Following Death of Bin Laden, Obama's Approval Rating Up

A recent Gallup poll shows that a higher percentage of Americans approve of President Obama's job performance following the death of Osama Bin Laden. In the three days leading up to the military operation that led to Bin Laden's death, 46% of Americans approved of President Obama's performance. That figure jumped six percentage points in the three days since the announcement of Bin Laden's death, averaging 52% during that span.

According to Gallup, "the six-percentage-point increase in Obama's approval rating is fairly typical for a rally event," a term that refers to major international events that boost presidential approval. The increase in popular support came exclusively from Republicans and Independents, with 12% more Republicans and 9% more Independents voicing their approval.

If President Bush's experience following the September 11 attacks is any guide, however, President Obama's approval rating will likely fall back to its pre-rally event levels in the coming months.

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