No past president was all good. Lincoln had his hangups and insecurities which did temper some bad decisions. However, his intent was beyond his own hangups, which if you read his writings, would indicate that he was forward thinking for his day. Far more than most Americans at the time.
Obama equates himself to Lincoln as a forward thinker. However, his premise of hope and change is based on a world socialism, not simply socialism for the US. It's far more reaching than US borders.
Other presidents were absolutely riddled with their own insecurities and ego. For all the good that Reagan did with his silver tongue and some good deeds, his presidency is the source of the Iran-Contra Affair. There were some pretty nasty coverups. Some of Reagan's economic policies set precedent for the mess we're in now.
FDR, right or wrong did what his two predecessors refused to do: save the country.By the time FDR got the New Deal in motion the country was already in a serious fire sale. And look at Social Security today. The New Deal was a mixed bag.
Johnson's ego got us into Vietnam. Nixon was a powermonger with a filthy mouth and willing to take anyone down in his path. Carter was as much a religious zealot as Bush and floundered with his own need to peddle his religion, but the ONE good thing Carter did was the Middle East talks between Manacham Begin and Anwar Sadat. No one has since been able to get either side to talk seriously about peace and equity.
W was deluded with his own mental illness, ego and Bible belt "God is on my side" thinking.
My thinking is that there is some good. The best good was actually accidental in most cases. They didn't realize at the time the far reaching effects of their policies, good or bad. Those who were less concerned about being right, less concerned about their fame and how history would portray them, who didn't let their egos rule them, usually did some good for the US.
I'm not sure that there is a good option for President in the future. Washington is more concerned about their power, influence, wealth, and standing. You play the game or you die. Obama is learning he has to play the game, or he gets nothing in return. Same as every president learns.