Obama, Clinton, Palin Top Most-Admired Lists

Despite falling approval ratings, President Obama is the most admired man among Americans polled. He’s got “a very strong fan base,” says a pollster from Gallup, which conducted the survey with USA Today. Obama’s 30% of the vote, though partisan enough, is a blowout compared to the women’s contest, where Hillary Clinton’s 16% stake barely edged out Sarah Palin’s 15%.

Clinton’s top spot continues a dazzling 17-year run where she has placed either first or second. George W. Bush placed second in the men’s competition, ahead of Nelson Mandela at third and Glenn Beck at fourth. Michelle Obama made the women’s list at fourth, ahead of Elin Nordegren at ninth, but behind Oprah in third. Tiger Woods ties Bill Clinton for 10^th—and this poll was conducted in mid-December. (More President Obama stories.)