Chris Christie, Hillary Clinton Named ‘Hottest’ Politicians in New Poll

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are considered the top two political leaders viewed favorably by voters, according to Quinnipiac University's Thermometer of voter attitudes

Mr. Christie, the New Jersey governor and potential 2016 Republican presidential candidate, rates 53.1 degrees, with former secretary of State Mrs. Clinton, a potential Democratic presidential candidate, coming in second at 52.1 degrees.

Quinnipiac asked 1,468 registered voters to rate more than 20 politicians with any number between 0 and 100.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts, ranked third at 49.2 degrees, with President Barack Obama finishing fourth on 47.6 degrees.

Peter A. Brown, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute, said: "Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's score is not surprising given her lengthy political career and especially strong support among Democrats and women.

"But Gov. Christopher Christie's rating is impressive given that his experience – less than four years as governor – pales compared to Mrs. Clinton's resume.

"What is interesting is that only two of the 22 figures rate better than the absolute middle of the scale, not exactly a ringing endorsement of the nation's political establishment."

Mr. Brown added that Mr. Christie's "great strength" is among independent and Democratic voters, who give him a higher rating than they give other Republicans.

Judging from the figures, the nation’s leaders in Congress do not have the respect of the voters polled.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid falls last at 33.8 degrees, with House Speaker John Boehner, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi falling just above him. They all place under 39 degrees.

The Quinnipiac Thermometer survey was conducted by telephone from July 28 to 31.

Here is the full list, with the figures in degrees, not percentages:

New Jersey Gov. Christie (R) – 53.1
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton (D) – 52.1
Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts (D) – 49.2
President Barack Obama (D) – 47.6
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York (D) – 47.6
Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas (R) – 46.8
Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida (R) – 46.5
Vice President Joe Biden (D) – 46.2
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) – 45.7
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal (R) – 45.2
Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky (R) – 44.8
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) – 43.9
U.S. Rep. Peter King of New York (R) – 43.6
U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin (R) – 43
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) – 41.1
Former Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania (R) – 40.7
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush (R) – 40.4
Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia (D) – 39.4
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D) – 38.4
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R) – 37.5
House Speaker John Boehner (R) – 36.7
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D) – 33.8