An analysis of the longest shutdowns since 1977 shows that presidents lose an average of three percentage points of public support or approval during a government shutdown of four or more days.
President | Shutdown dates | Net Percentage Points Lost/Gained |
|---|---|---|
| Carter | Sept. 30 - Oct. 13, 1977 | -5%-5 |
| Carter | Oct. 31 - Nov. 9, 1977 | 2%2 |
| Carter | Nov. 30 - Dec. 9, 1977 | -1%-1 |
| Carter | Sept. 30 - Oct. 18, 1978 | 1%1 |
| Carter | Sept. 30 - Oct. 12, 1979 | -2%-2 |
| Bush Sr. | Oct. 5-9, 1990 | -10%-10 |
| Clinton | Nov. 13-19, 1995 | -1%-1 |
| Clinton | Dec. 5, 1995 - Jan. 6, 1996 | -11%-11 |
| Obama | Oct. 1-17, 2013 | -2%-2 |
