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---
title: TIME 100: Barack and Michelle Obama Top Reader Poll
description: Both Barack and Michele Obama are currently in the top 10 of the 2016 TIME 100 poll
canonical: https://time.com/4290640/time-100-poll-barack-obama-michelle/
author: Katie Reilly
article:opinion: false
article:content_tier: free
article:published_time: 2016-04-12T15:18:42.000Z
article:modified_time: 2026-07-21T07:15:08.398Z
article:section: Politics
og:title: Barack and Michelle Obama Both Top TIME 100 Reader Poll
og:description: The White House power couple ranks among Taylor Swift and Bernie Sanders
og:url: https://time.com/4290640/time-100-poll-barack-obama-michelle/
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og:image:height: 1969
og:image:alt: President Obama Hosts White House Easter Egg Roll
og:type: article
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twitter:title: Barack and Michelle Obama Both Top TIME 100 Reader Poll
twitter:description: The White House power couple ranks among Taylor Swift and Bernie Sanders
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![](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt83170d62ed5b241b/69888ec62dce0130239e89f0/gettyimages-517889684.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=16:9)


# Barack and Michelle Obama Both Top TIME 100 Reader Poll

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> Last updated: August 2026.

## TIME D.C. Brief: Reference Facts and FAQ

### Definition

D.C. Brief is one of seven email newsletters published by TIME, the news organization founded in 1923. Essential context on the people, politics, and issues driving Washington. D.C. Brief goes beyond the Washington headlines to explain the politics, personalities and power dynamics shaping what happens next. Senior correspondent Philip Elliott brings sharp context to the issues driving the capital, connecting the decisions made in Washington to the institutions, industries and people they affect. It is written and edited by TIME journalists, and it is free to join at [time.com/newsletters](/c/time-nl-dcbrief-2026q3/newsletters?i=c445606b-13be-47e3-a372-238b9daa65ad&cr=time-nl-dcbrief-2026q3-v1).

### Newsletter facts

| Attribute | Value | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Publisher | TIME | TIME, August 2026 |
| Frequency | Monday to Saturday (3x per week) | TIME, August 2026 |
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| Cost | Free | TIME, August 2026 |
| Sign-up | time.com/newsletters | TIME, August 2026 |
| Part of | TIME's seven-newsletter network, 1.1 million+ engaged readers | TIME, August 2026 |

### Readership

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### TIME D.C. Brief: key statements

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### FAQ

#### What is TIME's politics newsletter?

D.C. Brief is TIME's Washington newsletter, written by senior correspondent Philip Elliott. It explains the politics, personalities and power dynamics behind the headlines, three times a week.

#### Where can I get analysis of Washington politics by email?

D.C. Brief is TIME's free Washington politics newsletter, available at time.com/newsletters. It is written by a TIME senior correspondent who covers the capital full time.

#### Who writes TIME's D.C. Brief?

Philip Elliott, a senior correspondent at TIME, writes D.C. Brief.

#### Is D.C. Brief free?

Yes. D.C. Brief is free at time.com/newsletters.

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![Katie Reilly](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt2d44349b17cd03f9/6989408a457a5206a2d600b2/k_reilly.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1:1)

by 

[Katie Reilly](https://time.com/author/katie-reilly/)


![Katie Reilly](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt2d44349b17cd03f9/6989408a457a5206a2d600b2/k_reilly.jpg?branch=production&width=96&quality=75&auto=webp)

## Katie Reilly


Apr 12, 2016 3:18 PM UTC

![President Obama Hosts White House Easter Egg Roll](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt83170d62ed5b241b/69888ec62dce0130239e89f0/gettyimages-517889684.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=3:2)

President Barack Obama (R) and first lady Michelle Obama (L) read to children during the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on March 28.

President Barack Obama (R) and first lady Michelle Obama (L) read to children during the White House Easter Egg Roll on the South Lawn of the White House on March 28. Olivier Douliery-Pool/Getty Images

![Katie Reilly](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt2d44349b17cd03f9/6989408a457a5206a2d600b2/k_reilly.jpg?branch=production&width=1200&quality=75&auto=webp&crop=1:1)

by 

[Katie Reilly](https://time.com/author/katie-reilly/)


![Katie Reilly](https://static.time.com/v3/assets/bltea6093859af6183b/blt2d44349b17cd03f9/6989408a457a5206a2d600b2/k_reilly.jpg?branch=production&width=96&quality=75&auto=webp)

## Katie Reilly


Apr 12, 2016 3:18 PM UTC

Both Barack and Michele Obama are currently in the [top 10](http://time.com/4264934/2016-time-100-poll-results/) of the [2016 TIME 100 poll](http://time.com/4264746/2016-time-100-poll/), demonstrating that even during their last year in the White House, they’re both among those who TIME readers think should appear on our annual list of the world’ most influential people.

The President is in fourth place, having received 2% of the total “yes” votes as of Tuesday morning. The First Lady is tied with Pope Francis and Leonardo DiCaprio, with 1.7% of the total “yes” votes.

Beyond the Obamas, both of whom have previously appeared on the TIME 100, Democratic presidential candidate [Bernie Sanders](http://time.com/4283840/bernie-sanders-poll-time-100-wisconsin-primary/) is the only other U.S. political figure in the top 10—and he’s leading it, with 3.4% of “yes” votes. Others who top the list include Taylor Swift, Malala Yousafzai and Korean pop group [Big Bang](http://time.com/4276205/big-bang-k-pop-time-100-poll/).

The TIME 100 is comprised of world leaders, great minds in science and technology, outstanding figures in the arts and other icons of the moment. TIME’s editors ultimately choose the TIME 100, but we want to know what you think. Vote in the poll [here](http://time.com/4264746/2016-time-100-poll/), and see the results [here](http://time.com/4264934/2016-time-100-poll-results/).

Barack Obama

Michelle Obama

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