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Telling poll reveals truth behind whether Americans prefer Obama or Trump as POTUS
As the United States prepares for key gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey on November 4, a new poll has shed light on the American public's current feelings toward former Presidents Barack Obama and Donald Trump.
With the midterm elections looming, this survey provides significant insight into how voters view these two political figures, their administrations, and their legacy.
Obama has remained an influential figure in American politics since his presidency ended in 2017. In recent weeks, he has actively campaigned for Democratic candidates, including Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger, who are running in states with close races.
During his rallies, Obama made pointed criticisms of the Trump administration, calling its policies "worse than even I expected" and accusing Trump of attacking free speech, immigrants, and public health. His strong words have not gone unnoticed, especially in the wake of a nationwide poll that reveals a clear preference for Obama over Trump among American voters.
The poll results: Obama's favorability vs. Trump's
The Marquette University poll, conducted between September 5 and September 24, surveyed 1,005 adults and provides a stark comparison between the two former presidents. According to the poll, 57% of respondents view Obama favorably, while 40% hold an unfavorable view, giving him a net favorability of +17 points. In contrast, 42% of Americans view Trump favorably, while 57% view him unfavorably, resulting in a net favorability of -15 points.
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Meena Bose, executive dean of Hofstra University's Peter S. Kalikow School of Government, Public Policy, and International Affairs, offered her perspective on the findings.
She suggested that Obama's continuing popularity could be attributed to his "personal appeal, inspirational rhetoric, and unanticipated success in the 2008 presidential race." She also pointed out that the "promise of hope and change" was a defining feature of Obama's campaign, and that influence is still felt today.
A broader look at presidential favorability
While the poll reveals Obama’s strong public support, it is important to note that it is part of a larger survey of presidential favorability since Ronald Reagan. Despite Obama's favorable standing, it is former President Reagan who stands out with the highest net favorability rating of +28 points.
In comparison, Joe Biden, the current president, holds the lowest favorability rating of any president in the survey, with a net rating of -24 points. According to Bose, Biden’s poor rating may be partially due to his controversial handling of key issues such as the withdrawal from Afghanistan, which continues to affect public perceptions of his presidency.
As American voters look ahead to the gubernatorial elections and the 2026 midterm elections, these favorability numbers provide a glimpse into the political climate. While Obama's continued popularity offers a sense of Democratic strength, the results also suggest that the Republican Party faces challenges, especially in states where Trump’s influence could impact voter sentiment.