The question has been asked how George W. Bush can be considered the
42nd president when, in fact, history shows us he is the 43rd.  The
answer is actually quite simple.

George W. Bush is the 42nd *individual* to hold the office of President
of the United States.  Although Grover Cleveland served two terms as
President, his terms were split; therefore he was both the 22nd and the
24th president.  His first term was 1885-1889, and his second term was
1893-1897.  Benjamin Harrison served during the intervening years as
President # 23.