Obama's Trip to Europe a Success, Public Opinion-wise

By Bonnie Erbe, Thomas Jefferson Street blog.

President Obama's European tour was a success at home, according to several new polls out today:

A new CNN/Opinion Research Corporation poll found that 79 percent of Americans surveyed feel that Obama has had a "more positive" effect on how people in other countries view the United States. Only 19 percent of those surveyed thought he's had a "more negative" effect.

The CNN poll and one by CBS and the New York Times were released as the White House announced a surprise visit by the president to Iraq on his way home. Among other things, the president is meeting with members of the U.S. military in Iraq and taking part in the awarding of 10 medals of valor. You've got to give credit to this White House public relations staff for never missing a great photo op.

Now, if President Obama's policies could only be bolstering the stock market the way they are bolstering public opinion. The Dow took a nose dive in early trading on Tuesday.

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