More approve of President's performance

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - One month after being re-elected, President Barack Obama’s approval rating is the highest it has been since the capture and killing of Osama bin Laden.

The Associated Press-GFK poll finds that the President's approval rate is now at 57%, with many of those surveyed now believing that the country is heading in a positive direction.

42% say that they think we are on the right track as a nation, and that the President will improve the economy. Mark Santiago of Springfield is among those who believe the president is deserving of the public’s confidence.

We’ve got to give Obama a chance, you know, last year was pretty good, he kept most of his word, and I think we should give him a chance this time,” Santiago said.

Not everyone agrees, however. Andy Skroback of East Longmeadow thinks that the President’s policies are hurting the economy.

“Actually I don't think the country is going in the right direction. I’m concerned about my children and grandchildren, and the fact that we have policies here that are going to destroy the private sector, and it’s the private sector creates wealth,” Skroback said.

Wanda DiLorenzo of Springfield isn’t sure what to make of how things are going right now.

“I think it's too soon to come to that conclusion because the election just happened, and let’s see what the next year will come up. Will taxes come through? If there’s any new jobs? And what the government can do for us?” she said.

Indeed many people still aren't sure about how the President has done overall. 37% say he has done an above-average job and 36% say he has done a poor job so far.