Which recent President ended up more popular than when they started?

http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/documents/info-presapp0605-31.html

(yeah, you gotta click it, no spoilers here)

Duh!

Because, he was a great President! Not neccessarily a great person.

So what's different from all the other politicians?

IMHO, it's because he interacted with the people and actually tried to strike a balance that made sense for all involved.

He's made that point repeatedly in interviews. Also has not been all that shy about where he struck it wrong, with media deregulation being one he would do differently, if he had another shot at it. Hearing him talk is hearing somebody with plenty of smarts, their beliefs and a problem to resolve. The idea of balance really meant having to do some things the information suggests is right, but might not be what one personally would prefer. That ability to step aside and lead is important.

Of that group, and of the Presidents I remember, he's the only one I thought actually cared. This is why I like Edwards, BTW. He's got that same spark when he talks.

I remember enjoying having the President on. Would stop what I'm doing and watch the address and it mattered, not in that "how are we gonna get fucked now?" kind of way, but rather the "what's changing now and how will it impact all of us" kind of way.

Watching an address from the (P)resident today is just horrible. His father was better, but still I didn't get that connected sense as in the President being somebody I would not mind talking to and could respect for differences. Clinton has this, Edwards has this, Gore kinda sorta, maybe if he's working his ass off, has this. Maybe not, maybe I just think he will lead well. This is one of the problems with Gore, IMHO. If he works a bit harder on being real, perhaps it will all come out in the wash.

Reagan had this too, but he was just a poor President. The numbers kind of support that in that Reagan almost broke even.