The number: 52% — Presidential approval

After falling from post-inaugural highs this summer, Barack Obama's approval rating as president has remained steady over the past few months, with a little more than half consistently approving of his performance. Currently, 52% of Americans approve of the president, while 36% disapprove. The president continues to receive strong support from Democrats (80%), while few Republicans support the president (just 20%). Political independents roughly mirror the country, with about half (49%) approving. Obama has the country's confidence on the economy (59% are confident he will do the right thing) and the threat of terrorism (58%). On two critical issues, the public is more divided. Just half have confidence the president will do the right thing on health care and Afghanistan.

Source: Pew Research Center

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