Hail to the Chaff
A recent survey, conducted during the commercial breaks for American Idol, asked people to list the five greatest Presidents of the United States. Of the 10 most popular choices, five were actually Presidents. Here is the list:
Jesus
Martin Sheen
Abraham Lincoln
Walter Cronkite
Ronald Reagan
Rodgers N. Hammerstein
John Kennedy
Napoleon
Bill Clinton
Somebody Roosevelt
It is interesting that Reagan, Kennedy and Clinton made the list. In America, glibness must be synonymous with greatness. Washington, Jefferson and Jackson should fire their media consultants.
Numerous other surveys were taken. Here are the top choices from the designated populations:
Cat Fanciers: Garfield
Dudley Moore Fans: Arthur
Bengals, Cavaliers and Indians Fans: Cleveland
Tennis Fans: Wilson
Taurus Owners: Ford
Consumers of Little Liver Pills: Carter
Baked Bean Lovers: Bush