[oldalum]

Based on the numbers, one would be justified in calling both Obama and Bush divisive relative to everyone else. Obama seems to be edging Bush in this category based on trend, but that could just be a function of recency, as the distance between the two parties grows.

As your last comment suggests, these data say nothing about cause.  Bush and Obama's actions and manner could in fact have been less divisive than other presidents, but interpreted as unbelievably outrageous by a highly polarized public. As the title of the chart says, these are public opinion ratings, not job/actions ratings.

[oldalum]

Based on the numbers, one would be justified in calling both Obama and Bush divisive relative to everyone else. Obama seems to be edging Bush in this category based on trend, but that could just be a function of recency, as the distance between the two parties grows.

As your last comment suggests, these data say nothing about cause.  Bush and Obama's actions and manner could in fact have been less divisive than other presidents, but interpreted as unbelievably outrageous by a highly polarized public. As the title of the chart says, these are public opinion ratings, not job/actions ratings.