In Data 2.9 on page 103, we discuss the relationship between a president€™s approval rating when running for re-election and the margin of victory or defeat in the election. Table 2.29 shows the data and Figure 2.48 shows a scatterplot of the data.

Table 2.29

(a) In how many of the 11 elections listed did the incumbent president lose? Since 1940, what percent of the time has the sitting president lost his bid for re-election?

(b) Which president had the highest approval rating? Which president had the highest margin of victory? Identify these two points on the scatterplot.

Data 2.9 on page 103

When a US president runs for re-election, how strong is the relationship between the president€™s approval rating and the outcome of the election? Table 2.29 includes all the presidential elections since 1940 in which an incumbent was running and shows the presidential approval rating at the time of the election and the margin of victory or defeat for the president in the election.

Transcribed Image Text:

Margin Year Candidate Approval Result Roosevelt 62 1940 10.0 Won 50 1948 Truman 4.5 Won 15.4 22.6 1956 Eisenhower Johnson Nixon 70 Won 1964 67 Won 57 1972 23.2 Won 1976 Ford 48 -2.1 Lost -9.7 18.2 1980 Carter 31 Lost 57 1984 Reagan G. H. W. Bush Clinton Won -5.5 1992 1996 39 Lost 55 8.5 Won G. W. Bush Won 2004 49 2.4