We often ask ourselves many questions relating to what person is the greatest in their category. Whether it be the greatest sportsman, or the greatest writer, people like to come together to determine who is the best in their field.

In 2005, The Discovery Channel decided to answer the grandest question of them all, who is the greatest American?

The show, The Greatest American, had four parts in total, and was hosted by former NBC news anchor Matt Laurer, and had Ann Coulter, Randy Jackson, and Dennis Miller as judges. Starting with 100 nominees, the viewers voted to eliminate a nominee each week before the “Greatest American” was announced in a live episode.

It’s interesting to reflect back almost 20 years ago to see which Americans were voted by citizens to receive this honor. According to the show, here are some of the top people revered in our country in 2005:

The Top Ten

40th President of the United States, Ronald Reagan, was ultimately voted for first place as the Greatest American, with his placement likely influenced by his death the year prior. Reagan and his presidency were already fondly remembered for his leadership during the end of the Cold War and the economic growth that occurred under his presidency having “restored pride to a nation still reeling from the Vietnam war.” Next on the list in second place was 15th president Abraham Lincoln, who was then followed closely in third place by renowned civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr. Along with founding fathers George Washington and Benjamin Franklin coming after him in fourth and fifth place.

The first choice on this list that hasn’t aged well was president at the time, George W. Bush, who came in sixth place. His association with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as his poor handling of Hurricane Katrina and the 2008 financial crisis, would see his popularity steadily drop. It is unlikely that most Americans remember his presidency fondly, and it should be no surprise if he no longer made the cut. However, he made the list given his extreme popularity post 9/11, with an approval rating of 86% at the time, and the nature of partisan politics.

Partisan politics were also, likely, an influence for the pick for seventh place, 42nd president Bill Clinton, who had been the most recent Democrat president up to the show’s airing. While he held high approval rates as president, he is also mainly remembered for his infamous affair with White House assistant Monica Lewinsky, which precipitated a whole scandal leading to him almost being impeached from the presidency.

Places eight to ten held relatively uncontroversial choices, with them containing pop culture icons Elvis Presley and Oprah Winfrey, as well as 32nd president Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

The Road to Number 20
Following Roosevelt, in eleventh place was evangelical preacher William Franklin “Billy” Graham, being among one of the most well known preachers in his time, known for preaching to millions of people in what he called “crusades”.

Coming after Graham was third president Thomas Jefferson in 12th place, followed then by animation legend and founder of Disney, Walt Disney, in 13th, and world renowned physicist Albert Einstein in 14th place. 15th place was given to another innovator, inventor Thomas Alva Edison, known for his invention of the lightbulb, as well as various other technologies.

In 16th place was 35th president John F. Kennedy, followed up in 17th place by comedian Bob Hope and 18th place by Microsoft founder Bill Gates.19th place is occupied by first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, who is often cited as having been responsible for redefining the role.

And the final spot, number 20, contained former cyclist Lance Armstrong, with this choice being the one that has aged the worst. While initially popular due to winning the Tour De France 4 consecutive times and his high profile battle with cancer, he would become disgraced due to a massive doping scandal in 2010.

Looking back on the list and reflecting on all that has happened in the world since (the pandemic, volatile politics in the U.S., conflicts in the Middle East and the war between Ukraine and Russia, to name a few…), it would be intriguing to see who might make the cut today. Stay tuned as Lancer Ledger explores The Greatest American of 2025.