Barack Obama ranks as the highest-rated U.S. president of the 21st century in most scholarly surveys, such as Siena Research Institute polls, due to his handling of the Great Recession, Affordable Care Act, and international diplomacy.[sri.siena]

Key Rankings

Siena studies place Obama at 11th-18th overall (top among post-2000 leaders), ahead of George W. Bush (35th-43rd, criticized for Iraq War and financial crisis), Bill Clinton (12th-24th, strong economy but scandals), George H.W. Bush (17th-22nd), and emerging rankings for Biden (19th-43rd) and Trump (low due to polarization).[wikipedia +1]