2010 Favorable Ratings: Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, Among National Adults and by Party ID

Democrats view Clinton and Obama similarly, but independents and Republicans have more positive views of Clinton than of Obama. Partisan impressions of Bush and Obama are mirror images. Independents, however, view Bush less favorably than Obama (37% vs. 50%).

This is the first time in Gallup polling that Clinton’s favorable rating exceeds Obama’s. Clinton’s rating has increased considerably since the 2008 presidential election campaign (and before Hillary Clinton assumed the role of secretary of state), rising to 61% from 52% in August 2008.