Bill Clinton Bests Former Presidents to Handle Crisis Today, Newsmax/Zogby Poll Finds

By: Jim Meyers

If Americans could have a former living U.S. president run the country and deal with the problems facing the nation today, they would pick Bill Clinton by a wide margin, a Newsmax/Zogby poll reveals.

Former President Jimmy Carter came in last, garnering just 5 percent of support for his taking charge.

The exclusive Newsmax/Zogby poll also found that, if an election took place today between Barack Obama and George W. Bush or Hillary Clinton, Obama would beat both handily.

The Newsmax/Zogby poll asked respondents: ÒOf the current living former presidents, which do you think is best equipped to deal with the problems the country faces today?Ó

Bill Clinton got 41 percent of the vote, trouncing the others in the field of four. George W. Bush received just 15 percent, George H.W. Bush got 7 percent, and Jimmy Carter, just 5 percent. (Only 7 percent of Democrats surveyed opted for Carter.) But 26 percent chose Ònone,Ó and 5 percent were Ònot sureÓ (figures are rounded).

Clinton finished first among Democrats with a solid 69 percent, and among independents (40 percent). George W. Bush far outpaced Clinton among Republicans, 37 percent to 8 percent, although 33 percent of Republicans chose Ònone.Ó

Clinton also finished first among all age groups, all races, all religions, and both sexes, with a stronger showing among women (46 percent) than men (36 percent).

Pollster John Zogby said: ÒBill Clinton is an interesting choice among Ôliving former presidentsÕ because arguably he is the only one listed who did not face a huge national crisis. The Clinton years were dominated by peace and prosperity Ð unlike the Carter, George H.W. and George W. Bush years Ð and that is certainly part of the charm.

ÒBut Clinton maintains the reputation of being the smartest guy in the room and exudes that kind of confidence. He was re-elected and had significant crossover support in 1996 and Americans appreciate his post-presidency as well.Ó

When all living presidents, including Obama, were listed as choices, Obama Ñ despite his current low approval ratings Ñ finished first with 29 percent of the vote, followed by Clinton with a strong second (19 percent), George W. Bush (18 percent), George H.W. Bush (8 percent), and Carter (2 percent). "...(NewsMax)