" It is a long revisionist road up from the bottom for George W. Bush. He is ranked toward the bottom rung of presidents. "
- Douglas Brinkley

The quote suggests that former President George W. Bush faces significant challenges in improving his historical standing among U.S. presidents. It implies that he currently ranks near the bottom of presidential evaluations, indicating a need for substantial efforts to revise public perception over time.

On a deeper level, this statement reflects broader debates about how we assess and remember presidents throughout history. It highlights the idea that perceptions of leadership can fluctuate based on various factors such as changing societal values, new historical analyses, and evolving political climates. The quote also underscores the significant influence media figures like Douglas Brinkley have in shaping these narratives. They play a crucial role in interpreting past presidencies for future generations.

Douglas Brinkley is a prominent historian and writer known for his expertise on American history, particularly focusing on U.S. presidents and politics. His insights are widely respected within academic circles as well as among the general public due to his frequent appearances in media discussions about historical events and figures.