Groundbreaking Research into Roman Emperors Generates a Scoring System for Election24
Churchill said, “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
That's why it is worth studying the rise and fall of the Roman Empire and what made a good emperor when considering who to vote for in Election24.
Using factors like 'Humanity,' 'Legacy,' and contribution to the economy, known Roman Emperors were scored. The same scoring system was used on named Presidents. While F.D.R. compares well to another great builder, Emperor Hadrian, Nixon's Roman stable mate is, perhaps unsurprisingly, the tyrannical Tiberius.
Trump Scores Lowest - Matching Nero
The scoring system(1), reveals that Trump has the same score as Emperor Nero*. To remind you, Nero was known for murdering his mother and two wives, ruthlessly persecuted early Christians, including Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and even set fire to Rome itself – famously fiddling amid the flames – to make room to build himself a vast, luxurious palace.
*The scoring and comparison is purely incidental and not intended in any way to imply that either person mentioned has the same characteristics or history of the other.
U.S. President | Empire Build | Culture | Humanity | Economy | Legacy | Overall Score | Roman Emperor | Overall Score |
George Washington | 10 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 46 | Augustus | 46 |
Franklin D. Roosevelt | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 45 | Hadrian | 41 |
Abraham Lincoln | 9 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 10 | 44 | Trajan | 41 |
Ronald Reagan | 9 | 9 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 43 | Constantine | 43 |
Theodore Roosevelt | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 41 | Marcus Aurelius | 40 |
John F. Kennedy | 8 | 8 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 40 | Julius Caesar | 41 |
Dwight D. Eisenhower | 8 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 39 | Vespasian | 38 |
Bill Clinton | 7 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 36 | Claudius | 36 |
Richard Nixon | 6 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 30 | Tiberius | 30 |
Donald Trump | 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 26 | Nero | 26 |
Who Will Make the Better President? Harris or Trump?
Scoring Leadership: Harris Outpaces Trump
Kamala Harris might score better than Donald Trump in the critical areas of Humanity and Culture—but let's be clear, she's no Augustus. Harris’s focus on unity and social justice could earn her higher marks, while Trump’s divisive approach might keep his scores low. Yet, neither will likely reach the heights of the greatest leaders in history.
Candidate | Empire Build | Culture | Humanity | Economy | Legacy | Overall Score |
Kamala Harris | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 37 |
Donald Trump | 6 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 26 |
Populism’s Downside: Trump Mirrors Nero
Trump’s populist approach shares striking similarities with Nero, the Roman emperor whose reign ended in chaos. Trump’s focus on personal power over national unity could result in a fragmented nation, just as Nero’s Rome eventually crumbled. Voters should consider the long-term risks of such a leadership style.
Economic Reality Check: Harris vs. Reagan and Trajan
While Harris may score higher in Economy for her focus on equity, it’s unlikely that either candidate will match the economic legacies of leaders like Ronald Reagan or Trajan. Trump’s emphasis on short-term gains, such as tax cuts, might boost immediate economic performance but could lead to long-term challenges.
Humanity Above All: Harris Channels Marcus Aurelius
Harris, much like Marcus Aurelius, could score well in Humanity for her emphasis on empathy, social justice, and inclusive policies. However, her impact may be more moderate due to the complexities of modern governance, yet she’s positioned to leave a legacy of progress and compassion.
Cultural Impact: Who Will Unite Us?
Harris could score higher in Culture for her efforts to foster inclusivity and address systemic issues. However, neither candidate is likely to reach the cultural impact of leaders like Hadrian or Franklin D. Roosevelt, who fundamentally shaped their societies.
Legacy in the Balance: Harris’s Steady Hand
Trump’s legacy is already marred by controversies, including the Capitol riot, and a second term could further lower his Legacy score. Harris, though facing significant challenges, might be able to carve out a more positive legacy by focusing on stability and progressive reforms.
