Presidents more important to the country outside of the presidency

[Oswald Acted Alone, You Kook]

Let's get the obvious ones out of the way:

William Henry Harrison
Zachary Taylor
James Garfield

[Joe Republic]

Herbert Hoover deserves a mention.  His presidency was the major black mark on an otherwise stellar career.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

While I have rather positive opinion of Carter's presidency, he fits this category as well.

I'd say the same about Taft, who was more important as Chief Justice than President.

John Quincy Adams' earlier and later career also seems more vague than four years as President.

Hm, maybe also James Madison. His presidential record wasn't great and he's better known for his work during writing the constitution.

U.S. Grant's achievements as General were far greater and important for the country, than poor Presidency.

[True Federalist (진정한 연방 주의자)]

Thomas Jefferson

As President, Governor of Virgina, and in managing his personal affairs he stunk.  But he was extremely eloquent, and as long as you kept him away from any position where he was the one who was ultimately responsible, he was very competent.  Indeed, in his honor the Peter Principle should be renamed the Thomas Theory.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Martin Van Buren too. His legacy lies in being a chief architect of the Democratic Party and one of the very first political operatives, than unimpressive presidency.

I'd also say Adams contributions as a founding father were greater than presidency.

And if we're talking solely about comparing an accomplishment or failures, the winner is James Buchanan. Illustrious public career before a disastrous presidency.

[Oswald Acted Alone, You Kook]

This is debatable, but...

Eisenhower. He was the Supreme Commander of the Alied Forces in WWII.

[🐒Gods of Prosperity🔱🐲💸]

possibly Taft, with his positions as Governor of the Philippines, Sec of War, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

[bloombergforpresident]

Washington because of all he did in the Revolutionary War. but about the same pre-presidency and presidency.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

Washington because of all he did in the Revolutionary War. but about the same pre-presidency and presidency.

Washington significance as General and as first President basically balances each other.