Obama Holds Higher Favorability Than Donald Trump
New polling data shows former President Barack Obama leads Donald Trump in net favorability ratings nationwide.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Employment
Live Poll
Does a former president's popularity still significantly influence the outcome of national midterm elections?
CNN analyst Harry Enten reported that former President Barack Obama maintains a net favorability rating of +20 points, significantly outpacing Donald Trump at -18 points. This assessment stems from recent survey data used to gauge the potential influence of each figure on election outcomes.
Why it matters
Understanding these favorability gaps helps provide context for how voters perceive political figures ahead of midterm elections. Analysts monitor these metrics to determine which former presidents might influence voter turnout or candidate support in competitive races.
Survey data from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and YouGov indicates Barack Obama holds a +19 net favorability rating among independent voters, whereas Donald Trump sits at -38 among the same group. The total sample population for these metrics was not specified.
The players
Barack Obama
He served as the 44th President of the United States.
Donald Trump
He is the current President of the United States.
Harry Enten
He is a senior data reporter and analyst for CNN.
The details
The analysis compared the two presidents to evaluate their ongoing political influence. The findings highlight a sharp divide in how independent voters view each man, a metric often scrutinized for its impact on battleground states like Michigan.
Timeline
October 26, 2026: CNN aired the News Central segment reporting these figures.
Macro View
This analysis mirrors historical trends where parties assess the electoral value of popular former presidents during midterm cycles. It marks a departure from cycles where such figures held similar favorability, instead highlighting a widening gap in independent support between the two men.
These favorability ratings serve as an indicator of which political messaging may resonate with voters in their local districts. Readers can expect campaigns to adjust their focus based on which of these figures aligns better with the concerns of their independent voter base.
The takeaway
Voters should look beyond net favorability scores to consider the specific policy issues candidates are emphasizing in their local races. These numbers provide a snapshot of national sentiment but do not dictate the final outcome of any individual election.
Further reading
For broader trends in political polling and analysis, visit the Employment section.
Live Poll
Does a former president's popularity still significantly influence the outcome of national midterm elections?