Global Leadership: The Diplomat vs. The Disruptor
Harris is expected to take a diplomatic approach to global issues, scoring moderately in Empire Build. In contrast, Trump’s disruptive style could lead to short-term gains but also global instability, resulting in a lower score in this crucial area.
Reform or Decline: Harris as a Modern Nerva
Much like Nerva reformed Rome after a tumultuous period, Harris could focus on stabilizing and improving the nation’s systems. Her Legacy score might reflect these efforts, offering steady progress rather than revolutionary change—perhaps exactly what the nation needs.
Economic Challenges: Trump’s Repeat Struggles
Trump may pursue similar economic policies if re-elected, focusing on deregulation and tax cuts. While this could boost the economy temporarily, it might also exacerbate inequality and debt, leading to a lower Economy score. Harris, while more cautious, might find it challenging to enact significant economic reforms in the face of strong opposition.
Learn from Rome: Choose Wisely
The rise and fall of the Roman Empire teaches us that leadership is about more than just immediate results—it’s about building a sustainable future. While Harris might score better than Trump in several key areas, neither candidate is likely to reach the heights of history’s greatest leaders. Yet, in choosing the next president, we must consider who is more likely to guide us through today’s challenges and leave a positive legacy for tomorrow.
Who Will Leave Office with a Better Score?
Based on this analysis, Kamala Harris is poised to leave office with a higher overall score than Donald Trump, particularly in Humanity, Culture, and Legacy.
Harris's approach to governance—focused on empathy, inclusivity, and steady progress—could result in a more favorable long-term impact.
Trump, on the other hand, may see his scores decline further if his second term mirrors the divisiveness and controversies of his first.
Ultimately, while neither candidate is likely to reach the heights of history’s greatest leaders, the choice we make in 2024 will have profound implications for the future of the nation. Let’s learn from history and choose wisely.
Share this if you believe history holds the key to our future!
Birdy Slade is a British American and the author of 'How Often Do You Think About The Roman Empire?'
Notes - 1 - References and further Reading
"The Twelve Caesars" by Suetonius - A classic work that offers detailed biographies of the first twelve emperors of Rome, providing insights into their governance, military conquests, and personal lives.
"The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire" by Edward Gibbon - This monumental work covers the history of Rome from the height of the empire to its fall, with detailed analysis on the reigns of various emperors.
"The Roman Revolution" by Ronald Syme - An influential book that examines the transition from the Roman Republic to the Empire, focusing on Augustus’ role in reshaping Roman society and governance.
"Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius - The personal writings of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, offering a deep philosophical perspective on his reign and the Stoic principles that guided his leadership.
"Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic" by Tom Holland - A narrative history that delves into the fall of the Roman Republic, with significant focus on Julius Caesar’s impact on Roman politics and military affairs.
"SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome" by Mary Beard - A comprehensive history of Rome that covers the lives and legacies of many emperors, with a focus on how they shaped Roman culture and society.
"Constantine the Great: The Man and His Times" by Michael Grant - A detailed biography of Constantine, exploring his conversion to Christianity, his military campaigns, and his lasting impact on the Roman Empire and the world.
"The History of Rome" by Livy - An extensive history that provides context on the early Roman Empire and the leaders who built it, including Augustus.
"The Rise of Rome: The Making of the World's Greatest Empire" by Anthony Everitt - A book that traces Rome's development from a small city-state to a world power, highlighting the role of key figures like Augustus and Julius Caesar.
"Hadrian and the Triumph of Rome" by Anthony Everitt - A biography that examines the life and legacy of Hadrian, one of Rome’s most cultured and influential emperors.
"FDR" by Jean Edward Smith - A comprehensive biography of Franklin D. Roosevelt, covering his presidency, including the New Deal and World War II, which had a profound impact on American society and economy.
"Washington: A Life" by Ron Chernow - An authoritative biography of George Washington that covers his role in the American Revolution, the founding of the United States, and his presidency.
"Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln" by Doris Kearns Goodwin - This book explores Lincoln’s leadership during the Civil War and his ability to navigate the political landscape of his time.
"The Roman Empire: Economy, Society, and Culture" by Peter Garnsey and Richard Saller - A text that provides an in-depth look at the economic and social aspects of the Roman Empire, and the influence of various emperors.
"The Legacy of Rome" edited by Richard Jenkyns - A collection of essays that discuss the lasting impact of Roman civilization, including the influence of emperors on law, governance, and culture.
"The Life of Greece" by Will Durant (Part of "The Story of Civilization" series) - Although focused on Greece, this book provides important context for the cultural and intellectual backdrop of the Roman Empire.
"Reagan: The Life" by H.W. Brands - A detailed biography of Ronald Reagan, covering his time as governor, his presidency, and his lasting influence on American politics.
"No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II" by Doris Kearns Goodwin - This book explores the Roosevelts’ leadership during World War II and the profound changes they brought to American society.
"The Roman History" by Cassius Dio - An important primary source that provides a detailed account of Roman history, including the reigns of many emperors.
"Ike: An American Hero" by Michael Korda - A biography of Dwight D. Eisenhower that covers his military career, presidency, and his impact on post-war America.
"Caesar: Life of a Colossus" by Adrian Goldsworthy - A comprehensive biography of Julius Caesar, detailing his military conquests, political maneuvers, and assassination.
"Nixonland: The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America" by Rick Perlstein - This book explores Richard Nixon’s presidency and its impact on American politics and society.
"Clinton" by Michael Tomasky - A biography that covers Bill Clinton's rise to the presidency, his policies, and his influence on modern American politics.
"Trump Revealed: An American Journey of Ambition, Ego, Money, and Power" by Michael Kranish and Marc Fisher - An in-depth biography of Donald Trump, examining his life before and during his presidency.
"The Annals" by Tacitus - Provides a detailed account of the Roman Empire, particularly focusing on the reigns of Tiberius, Claudius, and Nero.
"The Lives of the Twelve Caesars" by Suetonius - An essential source for understanding the personalities and actions of early Roman emperors, offering biographical insights.
"Plutarch's Lives" by Plutarch - Offers parallel lives of famous Greeks and Romans, including Julius Caesar, providing valuable comparisons between ancient figures.
"The Roman Empire at Bay, AD 180-395" by David S. Potter - A comprehensive history that covers the Roman Empire during its later period, discussing the reigns of emperors like Constantine.
"Augustus: The Life of Rome's First Emperor" by Anthony Everitt - A biography that delves into Augustus' rise to power and the establishment of the Roman Empire.
"Tiberius: The Reluctant Emperor" by Michael Grant - This biography provides an in-depth look at the life and reign of Tiberius, offering insights into his governance and legacy.
"The First Man in Rome" by Colleen McCullough - While a historical novel, it is well-researched and offers insights into the political environment of Julius Caesar's era.
"Caesar's Legion: The Epic Saga of Julius Caesar's Elite Tenth Legion and the Armies of Rome" by Stephen Dando-Collins - Focuses on the military achievements of Julius Caesar and his role in expanding the Roman Empire.
"I, Claudius" by Robert Graves - Although a work of historical fiction, this novel is grounded in historical fact and offers a vivid portrayal of the life and reign of Emperor Claudius.
"Nero: The End of a Dynasty" by Miriam T. Griffin - A biography that examines the complex and controversial reign of Nero, providing insights into his impact on the Roman Empire.
"The Roman Empire: A Very Short Introduction" by Christopher Kelly - Offers a concise overview of the Roman Empire's history, including the role of key emperors.
"The Civil War" by Julius Caesar - Written by Caesar himself, this work provides an account of his military campaigns and political maneuvers, essential for understanding his legacy.
"Nixon: The Education of a Politician 1913-1962" by Stephen E. Ambrose - A biography that covers the early life and political career of Richard Nixon, leading up to his presidency.
"JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956" by Fredrik Logevall - A detailed account of John F. Kennedy's early life and political rise, providing context for his presidency.
"The Path to Power" by Robert A. Caro - The first volume in a multi-part biography of Lyndon B. Johnson, detailing his early life and political career, with implications for his presidency.
"The Reagan Diaries" by Ronald Reagan - Personal diaries kept by Reagan during his presidency, offering insights into his thoughts, decisions, and leadership style.
"Ike's Bluff: President Eisenhower's Secret Battle to Save the World" by Evan Thomas - Examines Eisenhower's presidency, focusing on his leadership during the Cold War.
"Eisenhower in War and Peace" by Jean Edward Smith - A comprehensive biography covering Eisenhower's military and presidential careers.
"The Age of Nixon: A Study in Cultural Power" by Carl Freedman - An analysis of Richard Nixon's influence on American culture and politics during and after his presidency.
"Clinton: The American Journey" by David Maraniss - A biography that traces Bill Clinton's life from his childhood through his presidency, examining his political achievements and scandals.
"The Triumph of the Therapeutic: Uses of Faith after Freud" by Philip Rieff - Although not a direct history, this work discusses cultural shifts that can be seen reflected in the presidencies of figures like Clinton and Reagan.
"The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream" by Barack Obama - A reflection on American politics and leadership, providing context for understanding the legacy of modern presidents.
"The Paranoid Style in American Politics" by Richard Hofstadter - Discusses the cultural and political factors that can be seen in the leadership styles of Nixon and Trump.
"The Art of the Deal" by Donald Trump - Provides insight into Trump’s business and personal philosophies, which influenced his approach to the presidency.
These references provide a rich context for understanding the complex legacies of the Roman emperors and U.S. presidents being compared, adding depth and authority to your article.
"Washington: The Indispensable Man" by James Thomas Flexner - A thorough biography that explores George Washington’s leadership, military career, and presidency, highlighting his critical role in the formation of the United States.
"Lincoln" by David Herbert Donald - A Pulitzer Prize-winning biography that offers a deep exploration of Abraham Lincoln’s presidency, his moral and political struggles, and his legacy.
"FDR" by Jean Edward Smith - A comprehensive biography that examines Franklin D. Roosevelt's life and presidency, detailing his New Deal policies and leadership during World War II.
"The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism" by Doris Kearns Goodwin - This book explores Theodore Roosevelt's presidency and his relationship with the press, providing a broad view of his influence on American politics and culture.
"Eisenhower: Soldier and President" by Stephen E. Ambrose - A well-regarded biography that covers Eisenhower’s military achievements and his presidency, offering insights into his leadership style and decision-making processes.
"An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963" by Robert Dallek - A critically acclaimed biography that examines JFK’s life, presidency, and the complexities of his personal and political life.
"Nixon: The Life" by John A. Farrell - A detailed biography that provides an in-depth look at Richard Nixon’s political career, from his rise to the presidency to his resignation, focusing on his complex legacy.
"The Rebellion of Ronald Reagan: A History of the End of the Cold War" by James Mann - An analysis of Reagan’s role in ending the Cold War, offering insights into his presidency and his strategic decisions during this critical period in history.
"Bill Clinton: An American Journey" by Nigel Hamilton - A biography that covers Clinton’s rise from his Arkansas roots to the presidency, examining his policies, scandals, and the impact of his leadership.
"The Invisible Bridge: The Fall of Nixon and the Rise of Reagan" by Rick Perlstein - This book chronicles the political landscape of the 1970s, focusing on the transition from Nixon’s presidency to Reagan’s rise, offering a deep analysis of Reagan’s early political career.
"American Ulysses: A Life of Ulysses S. Grant" by Ronald C. White - While focusing on Grant, this biography provides context for understanding the post-Civil War era and the legacy of 19th-century presidents.
