Obama More Popular Than Ever

Despite Richardson, Geithner, Panetta flaps, 84% approve of transition

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 19, 2009 10:08 AM CST

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Obama More Popular Than Ever — President-elect Barack Obama, left, and wife Michelle wave as they arrive at the "We Are One: Opening Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington yesterday. (AP Photo)

Barack Obama’s popularity is at an all-time high, a CNN poll finds, with 84% approving of his transition—up 2% from December despite Bill Richardson’s resignation, Timothy Geithner’s tax issues, and the widely panned Leon Panetta pick. “You know the country is in the middle of a honeymoon when six in 10 Republicans have a positive view of Obama,” said the pollster.

The poll shows 68% as “thrilled or happy” that Obama is about to be inaugurated, and 60% believe it will be a chance for the US to come together as a country, as opposed to 39% who see it as a celebration merely for Obama’s supporters. That’s down from 72% who saw George W. Bush’s first inauguration as a victory dance. (Read more Barack Obama stories.)