Former President George W. Bush has gained in popularity since leaving the White House in 2009, even among Democrats.
The percentage of Americans who say they have a favorable view of the 43rd president has risen 7 points over the past year, according to a new Gallup survey. Bush’s favorability rating now stands at 59 percent, nearly catching President Obama, who is viewed favorably by 63 percent of those surveyed.
While Bush’s favorability remains unchanged among young adults at 42 percent, he has seen a significant bump among Democrats and independent voters. Democrats have a 41 percent favorable view of Bush compared to 33 percent one year ago. His favorability among non-white voters also rose from 39 percent in 2016 to 47 percent in the most recent survey.
Gallup’s polling reveals Bush has enjoyed a steady improvement in his national image since his post-presidential low-point in 2009. In March of 2009 independents held a 29 percent favorable view of Bush compared to 56 percent today. Only 10 percent of Democrats viewed Bush favorably in 2009 compared to 41 percent in Gallup’s June 2017 survey.
Still, Bush and Obama have a long ways to go in matching Ronald Reagan’s post-presidential record-setting approval of 74 percent in 2001. Gallup notes a lower profile after the presidency could be a factor in improving their favorability ratings.
