We can learn a lot from our presidents — even the ones you don't like

Commanding personalities

As summer approaches, don’t forget your history. Here’s a presidential lesson or two.

John Quincy Adams — despite his great last name — was fierce, haughty, unforgiving. Also cold, austere. Swam naked every morning in the Potomac. Nice. Would make Putin look like a Hallmark valentine.

Cuddly Andrew Jackson. “Old Hickory” resolved differences with fists and a sword. Think Nancy Pelosi in long drawers.

Martin Van Buren. Smooth talker, perfumed dandy, loved making speeches.

1837 William Henry Harrison about whom even Mrs. Harrison couldn’t remember.

James Polk. Democrat. In his early days, palled around with Francis Scott Key, “The Star-Spangled Banner” author. Wherever they are now they’re toasting Taylor Swift.

1841, VP John Tyler suddenly becomes president.