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A 2002 article by Ron Faucheux called "The Ups and Downs of Presidential Popularity," written during the height of President Bush's post-9/11 approval ratings, offers an intriguing historical survey. Presidential approval polls are relatively new. The Gallup Organization started the tradition in 1938, during Franklin D. Roosevelt's second term. Not surprisingly, the numbers tend to spike in times of war. The record holder for highest approval rating? President George W. Bush, who topped out at 90% in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. His father is the runner-up, with an 89% rating during the first Gulf War. Harry Truman scored 87% in April, 1945, following FDR's death and during the final stages of
World War II. FDR achieved 84% after Pearl Harbor. The all-time worst numbers belong to Harry Truman (23%), who also holds the record for the biggest range in approval rating. George H. W. Bush eventually sank to 29%. Carter hit 28%, and Nixon was at 24% before he resigned. For a great survey of approval ratings and how they can affect elections, check out this 2003 USA Today article.
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