{mosads}Nevertheless, Clinton’s edge is indicative of the conventional wisdom in Washington — if the former New York senator chooses to run for the White House, she should have a relatively easy path to the Democratic nomination. The survey found that a staggering 91 percent of Democrats had a favorable impression of Clinton, versus just 76 percent for Biden.

“At a time when many political analysts are floating former Secretary of State Clinton’s name as a potential contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, her favorability rating outshines those of current Obama administration officials, including the president himself,” said Gallup’s Andrew Dugan in a statement. “Vice President Biden is also reportedly considering running in 2016, but as of now, his favorability rating is not nearly as high as that of his possible competitor, among rank-and-file Democrats and among the public in general.”

That said, Clinton’s popularity is likely due, in part, to the political advantages of retirement and having previously worked as the nation’s top diplomat. Clinton’s approval rating hovered around 50 percent in the years preceding her appointment to Obama’s cabinet, as she served in the U.S. Senate and campaigned for the Democratic presidential nomination.