A poll released yesterday (June 3) by CNN and ORC International found that only 49% of Americans have a “favorable” view of US president Barack Obama. Historically, presidents have been least popular with the public during their second terms in office, so it isn’t surprising to see Obama’s favorability rating slip below 50%. It’s not even the first time he has had less than a majority of favorable responses.
It is, however, the first time that he has been liked less than former president George W. Bush.
Bush, who left office in 2009 with a 35% favorability rating, is now viewed favorably by 52% of Americans surveyed. Based on past data (pdf) from the CNN/ORC poll, this marks the first time since 2005 that a majority have had a favorable opinion of Bush.
The survey was conducted between May 29 and May 31. Results are based on telephone interviews with 1,025 US adults.