ZOGBY: President Obama’s weekly report card (Nov. 12-18)

Pollster John Zogby grades the president’s week and how its events affect him and his agenda.

Grade: B

“Elections are a good thing. A message emerges when the community speaks and it seems like the nation’s leaders might be getting it. The public wants problem-solving.

“President Obama was re-elected but he had to sweat it out. Democrats picked up additional seats in both the Senate and the House, but Republicans kept control of the latter. Eighteen tea party candidates lost and now the Republican leadership may feel a bit more liberated to make a deal. At least both sides are talking and neither side wants to be responsible for the “fiscal cliff” on Jan. 1.

“Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas are on the verge of another war, where there is always potential for destabilizing the entire region. Retired Gen. David H. Petraeus has resigned as CIA director, but the Benghazi issue has not and it could potentially haunt Mr. Obama’s second term. Obama 2.0 is a bit more combative than Obama 1.0. But he won and his election opponent has offered a powerful reminder why he did, as the GOP scurries to find its mojo.”

Last week’s grade: A

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