Though President Obama’s job approval score has been strong since he took office, historical polling data shows his popularity during his first 100 days is right in the middle of the scores other new presidents received from the public over the past 60 years

President Obama is just average.

At least by the standard of approval ratings.

Though Obama’s job approval score is strong and has been since he took office, historical polling data shows Obama’s popularity during his first 100 days is right in the middle of the scores other new presidents received from the public over the past 60 years.

Obama’s 63 percent average, according to a study released by Gallup last month, is the highest for a new president since Jimmy Carter (he clocked in at 69 percent during his first 100 days).

But John F. Kennedy bested Obama by more than 10 points, with 74 percent. Dwight Eisenhower enjoyed a 71 percent rating early on.

Even Richard Nixon averaged a 62 percent approval rating, just 1 point shy of Obama’s.

Overall, Obama’s average for the first three months matched the historical average of 63 percent for presidents since Eisenhower.

When you include presidents who took the oath mid-term — after the death or resignation of a president — Obama’s 63 percent looks paltry.

Harry Truman enjoyed 87 percent approval, while Lyndon Johnson enjoyed 76 percent.

Obama might have benefited, too, from the unpopularity of his predecessor.

Even after the contested 2000 election, though, George W. Bush averaged 58 percent in his first 100 days, according to the study.

Ronald Reagan averaged 60 percent, George H.W. Bush averaged 57 percent and Bill Clinton averaged 55 percent.

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