Highest approval rating: 90% (9/21/2001)
Corresponding event: September 11
Conflict was good for George W.’s popularity—his approval ratings spiked following the 9/11 attacks, the start of the Iraq War and Saddam Hussein’s capture. The largest surge came directly after the twin towers fell thanks to an overflow of patriotism, but dipped after concerns over the economy, tax cuts and judicial nominations captured national attention.