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A President cannot always be popular.

I think George W. Bush has a warm, engaging personality. But, you know, the presidency is more than just a popularity contest.

It seems that elections today are more popularity than they are substantial issues.

I didn't go into politics because I wanted to win a popularity contest.

The post-presidency, as Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton have proved, is a win-win. Money, Nobels, the ability to leverage your global celebrity for any cause or hobbyhorse you wish, plus freedom to grab the mike whenever the urge takes you without any terminal repercussions.

It would be nice if we could all agree to this proposition: popularity is not the same as achievement.

Once a president gets to the White House, the only audience that is left that really matters is history.

I am clearly more popular than Reagan. I am in my third term. Where's Reagan? Gone after two! Defeated by George Bush and Michael Dukakis no less.

It's rare when a president wins the campaign without winning independents.

Second, the President's popularity has not translated into increased support for the Republican party or for the policies and approaches on domestic policy championed by the President.