More than 10 years after the White House, Obama still outpaces Trump and Biden's ratings combined

WASHINGTON, DC: Former President Barack Obama continues to be seen positively among Americans, even 10 years after leaving the Oval Office.

As Obama is set to open his presidential library in Chicago, a new CNN survey published on Thursday, June 18, shows that he is still viewed far more positively than President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden.

Obama tops Trump and Biden combined among independents

A new CNN poll conducted by SSRS found that former President Barack Obama is the most favorably viewed recent US president, with 57% of Americans holding a positive opinion of him, more than a decade after he left office.

By comparison, President Donald Trump received a 34% favorability rating, while former President Joe Biden trailed at 30%.

Obama also significantly outperformed both men among independent voters. The poll found that 56% of independents viewed Obama favorably, compared to 25% for Trump and 20% for Biden.

Within their respective parties, Obama maintained near-universal support among Democrats, posting a 96% favorability rating. Biden was viewed positively by 71% of Democrats, while Trump earned a 79% favorability rating among Republicans.

Although only 19% of Republicans said they viewed Obama favorably, he still drew more support from the opposing party than either of his successors. Just 5% of Republicans held a favorable view of Biden, while Trump received the same 5% favorability rating among Democrats.

The survey also measured views of former Presidents George W Bush and Bill Clinton. Bush recorded a 42% favorability rating against a 33% unfavorable rating, while Clinton posted a 38% favorable rating and a 39% unfavorable rating.

Obama Presidential Library Opening

The Obama Presidential Center in Chicago's Jackson Park will officially be opened to the public on June 19, coinciding with the Juneteenth holiday.

The 20-acre South Side campus includes a four-story museum, a public library branch and expansive outdoor community spaces.

During the dedication ceremony, every living president will be in attendance except for Trump, who has used Truth Social to post memes comparing the Obama library to a dumpster.

"The Obama library 10 years from now will be a 'Mecca' for those who hate America," Trump wrote and attached a picture of the library containing a trash bag and surrounded by tents.