Obama's approval ratings shoot up in two polls following 'Arizona shooting' speech

Washington, Jan 19 (ANI): US President Barack Obama's approval ratings have shot up in two polls following his speech delivered to condole the agony of Arizona shoot out victims.

The Politico quoted a Washington Post-ABC News poll, as saying that 54 percent of Americans approve of how Obama is doing his job, while 43 percent disapprove.

The approval rating is the highest since last April. In December, the Post-ABC poll had found 49 percent approved of Obama's performance, while 47 percent disapproved.

This poll also found 78 percent respondents saying that they approve of how Obama has responded to the shootings, including 91 percent of Democrats and 71 percent of Republicans. By contrast, just 30 percent approved of how Sarah Palin responded to the tragedy and 46 percent disapproved.

Meanwhile, a CNN/Opinion Research Corp. survey, released Tuesday, also found Obama's approval rating at 53 percent and his disapproval at 43 percent. In December, the poll showed Americans evenly divided, with his approval and disapproval rates both at 48 percent.

Both the opinion polls were conducted after the President's January 12 speech in Tucson after the massacre, which had left six people killed and injured dozens, including Democratic representative Gabrielle Giffords. n fact, Obama earned praises from the Republicans like his 2008 presidential bid opponent john McCain, who said: "I disagree with many of the President's policies, but I believe he is a patriot sincerely intent on using his time in office to advance our country's cause. I reject accusations that his policies and beliefs make him unworthy to lead America or opposed to its founding ideals." (ANI)