Abcess Makes The Heart Grow Fonder

Turns out that more than three years after leaving a bag full of flaming financial crisis on America's doorstep, hitting the doorbell, and flying away by helicopter, the country hasn't quite forgiven George W. Bush yet.

According to the poll, released Thursday morning, 43% of people questioned had a favorable opinion of Bush, with 54% saying they had an unfavorable view of the former president. Bush's 43% favorable rating is the same as it was in 2010 in CNN polling, but is up from his mid-30's favorable rating during 2009, his first year out of the White House.

"Don't be surprised if the Obama campaign mentions the name of George W. Bush at every opportunity, and don't be surprised if that strategy works," says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland. "And the mention of Bush's name appears to prompt at least a few people to take a more positive view of their current financial situation."

Bush remains the only living ex-President under water on favorability ratings.  More people like Jimmy Carter (54%), Poppy Bush (59%) and Bill Clinton (66%) these days, and with good reason:  Carter's at least doing productive things in his spare time, Bill is doing the rock star thing, and Poppy Bush is smart enough to keep his mouth shut.

I'd almost feel sorry for the little dipstick, but then I recall every awful year of his Presidency and remember that he really did screw the country royally.