Obama Sanders and Carson Among Most Liked Political Figures in New Surveys

As political divisions continue to deepen across the country, a new set of public opinion surveys shows that some of the most prominent names in American politics continue to maintain significant favorability among the public.

Former President Barack Obama, Senator Bernie Sanders, and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson have emerged as three of the most liked figures in the political landscape according to recent national polling.

Obama, who left office in January 2017 after two terms, remains a popular figure among Democrats and moderates alike. In a recent nationwide survey, 58 percent of respondents said they viewed Obama either “very favorably” or “somewhat favorably.”

In contrast, 36 percent reported that they had a “somewhat unfavorable” or “very unfavorable” opinion of the former president. That results in a net positive favorability rating of 22 percentage points, the highest margin of any Democratic figure included in the poll.

Although Obama has remained largely out of the day-to-day political spotlight, he has not been shy about speaking out on critical issues, particularly those concerning democracy, voting rights, and the direction of the country under the new Trump administration.

His continued presence in American political discourse, whether through public statements, occasional appearances, or his foundation’s civic initiatives, appears to keep his image positive among a broad segment of voters.

Senator Bernie Sanders, the longtime Independent from Vermont who caucuses with the Democrats, also continues to maintain a solid base of support. According to the same survey, 50 percent of respondents said they viewed Sanders favorably, either “very” or “somewhat,” while 38 percent said they had an unfavorable view.

This results in a 12-point net favorability score, placing him among the top-liked progressive political figures in the country.

Sanders has remained one of the most vocal critics of the Trump administration, especially on issues of income inequality, corporate power, and healthcare. He has recently been traveling the country alongside Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez as part of a public speaking tour dubbed the “Fighting Oligarchy” campaign.

The tour has drawn thousands of attendees even in traditionally Republican strongholds like Idaho and Montana. The goal of the campaign, Sanders said, is to build a coalition that is willing to challenge the concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few.

"The billionaire class has rigged the system," Sanders told a crowd in Boise. "And it is going to take all of us, not just Democrats, not just progressives, but working people of all backgrounds to stand up and say enough is enough."

While Sanders’s views remain divisive among some moderates and conservatives, his authenticity and consistency continue to earn him respect, even among those who disagree with him.

On the Republican side, Ben Carson remains one of the more favorably viewed figures, according to polling focused specifically on Republican politicians. Carson, a renowned neurosurgeon who served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during Trump’s first term, was viewed favorably by 35 percent of respondents.

Meanwhile, 29 percent said they viewed him unfavorably, giving him a net positive rating of 6 percentage points — the highest among the Republican names included in the poll.

Carson has remained active in public life, particularly in conservative circles, where he frequently speaks on issues such as faith, education, and the U.S. Constitution. In late 2023, Carson publicly endorsed Donald Trump’s third bid for the presidency, throwing his support behind the former president at a critical moment in the GOP primary landscape.

"Donald Trump believes in our freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to keep and bear arms," Carson said. "So we can fix our country, and we can make America great again. And President Donald J. Trump is the person to do that."

Carson’s support has helped solidify Trump’s standing among evangelical voters and older conservatives, even as divisions within the party remain over the direction of Republican leadership and strategy.

Though Trump himself was not among the most favorably viewed figures in the same set of surveys, his influence on the party remains undeniable. The former president has continued to campaign aggressively, hold rallies, and weigh in on current political debates.

His relationship with figures like Carson and others who served in his administration demonstrates that his base of loyal allies is still active and vocal.

Meanwhile, figures like Obama and Sanders offer a sharp contrast, not only in ideology but also in tone. Obama, often seen as a unifying presence within the Democratic Party, continues to promote civic engagement and voter turnout initiatives.

Sanders, on the other hand, pushes the Democratic Party to the left, advocating for structural economic reform and a more aggressive challenge to corporate influence.

Despite their differences in political strategy, both men have managed to maintain strong personal approval ratings, which is not easy in today’s polarized environment.

Part of this may be due to their longevity in the public eye. Obama’s time as president was marked by steady approval from core supporters, and his post-presidential brand remains intact.

Sanders, despite never winning the Democratic nomination, has consistently drawn strong support from young voters and progressives who see him as one of the few politicians genuinely fighting for working-class interests.

Carson’s continued favorability, though more modest, is also notable given his relatively low media profile since leaving the Trump cabinet. Unlike some other former Trump officials who have become cable news personalities or taken on partisan attack roles, Carson has largely remained focused on policy issues and community outreach. His background as a medical doctor and his religious faith continue to endear him to segments of the Republican base.

However, some political analysts note that favorability ratings don’t always translate into political momentum. High favorability means a politician is well liked, but it does not necessarily mean they can mobilize voters or build broad coalitions.

In the case of Sanders, some Democrats still blame his 2016 campaign for creating party divisions. For Carson, critics argue that while he is well liked, he lacks the political instinct and influence to lead the party in a new direction.

Still, these latest surveys offer insight into how Americans are feeling about familiar political figures as the country moves deeper into another election cycle. With Trump back in office and controversy already surrounding his administration, Democrats and Republicans alike are positioning themselves for what is likely to be another fiercely contested political season.

For many voters, especially those feeling disillusioned with the current state of politics, figures like Obama, Sanders, and Carson offer something more personal — a sense of authenticity, moral clarity, or consistency in messaging.

In a political era increasingly defined by noise, shifting alliances, and rapid media cycles, familiarity and trust remain powerful factors in shaping public opinion.

In Obama’s case, his ability to remain above partisan bickering while still championing major issues gives him broad appeal. He rarely engages in direct attacks but uses carefully chosen moments to speak on democracy, race relations, and national unity. His popularity continues to be an asset for the Democratic Party, especially among younger voters and communities of color.

Sanders, by contrast, has never softened his tone. He speaks with urgency about wealth inequality and corporate power, sometimes frustrating establishment Democrats but continuing to motivate a base that sees him as a rare voice for change.

His ongoing tour with Ocasio-Cortez aims to bring new energy to midwestern and rural voters who feel left out of traditional Democratic messaging.

Carson’s appeal lies in his calm, almost understated approach. He speaks with a focus on personal responsibility, faith, and American values. Even those who disagree with him politically often describe him as thoughtful and measured.

As political battles continue in Washington and across the country, these three figures offer a glimpse into the personalities and platforms that still resonate with the American public. Whether they choose to run for office again or remain in the background, their continued favorability underscores the public’s desire for leaders they feel they can believe in.