U.S. Presidents Ranked by Approval Rating

Jimmy Carter won the 1976 election as a Washington outsider who promised honesty after the Watergate years. A former peanut farmer and governor of Georgia, he appealed to voters tired of corruption and career politicians. His humble style and focus on integrity helped him narrowly defeat Gerald Ford.

At first, Americans liked Carter’s honesty and down-to-earth personality. But the good feelings faded as inflation rose, gas prices soared, and the Iran hostage crisis dominated headlines. People started to see him as well-meaning but weak. His approval rating dropped to 28%, averaging just over 45% overall.