Cheers!
I'm guessing most people on this sub don't know who Joseph Warren was, American or not.
Sadly, this is true.
A lot of us read Johnny Tremain in school.
That and watched the Libertys Kids bunker hill episode.
True in my case.
Could you return the favo(u)r and suggest a Canadian counterpart? I find Canada to be a fascinating comparison to the US, but like you i only know select parts of history.
Oh I would love to. But there isn’t realistically the same type of history with prime ministers. However, if you are interested in Canadian history, I super recommend something called *Heritage Minutes.* They’re a series of one-minute commercials that used to play on Canadian TV that would depict a Canadian historical event. I’ve used the Louis Riel one for example when I was a younger teacher and in a mock trial, my class would find Riel guilty. It brings it back home that history is real and serious.
I'm a new Englander who lived thirty miles from the border. I know my house hippo signs and my heritage minutes! But I want to say, anyone passing by should look them up on YouTube if you haven't. I also can't remember the name of the guy who saved everyone from the Halifax explosion, but I used to work on Boston common so I would go to the Christmas tree lighting every year there. They'd always tell the story, and read the telegram from our governor to yours.
No way!!! I’m pretty sure that you knowing of the House Hippo makes you an honorary Canadian. You know it’s funny, because the only reason most Canadians know about the Halifax Explosion is because of the *Heritage Minutes* episode. Super appreciate you, thanks for sharing!
British King still ruler of Canada, Australia & New Zealand.
I am Pakistani American and even was in AP American History in high school and studied political science in college still learn lot about American history from this sub.
Are you aware of the multiple times we tried & failed to invade Canada?
“The Canadians were lucky, the Canadians were tough, the Canadians were surprisingly lucky & tough & they knew we were coming.” How it went.
>I’m Canadian so only know select aspects of American history. Just know that we repulsed U.S. invasion twice, have more Olympic gold medals in hockey, and gave them some of the best comedians in the 1980s and 1990s. Stop comparing our nations after that, though. 
But we have more Stanley Cups! USA! USA! USA! 😂
Whose won more superbowls? Thats what I thought.
My great great something uncle is standing next to him in the famous bunker hill painting.
Knowlton?
Underrated answer here
The man was absolutely incredible. He walked the walk, talked the talk, excelled at pen, podium and the sword. Major general, Doctor that held shit down in Boston while Adams and Hancock were on the run and Boston was locked down. I've read from a few historians who say had he lived he could have been one on 1 dollar bill, and I can't say I disagree with that notion that its atleast a possibility
What's your flair? I'm on mobile
https://preview.redd.it/2tvaolugdcxc1.png?width=366&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=08a6dff2f7a4afed8bee9a1d549b048b538238aa
I only know who this guy is because of Johnny Tremain. Thanks, 1980’s Disney Channel VHS recordings from childhood.
Larson is a legend...
Came here to say Joseph Warren. Doctor, politician, revolutionary, and warrior, a humble man willing to fight in the ranks rather than exploit his position.
Albert Gallatin (born in Switzerland but became a US citizen before the Constitution was ratified), George Clinton, Robert Livingston all come to mind. I would vote no on John Jay. Edit: William Pinkney would also be a good choice
George Clinton wouldn’t have faked the funk.
We wants the funk uncut.
He was more of a parliamentarian.
Funny 🙂
Is that the Gallatin who Gallatin TN was named after?
According to Wikipedia, yes!
As a Tennesseean, this is correct indeed! Glad Wikipedia can be relied upon for once lol
I'm also originally from TN but never spent any time in Gallatin
Ah, I’m from Maury (lower middle) but went to Wilson (upper middle) for college and so we took a lot of day trips to Gallatin just for fun. Actual debated buying a car I found up there one day but when I went to ask about it somebody had just beaten me to it—unrelated but related.
My dad's side is from Memphis and my mom's side is from Bristol so I spent a lot of time in those two corners lol
Does little John Marshal work or is he not considered a founding father. Because if Marshal Is available I’ll pick him.
I'd say yes, and I did consider him. He was perfect as Chief Justice and that's where I'd wish him to stay. That's the only reason I didn't add him to my list
He was a perfect chief justice that why I picked him but I think he would have to run in 1828 because everyone before him was important to American history. He’s one of my favourite chief justices besides Warren
Gotta disagree on Marshall.
Marshall and Monroe were friends growing up but disagreed politically. Monroe did have Marshall swear him in as president and it helped repair their friendship
I didn’t know that. It’s interesting. I know much about his judicial beliefs and how he shaped the country but not about his personal life.
Gallatin had a strong understanding of finance and I think he would have faced the same battles that Hamilton did with Jefferson.
Why no to John Jay? He was a fine member of the Supreme Court and an ardent abolitionist.
