Support for President Obama has risen sharply following the killing of Osama bin Laden by American military forces in Pakistan, with a majority now approving of his overall job performance, as well as his handling of foreign policy, the war in Afghanistan and the threat of terrorism, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll.
The glow of national pride seemed to rise above partisan politics, as support for the president rose significantly among both Republicans and independents. In all, 57 percent said they now approved of the president’s job performance, up from 46 percent last month.
This survey shows a larger bump than others, but even this one suggests that the effect does not reach across the board:
But in an indication that anxieties about unemployment, gas prices and the national debt have not withered with Bin Laden’s death, good will toward Mr. Obama did not extend to his economic policies. More than half said they disapproved of his handling of the economy, similar to the result last month, the poll found.
With a second day of post-mission polling, Gallup reports that the president's approval rating is up to 50 percent, up 4 points from pre-mission polling. As for confidence, Gallup adds:
As details about the Navy SEAL raid that killed bin Laden and the role President Obama played continue to emerge, Americans at this stage report feeling somewhat more positive about Obama's leadership of the military as a result. A third say the death of bin Laden makes them feel a lot more confident in Obama as commander in chief and another 21% say it makes them a little more confident. Fewer than half, 43%, are no more confident.
Most Democrats are now more confident in Obama on this measure -- either a lot or a little more -- while most Republicans say they are not more confident. Independents are closely divided, at 51% more confident and 44% not more confident.