"The Age of Reagan: The Conservative Counterrevolution: 1980-1989" by Steven F. Hayward - A historical analysis of Reagan’s presidency and the conservative movement that reshaped American politics during the 1980s.
"Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream" by Doris Kearns Goodwin - A comprehensive look at Johnson’s presidency, his domestic policies, and his struggles with the Vietnam War, providing insights into his complex legacy.
"Richard Nixon: The Man Behind the Mask" by Gary Allen - An exploration of Nixon’s personality and political career, offering a critical view of his rise and fall.
"Kennedy" by Theodore C. Sorensen - While authored by Kennedy’s close advisor, this book provides an insider’s view of JFK’s presidency and his approach to leadership, with an emphasis on his policy decisions and public image.
"The Presidency of John F. Kennedy" by James N. Giglio - A scholarly assessment of JFK’s presidency, focusing on his foreign and domestic policies, and the challenges he faced during his time in office.
"The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt" by Edmund Morris - A Pulitzer Prize-winning biography that covers the early life and career of Theodore Roosevelt, offering insights into his dynamic personality and political strategies.
"The Eisenhower Diaries" edited by Robert H. Ferrell - A collection of Eisenhower’s personal diary entries, offering a behind-the-scenes look at his thoughts and decisions during his presidency.
"Grant" by Ron Chernow - A comprehensive biography that offers insights into Ulysses S. Grant’s life, including his presidency, with a focus on his efforts to stabilize the post-Civil War United States.
"President Reagan: The Triumph of Imagination" by Richard Reeves - This book provides a detailed account of Reagan’s presidency, focusing on his leadership style and his influence on both domestic and international affairs.
"The Real Making of the President: Kennedy, Nixon, and the 1960 Election" by W. J. Rorabaugh - An analysis of the 1960 election, offering insights into the strategies and personalities of both JFK and Nixon.
"The Clinton Wars" by Sidney Blumenthal - While written by a close advisor, this book provides a detailed account of Bill Clinton’s presidency, focusing on the political battles and scandals that defined his time in office.
"Reckoning: The Life and Times of Bill Clinton" by Nigel Hamilton - A critical biography that examines the personal and political life of Bill Clinton, offering insights into his successes and controversies.
"Reagan's Secret War: The Untold Story of His Fight to Save the World from Nuclear Disaster" by Martin Anderson and Annelise Anderson - This book delves into Reagan’s efforts to manage nuclear tensions during the Cold War, offering a detailed account of his foreign policy strategies.
"A Very Stable Genius: Donald J. Trump's Testing of America" by Philip Rucker and Carol Leonnig - This book provides an in-depth investigation into Trump's leadership style, decision-making process, and the controversies that marked his administration, including his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and his impeachment trials.
"Fear: Trump in the White House" by Bob Woodward - Bob Woodward's detailed account of Trump's presidency highlights the chaotic nature of his administration, the lack of coherent policy-making, and the internal conflicts within the White House.
"Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House" by Michael Wolff - This book offers a controversial look at the early days of Trump's presidency, focusing on his administration's dysfunction and the president's approach to governance, which often prioritized personal loyalty over expertise.
"The Room Where It Happened: A White House Memoir" by John Bolton - Written by Trump's former National Security Advisor, this memoir details the internal workings of the Trump administration, with a focus on foreign policy. Bolton criticizes Trump's decision-making as erratic and driven by personal interests rather than national strategy.
"Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man" by Mary L. Trump - This book provides a psychological perspective on Trump, written by his niece, and delves into his personality traits that influenced his behavior and leadership style, including his response to criticism and opposition.
"The Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and Trump" by Andrew G. McCabe - The former FBI Deputy Director offers insights into Trump's interactions with law enforcement and the intelligence community, often highlighting his disregard for institutional norms and legal constraints.
