Poll Tracker

Obama's approval-to-disapproval ratio is 63 percent to 26 percent, according to the poll which was conducted April 14-21. The two presidents who did as well or better were Jimmy Carter in 1977, who also registered 63 percent approval, and Ronald Reagan in 1981 who had 67 percent. Ninety-three percent of Democrats approve of his performance as do 58 percent of independents, while only 30 percent of Republicans agree.

When Obama's personal favorability is separated from his job approval ratings, he fares better among Republicans with 46 percent giving him positive marks compared to 50 percent who see him unfavorably. That's better than George Bush or Bill Clinton did with members of the opposite party at this point in their presidencies.

Asked to size up Obama in one word, 30 people out of the 742 person sample picked "intelligent." During the campaign last September, the top word was "inexperienced," chosen by 55. Twenty-nine people said "good" and 20 people said ... "Socialist," something that was at the bottom of the list last September.

Taken by issue, Obama's highest approval ratings are for foreign policy (61 percent) and handling the economy (60 percent) with the lowest marks being for budget deficit and tax policy, both at 50 percent.

Obama's decision last month to lift the Bush administration's restrictions on stem cell research had the support of 63 percent with 27 percent opposed.

Fifty-three percent say Obama's economic policies have not had an effect so far but the 26 percent who believe there has been improvement is up from 14 percent in March.

Asked who Obama is listening to more in shaping his agenda, 40 percent say it's the liberals in his party, 33 percent name the moderates and 27 percent don't know.

First Lady Michele Obama is doing even better than her husband, with a favorability rating of 76 percent.