President Obama's 66% approval rating set a new high for him in the CBS/New York Times poll (April 1-5, 998 A, MoE +/- 3%), up from 64% in March and 63% in February.

Having just finished his European tour, 67% believe world leaders respect Obama. CBS/NYT last asked this question of a president in July 2006, when just 30% thought leaders of other countries respected President Bush.

More people (39%) now think the country is headed in the right direction than at any time in the last four years. Just 7% felt this way in October.

In Congress, 57% think Democrats are "more concerned about people like you," and 22% believe Republicans are. Similarly, 56% hold a favorable view of the Democratic Party, while Republicans hold a 31% favorable rating.