Interactive Dynamic Map Example

MJ Perry points me to this interactive data visualization map that shows the number of living US presidents since 1789.  I like the general design, although the implied drill down really does not have enough data.  It's really just a list of numbers.  Suppose there were more horizontal layers of data? Debt,  GNP, etc.  Suppose we could create interactive simulation-style visualizations that were as sexy as 'infographics', to make interactive just as interesting?