Poll surge for Obama

In times of tragedy the vast majority of people turn to their leaders for comfort, guidance and direction, and when a tragedy hits America Americans rally around one person, the president - no matter what their political stripes - morphing him instantly from Commander in Chief to Comforter in Chief.

In political terms this transition - accompanied by a sobering and heartfelt speech - generally results in a surge in popularity for the occupant of 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. And following his speech at the service of remembrance for the victims of the Tucson shooting President Barack Obama has benefited from the "Comforter in Chief effect."

According to Politico "His approval rating is the highest it’s been in the poll since April, while his disapproval was last as low as 43 percent in March 2010. In December, 49 percent of Americans surveyed for the Post-ABC poll approved of Obama’s performance, while 47 percent disapproved.

A CNN/Opinion Research Corporation survey also released Tuesday pegged the president’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."