New National Poll Shows Obama Leads Favorability Ratings While Trump and Congressional Leaders Trail
A newly released national survey offers a fresh look at how Americans currently view some of the country’s best-known political figures. The poll suggests that former President Barack Obama holds the highest favorability rating among the political leaders included in the survey, while President Donald Trump, several congressional leaders from both parties, and other high-profile figures received lower overall ratings.
The findings come from the latest Strength In Numbers/Verasight poll, which asked respondents to rate political figures using a “feeling thermometer” that ranges from 0 to 100. A higher score reflects a more positive opinion, while a lower score indicates a less favorable view.
According to the survey, Obama earned the highest average score of 54, making him the most positively viewed political figure among those measured. No other individual included in the poll reached the 50-point mark.
Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders ranked second with a score of 45. He was followed closely by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who received 44. The Democratic Party as a whole earned a rating of 43, matching former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Georgia Sen. Jon Ossoff followed with 42, while New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez received a score of 41.
Among Republican figures, Secretary of State Marco Rubio received the highest rating, earning 41 points. Former Vice President Kamala Harris also scored 41, while both the Republican Party and California Gov. Gavin Newsom received ratings of 39.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were tied with average scores of 38. Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk followed closely behind with a rating of 36.
The survey also measured public opinion of congressional leadership, where the results were noticeably lower. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries received a rating of 36, while House Speaker Mike Johnson earned 33. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Majority Leader John Thune each received a score of 30, placing them among the lowest-rated political leaders included in the poll.
Former television host Tucker Carlson recorded the lowest overall rating in the survey, finishing with an average score of 28.
In addition to measuring overall public opinion, the poll also explored how voters within each political party view possible future leaders. Among respondents who identified as Republicans, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio each received a rating of 68 when participants were asked about their feelings heading toward the 2028 political landscape.
Among Democratic respondents, Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani each received a rating of 72. While Mamdani was included in the survey, he is not eligible to run for President of the United States.
The survey also highlighted differences within the Democratic Party. According to analysis accompanying the poll, Democratic respondents showed stronger support for leaders identified with the party’s progressive wing and newer generation of politicians than for those considered more moderate.
The latest poll provides another snapshot of current public opinion rather than predicting future election results. Public attitudes toward political figures often change over time as national events, policy debates, and election campaigns continue to shape voter views.
As the political environment continues to evolve, surveys like this help illustrate how Americans currently feel about many of the country’s most recognizable political leaders across both major parties.
Sources
- Strength In Numbers/Verasight Poll
- Verasight (Official Polling Organization)
