Election time is nearly upon us yet again. It seems like only four years ago I had to choose the leader of the free world, and boy both candidates had a lot going for them! Mitt Romney, a graduate of Harvard not once, but twice, in law and business, CEO of the Bain & CO., head of the SLC Olympic Organizational committee, Stake President in his church, and later a Governor of Massachusetts that spearheded health and budget reform! What a resume!
Then there was Barack Obama, an upstart community activist, Senator from Illinois, prior law professor and graduate of Harvard and Columbia, and eventual first African-American President of the US. Wow!
Now as I sit and reflect on those candidates and ready my ballot this year I can't help but think "What the hell happened?!"
This puzzle is for all you frustrated voters out there that have to pick your poison this November. It is designed to remind you of some candidates from the past who, believe it or not, may very well have been worse than either of the choices in front of us this year. Not wanting to leave you on a sour note, it will also remind you that despite the lack of decent candidates this year, there have been some great presidents and nominees in the past- ones that would put the current major party candidates to shame.
Simply solve the following puzzle based on some pretty terrible, and some pretty great former US presidents to find the cache:
Worcester v Georgia ("John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it.") (-3)
Lewinski Scandal (-2)
Sally Hemmings
Only president ever elected unanimously
Watergate
First African-American President (-32)
Teapot Dome Scandal (+1)
Creation of Social Security (-26)
America's First Ambassador to the United Kingdom (-1)
Whiskey Ring Scandal (+1)
You can validate your puzzle solution with certitude.