The Michael Knowles Show
Episode: Michael Knowles TOP 10 Presidents Compared To "Expert's" TOP 10
Date: February 15, 2026
Host: Michael Knowles (The Daily Wire)

Overview

In this special episode, Michael Knowles tackles the often-debated question: Who are the greatest U.S. presidents? Drawing on C-SPAN’s annual presidential rankings (crafted by academic “experts” and historians), Michael compares his own top 10 list to the mainstream consensus, explaining his criteria, defending his picks, and sharply critiquing the establishment's choices. The episode offers conservative commentary, historical anecdotes, and Knowles's signature mix of humor and skepticism.

Main Discussion Points and Insights

1. Criteria for Judging Presidents (00:00–02:00)

• Michael uses the same qualities C-SPAN’s panel employs:
  • Public persuasion
  • Crisis leadership
  • Economic management
  • Moral authority
  • International relations
  • Administrative skills
  • Relations with Congress
  • Vision/Agenda Setting
  • Equal justice for all
  • Performance within the context of the times

Quote:
“What are the qualities that they consider? ... because I want to make sure I’m using the same criteria.”
(00:40, Michael Knowles)

2. Knowles’s Top 10 Presidents: Reasoning & Rationale (02:00–16:00)

Honorable Mention: Chester A. Arthur

• Reformed his corrupt ways after taking office.
• “Probably the classic example of the office making the man.” (~02:25)
• Not enough overall impact to make the top ten.

#10 – Calvin Coolidge

• Praised for small government, roaring economy.
• Criticized for supporting the 17th and 19th Amendments.
• Appreciated for honoring Washington’s precedent of two terms.

#9 – William Howard Taft

• “Larger than life”—only person to become both President and Chief Justice.
• Conservative, pro-protectionism, strong in economic management.

#8 – Theodore Roosevelt

• Progressive Republican and passionate conservationist.
• Praised for “thumos” (spiritedness) and iconic moments (e.g., continuing a speech after being shot).
• Helped project American power globally.

#7 – William McKinley

• Completed the Spanish-American war, annexed Hawaii and new territories.
• Underrated but influential in expanding U.S. influence.

#6 – John Adams

• Called “the most conservative Founding Father.”
• Upheld peaceful transfer of power; passed Alien and Sedition Acts (which Knowles praises).

#5 – Dwight D. Eisenhower

• Highly underrated, delivered stability and set the stage for Cold War victory.
• “I like Ike, baby. I like him.” (09:20)

#4 – Ronald Reagan

• “Saint Gipper himself,” won the Cold War, revitalized American spirit.
• Brought back optimism after tumultuous decades.

#3 – Donald J. Trump

• “Apotheosis of the Reagan revolution.”
• Credited with restoring “moral authority,” appointing pro-life justices, and unprecedented political comeback.

“It’s the greatest political comeback in American history, better even than Richard Nixon...” (13:30, Michael Knowles)

#2 – Abraham Lincoln

• Praised for unrivaled crisis leadership, moral authority, and oratory.
• “Greatest writer and orator probably in American political history.” (14:30)

#1 – George Washington

• “The indispensable man,” the father of the country.
• Cited for stepping down willingly and setting a democratic precedent.

“If he really relinquishes his commission, George Washington will be the greatest man in the world.”
(~15:40, referencing King George III)

3. C-SPAN (Experts’) Top 10 Compared: Knowles’s Critique (16:00–21:30)

Honorable Mention: Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ)

• Knowles: “One of the worst presidents we’ve ever had. ... The mess we are in is largely thanks to him.” (16:50)
• Admits LBJ had “great administrative skills,” but failed on moral and economic leadership.

#10 – Barack Obama

• “Arguably, the worst president we’ve ever had. Arguably worse than Buchanan.” (17:15)
• Dismissed as “just so awful.”

#9 – Ronald Reagan

• Places Reagan above Obama but critiques that they’re even close in the rankings.

