Clinton's popularity near all-time high

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's favorable rating stands at 66 percent, only 1 point below its all-time high. 

According to a Gallup poll released Wednesday, the only time the public viewed Clinton with higher regard was in December 1998, when 67 percent saw her favorably. That was right after the House impeached her husband, former President Clinton, on charges of perjury regarding its investigation into his relationship with Monica Lewinsky.

The poll comes amid Clinton's work coordinating with U.S. allies as they conduct a military intervention against Libyan leader Col. Moammar Gadhafi. Clinton reportedly pushed for military action.

A week-old Gallup poll showed that 47 percent of the public supports the military action in Libya opposed to 37 percent who disapprove.

Clinton's favorable ratings have remained high after she became the nation's top diplomat after they took a big dip during her 2008 presidential bid.

The public views Clinton more favorably than President Obama (54-43), Vice President Biden (46-41) and Defense Secretary Robert Gates (52-22), all of whom have played a major role in the Libya intervention. 

Despite her popularity, Clinton has ruled out returning to her post after 2012, should Obama win reelection. She also said she would not run for president, seek the vice presidential nomination, or become secretary of defense.