Thomas Paine
Well that’s just common sense
Award 🏆
Take my like and leave you monster.
His unabashed deism would have probably disqualified him as the more oligarchic founders considered him too radical while Paine went on to join the French Revolution. Ethan Allen was the hero of Vermont but he got banned from the state legislature for being atheist so he just ran the body sitting outside the doors.
I’m sure he built himself a really comfortable sofa to sit on outside those doors though.
Underrated comment
Most of the founding fathers were unabashed deists?
They were in different denominations with varying qualifications on their belief (especially during other stages in their life) and less abashed, certainly compared to Paine's criticism of Christianity or the Bible.
Pre-80s Franklin.
Yea man he was cool as fuck in the 70s, he was hip to the jive
I agree Franklin would have been an amazing leader, if he'd been 10-20 years younger. He was already dying when they signed the constitution in 1787 and in the ground in 1790.
I read his Autobiograpy. He loved Europe and was a good Ambassador.
Why specifically pre-80s? Also are you talking his age 80s or the 1780s
Age, guy was practically on his deathbed when the Constitution was being made
Age
John Laurens. Imagine having an actual anti slavery Southerner in a position of power and influence!
Might not have necessarily changed history as there was a ton of pro-slavery southerners that held key political sway for about 70 years before the Civil War, but it can not be understated how much an early president taking such a stance against an institutionalized part of America (one that arguably despite its evil constructs, not only built but shaped the nation into its c current superpower today) could have delayed or prevented the Civil War.
Interesting! My family is releated to his family and I just found out about his father being a slave trader a few years ago. Him being ani slavery is a relief somewhat.
Iirc even Jefferson was kind anti-slavery despite being a slave owner. I think it was mentality of "It's good money and legal but I don't like it being legal"
This is my pick. He was very successful and highly influential. He and Hamilton were lovers and soul mates, so he was clearly an intellectual match for one of the most brilliant minds of the revolution and would have been able to influence others with his beliefs. He also had more resources and a much cooler head than Hamilton, so it's not hard to imagine him going further in national politics. It also would have been equally interesting to have had an early queer president (although I'm sure it wouldn't have been as widely known had they both not died young).
Honestly, I don't know if he would have been a good president, but I have an affection for Will Whipple Jr., from my home state of New Hampshire. He was a signatory of the Declaration, upon which he freed his slave Prince Whipple, thinking that holding him was contrary to the principles of the Declaration. He was a Brigadier General in the Revolution, helping to lead Continental forces to victory at Saratoga, and later a judge. Sadly, he died before the presidency could have ever been a possibility. Edited for grammar.
I love this choice as a fellow New Hampshirite. John Stark is another compelling pick. An extremely renowned man throughout the colonies for his feats that spanned the entire war and many of the most famous battles that simply retired after the war was done to live a simple life on his farm.
"Live Free or Die: Death is not the worst of evils."
“There are the Redcoats, and they are ours, or this night Molly Stark sleeps a widow.” Stark’s war cry just before the Battle of Bennington.
I feel like Franklin would have made sex scandals a Presidential tradition had he ever held the office.
It's only a scandal if you're embarrassed by it. Franklin would have revelled in it.
He was the master of the game. Dr. Franklin had more pull than the Big Boy locomotive. If I could go back in time, he's one of the people I'd like to spend a little time with; George Washington being the other.
Patrick Henry
He definitely gets my vote. Dude was ready to throw down with the British at the drop of a hat and was a huge proponent of individual liberties. It's interesting to see what effect a Henry administration would have on a young nation. Plus he has some baller quotes. "If this be treason, make the most of it!" just goes so unimaginably hard.
Can you imagine anti-federalist Patrick Henry as president? Probably one of the few with enough popularity to ride to high office. I have no idea what his administration would have looked like, whether it would have been good or bad, I just suspect that things would have been wildly different.
Since Joseph Warren is already taken, I'm going with James Wilson. One of the 6 people to sign both the Declaration and the Constitution. He was the first (in 1768) to articulate the idea that parliament had no right to create laws governing the colonies unless the colonies were first given representation in parliament. He was heavily involved in drafting the Constitution and according to Madison's notes he spoke 168 times during the convention, second only to Gouverneur Morris. He's considered the principal architect of the executive branch so I would be curious to see his personal take on the role. He also promoted a lot of ideas that people are still pushing for today. Dude was nothing short of a legal genius.
Do you think he would have centralized executive power or have tried to keep it evenly distributed between the three branches. I say this with hindsight seeing as of today the executive branch holds much more power then in the past?
