President Obama’s Approval Ratings Haven’t Been This High in Years

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President Obama’s approval ratings have hit a new high for his second term at 55%, according to a CNN/ORC poll released Thursday.

It continues a seven-month streak of approval ratings over 50% for the lame-duck president. And it brings his 2016 average to 51%—its highest level since his first year as President.

A similar poll a year ago put Obama’s approval 10 points lower. The rising ratings are mostly due to a 12-point spike in approval from Democrats and a 14-point spike in approval from independents. Only 13% of Republicans approve of him.

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Write to Julia Zorthian at julia.zorthian@time.com