Story highlights 45% of those surveyed expect Obama to be remembered as an "above average" or "outstanding" president

Obama's overall approval rating has steadily risen over the last year

Washington (CNN) Both President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are leaving the White House on a high note -- both are viewed more favorably now than when the President was re-elected in 2012.

In a new Pew Research Poll released Wednesday , 45% of those surveyed expect Obama to be remembered as an "above average" or "outstanding" president, while 26% expect he will be viewed as "average" and about the same percentage (27%) said he'll be viewed as a "below average" or "poor" president.

Obama's overall approval rating has steadily risen over the last year. In the poll, 58% said they approve of how he's handling his job, while 37% disapprove. More approve of Obama now than at any point since shortly after he was re-elected in 2012.

Obama polled significantly better than his predecessor, George W. Bush, at the end of his term -- 57% of people surveyed predicted that he would be viewed by history as a "below average" or "poor president." And Obama's poll numbers are similar to former President Bill Clinton's.

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