Via Will Bunch, we see that Teh Leader has just notched the worst approval rating of any president in recorded American history:

Among all Americans, 19% approve of the way Bush is handling his job as president and 77% disapprove. When it comes to Bush’s handling of the economy, 14% approve and 79% disapprove.

Bunch provides some perspective:

That is just mind-blowing. How does it compare to other presidents? There’s no comparison.

Nixon, as he was hounded out of office in August 1974, never dipped below the mid-20s.

Here’s a pretty good compilation of poll numbers from Roper. To summarize the highlights:

Clinton low: 36 percent, May 1993 (early missteps like Zoe Baird)

George H.W. Bush low: 29 percent, August 1992 (recession)

Reagan low: 35 percent, January 1983 (recession)

Carter low: 28 percent, July 1979 (high gas prices)

Ford low: 37 percent, January 1975 (economy, Nixon pardon)

Nixon low: 23 percent, January 1974 (Watergate)

Johnson low: 35 percent, August 1968 (Vietnam)

Lowest ever? That would be Harry Truman during the Korean War, in February 1952, at 22 percent.

But now a new, er, benchmark. Small wonder the likes of Abu Gonzales continues to insist history will view this administration better than the public does. Given these numbers, history’s gotta add a point or two.

Pic via the always-amusing Failblog.