Why were the polls significant right AFTER Obama was elected anymore than they are in the first year, or even second year? Simply put, they are not very useful at all. It's simply a way of measuring current attitude. But means little if no election is scheduled at the same time. It's going to get real quiet in here when Obama polls show 55% or more support during his second year.
My prediction is this: LIKE REAGAN who was seriously down for the count early in his Presidency, Obama WILL turn things around and WILL emerge as a "hero". It is likely, as a result, he will be elected for a second term! There are indeed some interesting comparisons that could be made between the two administrations.