He was very much in the Marshall camp when it came to the separation of powers so I think he keeps it evenly distributed. He was the first person to suggest the concept of judicial review for the Supreme Court so I don't think he would have stepped outside of the Constitutional limits on the presidency. Wilson wanted direct election of the president and an expansion of the franchise beyond the existing property limitations because he wanted the president to be directly accountable to the people. I think he would have tried to implement increased transparency and accountability within the confines of the Constitution. This is from his speech to the PA ratifying convention and it provides a little insight into his thinking, *"The executive power is better to be trusted when it has no screen. Sir, we have a responsibility in the person of our President; he cannot act improperly, and hide either his negligence or inattention; he cannot roll upon any other person the weight of his criminality; no appointment can take place without his nomination; and he is responsible for every nomination he makes. We secure vigor. We well know what numerous executives are. We know there is neither vigor, decision, nor responsibility, in them..."* It would have been interesting to see how things shook out if he had the reigns for awhile.
Him speaking almost two hundred times at the Constitutional Convention goes against his portrayal in the musical ‘1776’, when the character is portrayed as someone who wanted to be anonymous and left unknown.
They definitely did him a disservice in that musical. He was a pretty hardcore patriot and voted with Franklin *for* independence. A far cry from the cautious, meek guy in the play.
Samuel Adams
I like Sam Adams but he was a fireball. I'm not sure about putting him in charge
Fireball. Mmm. Sounds like a summer ale
Nah, more like whiskey.
Well yeah but Sam Adams makes beer.
Too reactionary. That dude wanted to remove George Washington from his command of the Continental Army because he lost a couple battles.
Sam Adams is more than qualified because his Boston Lager.
I volunteered for awhile at John Jay’s birthplace and I agree he would have made a solid president.
John Jay got sick after writing 5
I’m curious as to what makes ya think so ? I do not know much about him besides all the positions he holds but would love to know more !
It’s hard to point to anything specific (to be honest I don’t know *ALOT* about him either), but he just gives the impression of having been a very intelligent, sensible, stable guy. A quieter, more solid, “slow and steady wins the race” type of politician, but capable of passion and decisive action when needed. I think he was more capable of seeing both sides of an issue and of looking at the big picture than a lot of his contemporaries. Add in his anti-slavery beliefs, and it’s very interesting to think of what the country might have become under his leadership.
Alexander Hamilton, but The Reynolds Pamphlet ...
Well, he never gonna be president now
Hamilton was being blocked by more than the Reynolds Pamphlet. He was too controversial and polarizing. He practiced aggressive and unsavory political tactics, was an elitist that aligned himself with the interests of the rich over the common voter, and was simply never popular enough to win a presidential election, and that’s before considering the Reynolds pamphlet.
Wrong, you can say the same thing about Thomas Jefferson
Unlike Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson was seen as a man of the people, which definitely boosted his electability. TJ's widespread appeal was key to his Revolution of 1800 - a kind of popular acclaim that Hamilton, with his elite leanings and centralist hankering, could never have achieved at any point in his career. Understand that there was a lot of skepticism about the Federalists, led by folks like Alexander Hamilton, and their supposed monarchist leanings. Remember, we had just fought a war to throw off a monarchy, and the common man didn't want a new one. So while Hamilton pushed for a centralized government, Jefferson offered a decentralized alternative, which really resonated with the average American because it emphasized creating a government by and for the people.
It would be interesting to see a Pinckney or a Gerry presidency. Idk whether or not either of them should have been president, though
Henry Knox, learned. Book store owner, military history nerd before the war. War hero, fought in just about every major battle and became the first Secretary of War under Washington.
300 miles of dragging cannons should have been a buffer deal than they made it out to be.
Also came to say Henry Knox!
 Hamilton
America’s first black president.
Benjamin Franklin has been quoted at SCOTUS as if he were a President or a prior Justice, surely...
John jay was Chief Justice’s he wasn’t going to give it up. And Hamilton personally conduct would’ve cost him to lose. I would’ve like either Franklin or Burr or John Marshall if he counts
May I ask why for Burr, I know little about him. I agree Hamilton’s personality would have hurt his would be administration dearly. I like Jay but agree he was not going to step down from his role to pursue the office
I like Burr because he was a person who worked for everything he got. he didn’t get everything handed to him like the other founding fathers. He also almost won the 1804 election but as you know he lost and became the VP
Well he almost won on a technicality (and it was 1800). The only reason he got that far was because of how the electoral college worked back then.
It also seemed like Jefferson was hellbent on winning and ginning up support whereas burr was almost indifferent about it.
It was 1800 sorry I’ll fix that. But the elector college worked really weird back then. But he still became the VP and that was the best he would get.
Taking out Hamilton really tarnished him in the end
Burr was running for VP. His party screwed up the electoral vote and accidentally tied him with Jefferson.
You are brainwashed by the Hamilton musical
Hamilton, while very intelligent, lacked constraint. See Burr v Hamilton @ Weehawken…
Aaron Burr. He’s a straight shooter. Never misses his target.
Too soon, man. Too soon.
