George Bush most unpopular living US president: Poll

Just 43 per cent of people questioned said they have a favorable opinion of Bush, while 54 per cent said they view him unfavorably, according to the poll by CNN.

Two-thirds of Americans, in contrast, said they have a positive view of Bush's predecessor, former President Bill Clinton.

Of the other living former presidents, Jimmy Carter is viewed favorably by 54 per cent of people questioned and George H W Bush gets a 59 per cent rating.

Bush's 43-per cent favorable rating is roughly the same as it was in 2010.

It is higher than it was immediately following his tenure in the White House in 2009, when his favorable rating bottomed out in the high 20s.

The new ratings could help direct President Barack Obama's campaign strategy before the November election. Obama has spent last few months bad-mouthing Bush's time in office, blaming him for the economic crisis, the soaring federal debt and two unfinished wars.

"Don't be surprised if the Obama campaign mentions the name of George W Bush at every opportunity, and don't be surprised if that strategy works," CNN Polling Director Keating Holland said.

"And the mention of Bush's name appears to prompt at least a few people to take a more positive view of their current financial situation."

The poll also reaffirms the Obama campaign's strategy of using Clinton to help campaign for Democrats in tough races around the nation.

When asked in the survey whether they are better or worse off than they were four years ago, Americans are split, 44 per cent to 43 per cent.

But when asked whether they are better or worse off than they were four years ago "when Bush was president," a small gap opens - 47 per cent say they are better off compared to 41 per cent who say they are worse off.