Believe it or not, the presidential election is still five months away. To pass the time, read. The following books rate former presidents and discuss how both parties have really messed things up.

Popular blogger (and Atlantic Monthly associate editor) Yglesias targets the foreign-policy shortcomings of Republicans and Democrats.

Heads in the Sand
By Matthew Yglesias
Wiley, $25.95
ISBN 9780470086223

Felzenberg uses six criteria—including character, vision and policy—to rank our presidents.

The Leaders We Deserved
By Alvin S. Felzenberg
Basic, $29.95
ISBN 9780465002917

Moderates make the best presidents, according to this historian who backs up his arguments with examples from Teddy Roosevelt through Bill Clinton.

Leading From the Center
By Gil Troy
Basic, $27.50
ISBN 9780465002931

Best-selling author Lakoff explains that to win, Democrats have to get voters to follow reason, rather than emotions. Good luck with that.

The Political Mind
By George Lakoff
Viking, $25.95
ISBN 9780670019274

In his "Manifesto," the former presidential candidate spells out the reasons he sees for the country's financial, political and civic problems.

The Revolution
By Ron Paul
Grand Central, $21
ISBN 9780446537513

Think you can spot a conservative from a mile away? Don't count on it, say these stereotype-debunking authors as they defend the Right's beleaguered reputation.

Why You're Wrong About the Right
By S.E. Cupp & Brett Joshpe
S&S/Threshold, $25
ISBN 9781416562825