Popularity boost

It was only a few weeks ago that US president Barack Obama was considered hesitant and non-assertive, too intellectual. But the death of the world's most wanted terrorist Osama bin Laden has changed this.

According to a survey by the New York Times and CBS television, 57 percent of those surveyed said they were satisfied with Obama's administration. That's 11 percent more than just a month ago.

Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, said Obama's action strengthened his self-confidence. The president could capitalize on it domestically.

"I think the most significant political reaction might be that it simply strengthens the president's hand going into the two-months of talks before some compromise will hopefully be reached on the federal deficit legislation," Haass said.

For example, Obama could argue that the world is now a safer place and that the defense budget is no longer taboo, Haass said. However, nothing will change in the opposing views of both political parties in fiscal and tax policy.

Thomas Mann, a political expert at the Brookings Institute, agreed that Obama's position is strengthened, but warns of too much euphoria.

"It certainly will not lessen Republican opposition," Mann said. The Republicans will continue to embrace policies that Obama can't accept, he said. The strike against bin Laden did not mean a sudden agreement on major domestic issues would entail.

"It doesn't immediately improve prospects for a grand bargain on the budget deficit and debt," Mann said.

Economy plays a pivotal role

The American population's assessment of Obama's domestic competence has not changed. His approval ratings in this area have remained the same. Voters are well able to differentiate between politicians' domestic, foreign and economic competence.

There are still one-and-a-half years to go until the presidential elections. A lot can happen by then. According to Mann, the economic situation will play a major role. If the economy is doing well at election time, the chances are good for the incumbent president and vice versa.

"But if it's a mixed picture, then the reputation, the leadership qualities that have been forged by the operation against bin Laden will serve him well," Mann said. President Obama had demonstrated intelligence and persistence in this case.

"It will certainly diminish any prospects of Republicans running against him on national security matters - assuming nothing happens between now and the election to upset that," he said.

Delighted supporters

But the re-election itself is anything but a done deal. History shows that foreign policy success does not have a long shelf life. President George Bush senior was celebrated for his successful completion of the first war in Iraq - but ended up losing the election to Bill Clinton.

His son George W. Bush enjoyed a brief boost in popularity after Saddam Hussein was captured - which disappeared again just a few months later. Nonetheless, he was re-elected for a second term. The successful strike against Osama bin Laden gives the US president a positive boost. But it will be decisive what Barack Obama does with it.

For his supporters in the US capital, bin Laden's death will have an impact at the ballot box.

"I am thrilled about getting Osama and it's great for Obama's re-election chances," said 42-year-old Chris. 30-year-old Tyler welcomed the successful conclusion to the long lasting hunt for bin Laden.

"I'm glad we have a president who stayed focused on getting that done," he said. "George Bush got distracted with Iraq and wasn't focusing on bin Laden. This is what competent governance looks like."

Author: Christina Bergmann, Washington / sac
Editor: Rob Mudge