The latest Gallup poll has revealed that President Joe Biden least liked living president, trailing behind former President Donald Trump by nearly ten percentage points.
The survey, which assessed the favorability ratings of the five living U.S. presidents, highlighted significant public sentiment shifts, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 election. While Biden struggles with approval, former President Barack Obama remains the most popular among the five, enjoying widespread favorability.
Obama Tops the List as the Most Liked Living President
Among the five living U.S. presidents—Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama—the former two-term president, Obama, stands out as the most favored leader. The poll indicates that 59% of Americans view Obama favorably, reinforcing his enduring popularity more than seven years after leaving office.
Obama’s relatively high favorability can be attributed to several factors, including his well-regarded leadership style, charisma, and ability to connect with diverse groups. His administration’s policies, which focused on healthcare, economic recovery, and social justice, have continued to shape his public image positively.
Unlike his successors, Obama has largely remained out of the political fray, selectively engaging in national discussions without being embroiled in ongoing controversies. His ability to maintain a statesman-like presence post-presidency may have contributed to his continued popularity.
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Coming in second place is former President George W. Bush, with a favorability rating of 52%. While his presidency faced significant challenges, including the Iraq War and the 2008 financial crisis, Bush has managed to rehabilitate his image over time.
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His bipartisan efforts, humanitarian work, and relative silence on divisive political matters in recent years have earned him more goodwill among Americans, particularly when compared to his tenure in office.
Biden least liked living president, Falling Behind Trump
President Joe Biden finds himself at the bottom of the list, with only 39% of Americans viewing him favorably. This places him nine points behind Trump, who holds a 48% favorability rating, tying with Bill Clinton.
Biden’s approval rating has suffered significant declines, particularly following a series of domestic and international challenges that have eroded public confidence in his leadership.
One of the major factors contributing to Biden’s declining popularity is growing concern over his age and perceived capacity to lead effectively. His performance in public appearances, including a widely criticized debate performance on June 27, has fueled doubts about his ability to govern for another term.
Additionally, economic concerns, such as inflation and cost-of-living increases, have placed added pressure on his administration, leading to dissatisfaction among voters. Foreign policy challenges have also played a role in Biden’s unfavorable ratings.
His handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and tensions in the Middle East have raised questions about his decision-making capabilities. While his administration has touted achievements such as job growth and infrastructure investments, these have not been enough to sway public perception in his favor.
Trump, while second to last in the rankings, has seen a modest improvement in his favorability ratings compared to past years. With a near-even split between favorable and unfavorable views, he remains a polarizing figure.
Despite his ongoing legal battles and controversies, Trump has retained a strong base of support, which has bolstered his ratings. His recent indictment in the classified documents case and other legal troubles have paradoxically energized his supporters, who view these challenges as politically motivated attacks against him.
Historical Trends in Favorability Ratings
Looking at historical trends, favorability ratings for former presidents tend to fluctuate over time, often improving as they distance themselves from active politics. Both Bush and Clinton, who were once highly divisive figures during their presidencies, have seen their public images soften over the years.
Bush, in particular, was deeply unpopular during his final years in office but has since been viewed more favorably as the political climate has shifted. Clinton, despite past scandals, has maintained a relatively stable favorability rating.
Trump’s ratings have remained consistently divisive, with a core base of unwavering support balanced by strong opposition. While his favorability rating has never reached the levels of Obama or Bush, his ability to maintain a stable level of support indicates his ongoing influence in American politics. His ratings have also been influenced by his media presence, frequent rallies, and active engagement with supporters.
Biden, on the other hand, faces a more precarious situation. His best favorability rating came in January 2017, when 61% of Americans viewed him positively at the end of his vice presidency. Upon assuming the presidency in 2021, he still enjoyed a relatively high favorability rating of 59%. However, as his administration faced mounting challenges, his ratings declined sharply.
The latest Gallup poll suggests that Biden’s struggles in public perception are unlikely to improve in the near term unless his administration can effectively address key voter concerns. With the 2024 election on the horizon, Biden will need to work diligently to regain public trust and counter the growing skepticism surrounding his leadership.
The polling data also underscores broader trends in American political polarization. Public opinion of presidents is increasingly shaped by partisan loyalty, media narratives, and real-time political developments.
While Obama, Bush, and Clinton benefit from the post-presidency effect, where they are no longer active political figures, Biden and Trump remain at the center of contentious debates, leading to more divided perceptions.
In conclusion, Biden’s position as the least liked living president, trailing even Trump by a significant margin, reflects the current challenges facing his administration.
As he navigates the final years of his term, the path to improving his public perception remains steep. Meanwhile, Obama continues to enjoy widespread approval, solidifying his legacy as one of the most well-regarded modern presidents.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