The second Historians Presidential Leadership Survey was conducted by C-SPAN in 2009. 65 historians ranked each United States president on how he fared with 10 leadership characteristics. Overall, Abraham Lincoln was the top-ranking president among the historians, while James Buchanan came in last place.C-SPAN: Survey of Presidential Leadership

"Today's concerns shape our views of the past, be it in the area of foreign policy, managing the economy or human rights." - Edna Medford, Associate Professor of History, Howard UniversityHuffington Post: Lincoln Ranked Best President... (February 15, 2009)

"As much as is possible, we created a poll that was non-partisan, judicious and fair minded, and it's fitting that for the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln that he remains at the top of these presidential rankings." - Douglas Brinkley, Professor of History at Rice UniversityThe Swamp: Presidential Rankings Leadership (February 16, 2009)