When Gallup published their most admired list for 2013, the first thing I thought was this will send conservatives over the edge.

Why? Gallup reports, “For the sixth consecutive year, Barack Obama ranks as the Most Admired Man among Americans, and Hillary Clinton is again the Most Admired Woman. Both won by comfortable margins.”

I think the key line is “Both won by comfortable margins.”

For as much hatred that is spewed from the right about Obama and Clinton, they are more admired than Pope Francis, former President George W. Bush, and even former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

The President did suffer from all the negativity. He came in at 30% in 2012; this year he has 16%. It appears it’s the same for Clinton with Gallup reporting, “The 15% naming her this year is down from 21% last year and is the lowest figure for her since 2006.”

The newest leader of the Tea Party, Sen. Ted Cruz, came in with 1%. He may need to read “Green Eggs and Ham” on the senate floor a few more times to be admired more. The Republican nominee for President in 2012, Mitt Romney, also came in at 1%.

Obama has won it every year since 2008. Clinton has won it 12 years in a row.

Overall, Rev. Billy Graham has been in the top ten 57 times since 1946. Next is my favorite President, Ronald Reagan, who made it 31 times. As for women, Queen Elizabeth II made the list 46 times since 1948 and Margaret Thatcher made it 34 times.

Looking at the top politicians on the 2013 list (who have not been elected President), it’s Hillary Clinton on the left and Sarah Palin on the right. That would be an interesting matchup if they both ran for President.

NOTE: If you are celebrating the New Year tonight, please don’t drink and drive. Make sure you have a designated driver. I need you back in 2014!

Happy New Year!

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