Prediction: Obama's approval numbers won't clear 80% despite this success.

[Bucky]

There's simply too much hardcore hate out there on the right. When Bush grabbed that megaphone at Ground Zero, he got over 90% approval by Americans... in part because Democrats are culturally inclined to put country first. I don't think Republicans do that so reflexively--at least not the hard core ones. I'll be surprised if Obama clears 75% approval ratings. Too many of them have let themselves be convinced that liberals aren't patriotic and will put hate first no matter what.

[dennis4868]

1. I agree....

Obama may get over 50% but that's it....If a repub was in the WH now and made the tough calls like Obama their approval rating would be close to 95% because of the killing of Bin Laden....but not a Democrat in the WH....Like you said, repubs believe in party first, not country first....that the heart of the problem with politics today.

[quinnox]

2. you really think he will get that much of a bump?

wow, he is in what, low 40s, and you think he will gain 30 points.

I'll wait and see, but I'd be surprised to see more than a 10-15% temporary bump.

[sharp_stick]

6. Low 40s? n/t

[quinnox]

7. correction, I just checked and it appears he is in high 40s

I still would be amazed to see the kind of bump the OP is describing.

[Dennis Donovan]

3. There will be a significant spike, but it will, by no means, guarantee re-election...

GHWB's approval ratings were at 90% in Feb '91. By Nov '92, he was defeated for re-election.

[Skinner]

4. I'll gladly take 80%.

We only need 50%+1.

[JackintheGreen]

5. As one of that 10%

who didn't support Bush ever, despite the rah rah jingoism that 9/11 inspired in many of us, I wouldn't be surprised to see you right, but I think you're being too hard on those who won't approve. Reasons could well extend beyond irrational (often racial) hatred that our President inspires. We saw some of it last night on these very boards.

Cheers.

[Schema Thing]

8. I agree, and it may not get that high

But a lot of begrudging support will be there on election day too.