But Reagan's lasting legacy was more positive and better than FDRs was.

In what ways?

FDR's programs, while great at the time, were not intended to be lasting programs. Because they did persist, FDRs legacy became one that is today causing the American people as much, if not more burden than benefit (welfare, Social Security) and are in desperate need of reform. Further more, programs like welfare have only helped to keep minorities down and marginalized in this country, rather than helping to lift them out of poverty.

Well said tadpole. I'll have to agree with you on this.

So because the programs he created that were intended to be temporary persisted, his legacy is not as great as Reagan's? FDR pushed legislation and created action in a time when nobody had the will to do so. Nobody was making money, he created jobs. Old people that couldn't get hired received compensation because it was virtually impossible for them to work and they had no money as it is. Yes, some of his programs were unconstitutional and yes he did try to pack the court. Yes, he broke a respected precedent set by Washington, but only because he was urged to do so by the overwhelming support of the American people. I'm not saying he was perfect, but FDR transformed the Presidency into the Office it is today. The President is the most powerful man in the United States. That is because of FDR. Before him, the Presidency was second to Congress. Congress was intended to be the most powerful branch of our government, and in many ways still is. At a time when the nation needed a leader to force things into motion, FDR did so. He expanded executive power to an unprecedented level and it has stuck. To the Framers, perhaps not what they invisioned. Even so, FDR picked up this country when it was down and only after his time did the United States become the superpower it is today.

And he did all of that with polio.

in my mind the only main faults were Carter and Clinton

They were both really bad.

I will agree with the both of you on that.

I will say to Carter's credit that he did at least serve his country honorably (in the Navy!), and I do believe that he did what he sincerely thought was best for the country during his administration, even if it was a flop. Clinton however was very selfish and self-serving and did more to harm this country than anything else and didn't even try to disguise it.

Can't argue against that.