Originally Posted by CarlosTheGaucho

The premise of that "Americans chose" is misleading.

Median age of those polled and the 'first or second' are a big factor there. In one's lifetime means that the younger people obviously choose from a much shorter list.

If the polled were adults and the median age would be say 40 or less. you'll end up, with likely a majority of those younger than 40 that could only choose between Clinton or Obama.

With GWB 43 obviously the other, and poorest choice. The only other president that could have come into question for those would be GWB 41, another not exactly remarkable president.

Ronald Reagan, while earning 32 pct. obviously was the no. 1 choice for those more conservative leaning. with the median age over 40. Since those under 40 will hardly even remember him.

All in all, this poll compares different groups of people, that have an uneven choice.

Statistically, it would obviously make sense to compare only those groups, that can remember an even amount of presidents during their lifetime, or better adulthood.