More than half of Americans hold favorable views of the United States’ previous two presidents, Barack Obama and George W. Bush, according to Gallup.
Both Obama and Bush are viewed favorably by about six in 10 adults, and both are more popular than Trump, who registered a favorability rating of 40 percent in the current poll.
Bush, who left office in 2009 with a favorability rating of just 35 percent, now sits at 59 percent, just four points shy of Obama’s current favorability rating of 63 percent.
Bush’s favorability was at 52 percent a year ago, while Obama’s favorability was at 58 percent when he left office in January.
Bush’s national image has improved among nearly all major demographic and political groups, with young adults being the main exception. Only 42 percent of young adults view Bush favorably, a rating that has not changed from a year ago.
Compared to his 2009 low point, Bush’s favorable ratings have doubled among independents and quadrupled among Democrats.
Meanwhile, Obama’s popularity has crept up since his successor was elected. While Obama’s favorability rating of 63 percent is six percentage points off from his high point in March 2009, it has increased five percentage points since Trump took office.
In contrast to Bush, all major demographic groups view Obama favorably, including men, women, whites, nonwhites and every age category.
However, only 22 percent of Republicans view Obama favorably, whereas 95 percent of Democrats view him favorably. Obama’s popularity in his own party was higher than Bush’s, who is viewed favorably by 82 percent of Republicans.
The Gallup poll was conducted June 7-11, using a sample of 1,009 adults. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.
Other presidents have seen their favorability ratings climb after vacating their seats behind the Resolute Desk. Former President Bill Clinton had a post-presidential rating of 39 percent in March, 2001, but it rose to 69 percent in 2012, according to Gallup.President Trump’s approval rating was 38% in the most recent Gallup tracking poll.
President Trump’s approval rating was 38% in the most recent Gallup tracking poll.
Sources: Gallup, RealClearPolitics
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