PPP_Release_National_1211.pdfVoters look back favorably on Reagan

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Voters look back favorably on Reagan



Raleigh, N.C. – A new Public Policy Polling survey asking voters across the country to
reflect on the Presidents of the last 30 years finds Ronald Reagan as the most fondly
remembered, with George W. Bush edging out Barack Obama for ‘least popular’ honors.

41% of respondents chose Reagan as their favorite out of the last five Presidents,
followed by Bill Clinton at 27% and Barack Obama at 22%. The two Bushes both
register in single digits.

Reagan is the top choice of both Republicans (76%) and independents (41%). Reagan is
also the only one to get double digit support across party lines, with 11% of Democrats
picking him as their favorite. Clinton edges Obama 46-36 for top honors within their
party.

Obama is the top choice among liberals, Clinton is first among moderates, and Reagan is
best with conservatives. Reagan leads most demographic groups within the poll with the
exception of African Americans (where Obama does best) and Hispanics and young
voters (where Clinton does best.)

When it comes to least favorite President George W. Bush is most often picked at 38%
followed by Obama at 37% and Clinton in a distant third at 11%. Bush is the most
common choice of Democrats (58%) and independents (46%) while Obama is picked
most by Republicans (69%).

“It’s no wonder Republican politicians spend so much time invoking the memory of
Ronald Reagan,” said Dean Debnam, President of Public Policy Polling.
PPP conducted a national survey of 1,253 registered voters from December 4th to 7th.
The survey’s margin of error is +/-2.8%. Other factors, such as refusal to be interviewed
and weighting, may introduce additional error that is more difficult to quantify.
Complete results are attached and can be found at www.publicpolicypolling.com.