Gallup, a giant in opinion polling, surveyed more than 1,000 people to find out which of the five living presidents is viewed most fondly by Americans. No. 1 was far ahead of the others.

The Gallup poll — which sampled 1,001 U.S. adults between Jan. 21 and Jan. 27 — found opinions toward the men have fluctuated significantly over time.

WASHINGTON — Eight years after leaving the White House, former president Barack Obama is still most favored by Americans. Last month, global analytics firm Gallup surveyed 1,001 Americans to find out which of the five remaining living presidents are best liked.

Sitting presidents traditionally host their predecessor at the White House for a ceremony to unveil an official portrait. In 2004, for example, George W. Bush hosted Bill Clinton for such a ceremony, and in 2012, Obama welcomed Bush. The custom stretches back to 1978 when Jimmy Carter hosted his predecessor Gerald Ford for a portrait ceremony.