#8 – John F. Kennedy

• “Probably the single most overrated president we have. Basically, everything he touched turned to pot.” (18:15)
• Only admired for image and assassination, not achievements.

#7 – Thomas Jefferson

• Included because of progressive qualities; Knowles acknowledges his radical libertarian streak.

#6 – Harry Truman

• Praised for navigating the crisis, but blamed for Cold War blunders and atomic bomb decisions.

#5 – Dwight D. Eisenhower

• Only point of agreement between Knowles and experts—though for “totally different reasons.” (19:40)

#4 – Theodore Roosevelt

• Knowles likes him, but C-SPAN “probably” places him high for his progressivism.

#3 – Franklin D. Roosevelt

• Knowles: “A truly awful president who was great in his tyranny.” (20:00)
  • Critiques FDR for expanding government, prolonging the Depression, and bullying the Supreme Court.

#2 – George Washington / #1 – Abraham Lincoln

• Experts invert Knowles's top two.
• Knowles suspects liberal bias: “They’d want the Civil War to come, ... upended our constitutional order.” (21:00)
• Washington esteemed for dealing with pre-constitutional crises more gracefully than his successors.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Chester A. Arthur:
  “He was a crooked politician, but he became reformed … probably the classic example of the office making the man.” (02:15)

• On Ronald Reagan’s comeback:
  “It’s the greatest political comeback in American history, better even than Richard Nixon…” (13:30)

• On Barack Obama (C-SPAN's #10):
  “Arguably the worst president we’ve ever had. Arguably worse than Buchanan. Arguably worse than Millard Fillmore.” (17:15)

• On John F. Kennedy:
  “Probably the single most overrated president we have. Basically, everything he touched turned to pot. He stole the election from Richard Nixon who should have won in 1960.” (18:15)

• On Franklin D. Roosevelt:
  “A truly awful president who was great in his tyranny. … He really took the blueprint written by Woodrow Wilson—also one of the worst presidents—and actually put it into action.” (20:00)

• On historians’ rankings:
  “I was more sympathetic to their list before I read everything that happened after 10—it’s a joke. It’s a joke. These presidential historians are jokes.” (21:40)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:00–02:00: Criteria for judging presidents
• 02:00–16:00: Knowles’s presidential rankings and commentary
• 16:00–21:30: C-SPAN/expert list walk-through and critique
• Notable Quotes: Spread throughout, as highlighted
• 21:30–22:34: Final commentary and comedic reflections

Tone and Language

Michael Knowles’s tone is witty, direct, and unapologetically conservative, with historical references, humor, and critical sarcasm. He often contrasts his “common sense” approach to the “liberal” institutional perspectives, urging listeners to question received wisdom and focus on the character and accomplishments that, in his view, truly shaped America for the better.

Summary Table: Knowles vs. C-SPAN

| Knowles Ranking | C-SPAN / Experts Ranking | |--------------------------|---------------------------| | 1. George Washington | 1. Abraham Lincoln | | 2. Abraham Lincoln | 2. George Washington | | 3. Donald Trump | 3. Franklin D. Roosevelt | | 4. Ronald Reagan | 4. Theodore Roosevelt | | 5. Dwight Eisenhower | 5. Dwight Eisenhower | | 6. John Adams | 6. Harry Truman | | 7. William McKinley | 7. Thomas Jefferson | | 8. Theodore Roosevelt | 8. John F. Kennedy | | 9. William H. Taft | 9. Ronald Reagan | |10. Calvin Coolidge |10. Barack Obama | | Hon. Men: Arthur |Hon. Men: LBJ |

Conclusion

Michael Knowles delivers a provocative, alternative perspective on America’s greatest presidents, heavily favoring conservative and foundational leaders while demoting or disparaging progressive icons and critiquing modern scholarship. He challenges accepted “expert” wisdom, invokes vivid anecdotes, and maintains his trademark irreverent tone, making this episode a lively, informative, and polarizing listen for history and politics enthusiasts.