If given the chance, Americans would prefer to have Bubba or the Gipper come to their barbecue this Fourth of July.
A Harris Poll shows that 28% of Americans would prefer to have former President Bill Clinton in their backyard for Friday’s festivities. Former President Ronald Reagan came in second, with 22% of those polled saying they would want the late Republican at their party.
Clinton, who became of vegan in 2010, might even sneak a bite of a deviled egg after acknowledging last year that he sometimes cheats on his animal product-free diet.
While each got the most support from their respective parties, Clinton and Reagan — who died in 2004 — were nearly even among Independents.
President Barack Obama came in third, with 16% of Americans saying they would want him to stop by and help out on the grill.
Former President George W. Bush didn’t do so favorably, coming in fourth with only 12% saying they would likely send him an invite. But if he was at the party, 29% believe Bush 43 would fall in the pool with his clothes on.
It wouldn’t be the first blunder for Bush. After a 2005 press conference in Beijing, Bush tried to exit a locked door, only to be left standing there for an awkward moment or two.
If those polled could have any Founding Father in politics today, the majority sided with either Thomas Jefferson or Benjamin Franklin. Jefferson beat his historic rival and presidential predecessor, John Adams, by 27 points in the poll.
Jefferson did most favorable with Republicans, getting 40% of their vote, while Franklin was even among Republicans, Democrats and Independents with 33%.
