Two-plus years after leaving the White House, Barack and Michelle Obama are the most admired man and woman in America.
YouGov recently released the results of a poll that asked thousands of Americans, "Thinking about people alive in the world today, which [man or woman] do you most admire?"
After creating a list of nominees, the pollsters then asked participants to select a few names from the list before choosing the person they most admire.
The numbers were combined into a percentage share of admiration, displayed to the right of each name in the graphic below. For the men, Barack Obama won 19.85% of the vote with Donald Trump at 11.5%, and Clint Eastwood at 7.47% rounding out the top three.
Other American political figures on the list include Joe Biden at number 6 (4.78%) and Bernie Sanders at 7 (4.66%).
Strangely, Vladimir Putin, the autocratic leader of Russia came in at number 15 with 0.89% of the vote.
RELATED: 28 Of Barack Obama's Greatest Achievements As President Of The United States
On the women's side, Michelle Obama won by a large margin (15.37%) over number 2, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (10.43%), and number 3, Melania Trump (8.3%).
American female political figures who also made the list include Condoleezza Rice (5.21%) at 7, Hillary Clinton (4.46%) at 8, Nikki Haley (3.88%) at 9, and Ivanka Trump (2.89%) at 11.
Since leaving office, Barack Obama has kept a relatively low profile. He made a series of speeches in 2018 that put him back in the spotlight. One was a Eulogy at John McCain's funeral and the other was at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana, where he took veiled shots at President Trump.
RELATED: Michelle Obama shared how her mom keeps her humble, and people are loving it
"We're supposed to stand up to discrimination," Obama said. "And we're sure as heck supposed to stand up clearly and unequivocally to Nazi sympathizers. How hard can that be, saying that Nazis are bad?
In November 2017 he served jury duty.
OBAMA!Jury duty & I just shook hands with the best president ever!! #obama #Chicago #juryduty @BarackObama @POTUS44 @MichelleObama pic.twitter.com/OxdX2g2E0F
— Angel Martinez (@1992AngelM) November 8, 2017
It's believed that Barack will re-enter the political fray in 2020 to help the Democrats defeat Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Michelle Obama has had an eventful time in her post-White House days. In 2018, she released "Becoming" and according to its publisher, Random House, it may become the best-selling memoir of all time.
Michelle backed up the book's release with a massive tour at arenas across the country.
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
Salzburg at nightCanva
Fancy homeCanva
Happy volunteersCanva
Parents of young children get more time with them if they work from home.Photo credit: Canva
Juicy subject matter
Giphy from The Blacklist.
We could start a rumor.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.