Crisis management 101 from USA Today/Gallup:
President Obama's opening months in the Oval Office have fortified his standing with the American public, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds, giving him political capital for battles ahead.
As his 100th day as president approaches next Wednesday, the survey shows Obama has not only maintained robust approval ratings but also bolstered the sense that he is a strong and decisive leader who can manage the government effectively during a time of economic crisis.
This is where the political capital gets underlined:
By more than 2-1, those surveyed credit Obama with keeping the promises he made during the campaign and making a sincere effort to work with congressional Republicans. In contrast, by 56%-38% they say congressional Republicans haven't made a sincere effort to work with him.
Oh, and everyone loves Michelle (79% approval.)
This, coupled with the in-depth data from Pew and AP in anticipation of the artificial 100 Days story, puts Obama in good position to get what he wants from Congress, Republican obstruction notwithstanding.