"Rage" by Bob Woodward - This follow-up to "Fear" covers Trump's handling of critical issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, racial tensions, and his approach to the 2020 election. It includes interviews with Trump, where he admits to downplaying the severity of the coronavirus, which had significant implications for public health.
"Hoax: Donald Trump, Fox News, and the Dangerous Distortion of Truth" by Brian Stelter - This book analyzes the relationship between Trump and the media, particularly Fox News, and how this relationship shaped public perceptions and Trump's governance, often prioritizing media narratives over substantive policy.
"The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 27 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President" edited by Bandy X. Lee - A collection of essays by mental health professionals discussing Trump's psychological fitness for office, with a focus on how his personality traits could impact his decision-making and leadership.
"Trump and His Generals: The Cost of Chaos" by Peter Bergen - This book examines Trump's interactions with the U.S. military and his foreign policy decisions, often marked by impulsiveness and a lack of coherent strategy, which had significant implications for both national and international security.
"American Carnage: On the Front Lines of the Republican Civil War and the Rise of President Trump" by Tim Alberta - This book explores the political environment that enabled Trump's rise and his impact on the Republican Party, highlighting how his leadership style contributed to internal divisions and a shift in party ideology.
"Unmaking the Presidency: Donald Trump's War on the World's Most Powerful Office" by Susan Hennessey and Benjamin Wittes - The authors analyze how Trump's approach to the presidency deviated from traditional norms and how his actions have altered the expectations and powers of the office, often undermining established democratic practices.
"Disloyal: A Memoir: The True Story of the Former Personal Attorney to President Donald J. Trump" by Michael Cohen - A memoir by Trump's former lawyer, detailing his close relationship with Trump and providing an insider's perspective on Trump's personal and business practices, including actions that were legally and ethically questionable.
"Trumpocracy: The Corruption of the American Republic" by David Frum - This book critiques Trump's administration, focusing on the erosion of democratic norms and institutions under his leadership, and the long-term implications for American governance.
"The Fifth Risk" by Michael Lewis - This book looks at the risks posed by the Trump administration’s neglect of key government functions, particularly in areas such as energy, agriculture, and public health, highlighting the potential dangers of this approach.
The Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) - The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis provides a comprehensive database on various economic indicators, such as GDP growth, unemployment rates, inflation, and more. This data can be used to objectively analyze the economic impact of Trump's presidency.
The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) - The BEA provides official economic statistics on the U.S. economy, including data on GDP, personal income, and corporate profits. This source is essential for an unbiased look at the overall economic performance during Trump’s term.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) - The CBO offers non-partisan analyses and economic forecasts. Reports from the CBO can give insights into the economic effects of Trump's policies, such as tax cuts and spending initiatives, without political bias.
The Brookings Institution - A centrist think tank that provides in-depth analyses on U.S. economic policies. They have published several reports analyzing the impact of Trump's economic policies, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and trade policies.
The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) - NBER is a leading nonprofit economic research organization. Their working papers and publications often explore the macroeconomic impacts of presidential policies, including those implemented under Trump.
"Economic Policy in the Trump Administration" by Jeffrey Frankel - Published by the Harvard Kennedy School, this analysis provides a scholarly evaluation of Trump's economic policies, assessing their short-term and long-term effects on the U.S. economy.
The Peterson Institute for International Economics - A non-partisan research institution that offers studies on global economics, including analyses of Trump's trade policies, tariffs, and their impacts on the U.S. and global economy.
The Economist - This globally recognized publication provides analyses on economic conditions and policies. Their coverage of Trump's economic policies tends to be balanced, offering both criticisms and acknowledgments of successes.
The Wall Street Journal - A leading financial newspaper that covers economic performance and market trends. Their reporting on Trump's economic policies is generally detailed, providing a mix of perspectives from economists and market experts.
Moody’s Analytics - A subsidiary of Moody’s Corporation that provides economic research and risk analysis. Moody’s Analytics often publishes reports on the economic implications of U.S. policies, including those implemented during Trump's presidency.
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