In the realm of US presidencies, four individuals remain from the living past, and popularity drastically differs within the American population. Strikingly, the would-be President known as Joe Biden, is kept at arm’s length by a significant majority, as evidenced by recent polling data.
A Gallup poll executed in the previous month stunningly highlights an alarming fact; Joe Biden is shadowed by a cloud of unfavorable regard from 57% of the surveyed participants. Given consideration of his inglorious exit from the Oval Office earlier in the year after just one term, it is hardly surprising.
Unfortunately for Biden, a shocking 39% registered approval for the ex-President, a disappointing figure after serving in the nation’s highest office. The lack of favorability appeared well distributed, targeting even the independent faction and his contingent of followers.
Striping away partisan biases, independent citizens highlighted a disappointing 60% who harbored unfavorable perspectives for Biden. Simultaneously, an emerging 20% from the Democratic base broke ranks, expressing negativity toward the former leader who was unable to withstand the 2024 presidential race’s competitive dynamics.
Biden chose to step back from the political limelight, yielding the 2024 race to Kamala Harris, who held the Vice Presidential position. This maneuver, however, doesn’t seem to have won him any significant approval from the masses.
Drawing a comparison to another highly discussed figure, Donald Trump, the poll revealed a more balanced image for the former president. His fan base versus critics were split down the middle, with 48% of surveyed Americans harboring a favorable opinion while 50% disapproved.
Interestingly, the poll numbers for Biden and Trump remained remarkably consistent when compared to the aftermath of the 2024 Presidential Election. This reveals how deeply ingrained these opinions are, unswayed by the shifting dunes of political transition.
However, Trump’s current standing within the nation seems to be an improvement if we recall the years 1999 and 2005. Back then, prior to his political endeavors, he collected his highest approval ratings from his time hosting ‘The Apprentice’.
Leaving our recent ex-presidents, the survey spotlighted popularity figures for prior leaders. Contrasting with the likes of Biden and Harris, past leaders did show robust favorability ratings that are deeply missed in today’s political landscape.
Barack Obama, despite the odds, remains the nation’s darling ex-president with a remarkable 59% approval rating shadowed by only a 36% disapproval figure. Serving two commendable terms, it’s a wonder how his successors couldn’t follow the example.
George W. Bush, who completed two presidential terms like Obama, maintains a positive perception among Americans. His score clocked in at 52%, suggesting that his presidency was perhaps more appreciated in retrospect, considering the recent bouts of leadership.
Similarly, Bill Clinton shares a spot with Donald Trump in the approval hall of fame, both boasting a 48% favorability rating. Unlike Trump, however, Clinton held his critics at bay, with a lower disapproval rating at just 41%.
This eye-opening poll was the result of Gallup’s thorough survey running Jan. 21-27, analyzing the political leanings of 1,001 U.S. adults. The conducted telephone interviews held a reasonable margin of sampling error of plus-or-minus four percentage points.
In conclusion, despite the ebb and flow of political moods, cherished figures like Obama remain popular while Biden and Harris exemplify how one misstep makes for a steep fall. Lessons reside within these poll numbers, serving as a mirror to leaders, past and present.