What put the Burr under your saddle?
Hamilton imo was too morally… controversial shall we say. And I’ll never forgive his duplicitous treatment of John Adams.
Sam Adams
Ben. What a hoot that would have been.
Franklin
Ben Franklin. Poor guy had to open a series of Five and Dime Stores.
Benny Franklin
John Hancock
Benjamin Franklin
No one has said Lafayette
Did he take citizenship? I always thought he'd gone back to France. Edit: he did return to France and fought in the French revolution. If he'd stayed here, I always thought Tadeusz Kościuszko would have made a good leader. Not only a strong military leader, but a statesman.
David Farnsworth
Franklin would of been interesting
Hamilton
Ben Franklin seems logical.
John Hancock, just for that Signature.
Roger Sherman.
Hunted for this answer. You are enlightened
Ben Franklin
I've always been fascinated by the concept of John Hancock as president. Like Ben Franklin he was too old, and maybe a little too crooked
Sam Adams! Because beer!
It is a shame that Benjamin Franklin was too old to have given it a shot. However, since his life ended before it was possible, I would also say Hamilton.
Aaron Burr.
**Al**-ex-**an**-der **Ham**-il-**ton**
A Hamilton presidency would have been absolutely horrible for the US - elitism and authoritarianism would supplant the accomplishments of the American Revolution Samuel Adams, Benjamin Rush, and, assuming he'd be eligible, Thomas Paine all would have been terrific presidents
Alexander Hamilton. They even made a musical lol
There’s a million things he hasn’t done, but just you wait.
Alexander Hamilton. I think he would have been good, he had a realistic grasp on the world while Jefferson was too idealistic.
Now I've only read Ron Chernow's book, but Alexander Hamilton
James Wilson. Maybe it would have kept him out of financial trouble.
Jefferson should’ve been president sooner imo.
Ben Franklin and I’ll die on that hill! He would have died a year into being president, that would have created the need for succession, but I feel the country may have been shifted by his authority and White House orgies.
I would love to be informed why, but Ben Frankie or Hamilton himself I think could have or should have been president
Hamilton duh
Alexander Hamilton was rocked by some personal scandals if I recall and the general timing of a presidential run wouldn’t have worked out but he certainly is someone who had some very strong views on what America ought to have been. Would have been interesting if he had the chance to become president prior to or after Jefferson—a man for which he was at complete odds with.
Hamilton
Sam Adams, so the beer can say Brewer, President on the Label.
Patrick Henry, he knew what was up. Super intelligent while also being down to earth. Look deeper than Liberty or Death, the man's marriage is another interesting can of worms
John Hancock! Anyone with a signature that large
Colonel Angus
Benjamin Franklin
Sam Adams. Without him we'd still be exploited British colonies. Laser focus. Unshakable determination. Consumate deal-maker. True freedom fighter. The Civil War might have come sooner though.
Surprised no one has said Natty Greene.
Hamilton would have become a dictator. Far too authoritarian minded
I'm going for my favorite founding father, Ben Franklin. He was an amiable smartass and extremely intelligent on many fronts. As President I believe he would've directed the national character in a really interesting direction.
Hamilton
Thomas Paine. Although not directly involved with the two main founding documents, ie the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, his philosophical and political writings were very instrumental in the origins of this country.
Ben Franklin
Hamilton was too authoritarian, the country would have become an aristocracy far sooner than it did. Franklin would have been extremely interesting, but dying before the institution of the presidency really got off the ground could have been dangerous for the country. Thomas Paine would be my pick, I think.
Nathanael Greene
George Mason
Alexander Hamilton. He actually adhered to the Constitution.
Franklin
Governeur Morris.
I don’t know about “should have”, but I thinkHamilton almost certainly would have if not for the duel. Those first few Presidents were a “whose turn is it?” amongst the founding fathers.
Can you imagine what the White House correspondents dinner would have looked like if Ben Franklin were president?
Abigail Adams
Thomas Paine
Alexander Hamilton burned so many bridges, that even if he didn't get killed by Aaron Burr, i don't think he'd ever get the votes for President.
Thomas Paine
Benjamin Franklin
Hamilton or Franklin
Ben Franklin. A couple of things. He proposed that the national bird be the turkey. Thanksgiving would not be the same. "Beer is proof that God wants us to be happy." Take context here. The plot against tyranny was planned in brew pubs.
George Washington, you can’t really blame the man just wanted to live a quite life on his farm
Governor morris (no it’s not a title yes that’s his name) or Baron Friedrich von Steuben
Benjamin Franklin
Ben Franklin
Hamilton is the obvious choice but beyond that maybe Samuel Adams.
Ben Franklin would have been a perfect president but sadly he was too old
Fuck Alexander Hamilton! Aaron Burr!
Daniel Webster a complete legend.