Actually Franklin was on par with Washington in that respect. It was Franklin's suggestion of a two house system that saved the Constitutional Convention when they could not find a compromise that the small and large states could agree upon. Franklin was one of a few, like Washington, that everyone would listen to.

Franklin was widely respected indeed, and he accomplished as much as anyone might in a lifetime. But in terms of who was considered the obvious choice for leader of our country, it was no contest. When it came time to choose who should be President, Washington was the clear choice.

 

For that reason, I'd choose Washington.

 

In terms of who left the biggest mark on our country and the world, I agree though, you could choose any one of Washington, Franklin, Jefferson and Hamilton, and probably not go wrong with any of them.

Franklin also wrangled French support.

Franklin was widely respected indeed, and he accomplished as much as anyone might in a lifetime. But in terms of who was considered the obvious choice for leader of our country, it was no contest. When it came time to choose who should be President, Washington was the clear choice.

 

For that reason, I'd choose Washington.

 

In terms of who left the biggest mark on our country and the world, I agree though, you could choose any one of Washington, Franklin, Jefferson and Hamilton, and probably not go wrong with any of them.

 

Franklin was considered too old so his contributions and record wasn't even considered for the first executive branch position.