So why did he wait until after the election?
A new Washington Post/ABC News poll is making news with President Obama at an approval ratings 50% for the first time in over a year. Other polls show his rating improving as well. Look at Gallup or Pew. It seems the rise is not just a blip in one poll but consistent across the organizations measuring presidential approval.
The press has noticed and seems to be crediting an improving economy. USA Today, for example, writes, “Good economic news appears to be fueling Obama’s improved ratings in a string of recent polls.”
Falling gas prices and an improving economy can’t hurt. But both were in evidence before the November election. What’s new since November is a President acting like the President. You know, DOING things. Improving family leave policies for federal workers. Announcing an immigration approach that leaves the Republicans spinning. And even when it’s a change he can’t make himself, communicating to the public on what he would like to do, such as getting two free years of community college for everyone.
There’s a lot the President can achieve with the biggest microphone in the world and the leadership of our federal agencies. And it will help him, not hurt him, to use that power. I’m glad President Obama is finally realizing this (even if I wish he had started a couple of months earlier) and hope he keeps it up for the next two years.
