Who's Funding Bush's Library?

He's 'impossible to dislike,' she tells Larry King

(NEWSER) - No one can stay mad at Bill Clinton—not even the guy he kicked out of the White House. Poppy and Barbara Bush sang his praises on Larry King last night, Mediaite observes, with George touting their “really good personal relationship.” Barbara Bush admitted that it took her a while to warm to him. “But you can’t dislike Bill Clinton. He’s very likable. And he’s so good to George. He would let George have the bed. … I have a feeling Bill wishes he had a father like George.” More»

It's clear the legend can't hack it anymore

(NEWSER) - If you needed proof that it’s time for Larry King to retire—beyond the plummeting ratings —you got it during his painful interview with Lady Gaga. The interaction was a total dud, despite Gaga’s obvious willingness to have fun. “If he can no longer hit a hanging curve ball over the middle of the plate, shouldn’t CNN be thinking hard about who is on deck?” writes David Carr of the New York Times . More»

(NEWSER) - President Obama's job-approval rating slipped to 50% in Gallup poll results out today, a new low for the 10-month-old administration, the Los Angeles Times reports. The drawn-out health care reform debate apparently is dragging down the number, which hit 69% after the inauguration. The disapproval number is 43%. "It's real easy to stay popular in Washington if you don't do anything at all," a White House rep said. More»

(NEWSER) - All four living former presidents will attend Ted Kennedy’s invitation-only funeral, the Boston Herald reports. President Obama will also be there, breaking off his Martha’s Vineyard vacation to deliver a eulogy. Gordon Brown also plans to attend, as will Irish PM Brian Cowen. “Sen. Kennedy is being honored as though he were a former sitting president,” observed one political scientist. More»

Popularity is fleeting in today's climate; he's got tons of time

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama’s approval rating is dropping, but that’s “dog bites man” stuff, writes Paul Maslin of Salon. Every president sees his approval rating drop. Obama’s drop has been markedly precipitous—from 69% to 54%—but here’s why he needn’t worry:

• Since the dawn of mass media, approval ratings have steadily declined, from an average 71% for Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Johnson to 56% for Clinton and the two Bushes. “The numbers of old are simply unattainable.”