The president’s strong approval ratings are buttressed by the 59 percent who said they will either “definitely” vote for the president or “consider” reelecting him. Thirty-eight percent “definitely will not” vote for the president’s reelection — giving Obama a higher ceiling of support than his Republican rivals would hope to see.

Obama’s recent spike in approval ratings across a number of prominent polls has been attributed to the killing of Osama bin Laden. While that may have altered views of the president’s overall performance, 84 percent said bin Laden’s death makes “no difference” in whether they plan to vote for Obama. Twelve percent said they are more likely to support the president, while 3 percent are less likely…

The president stacks up well against the two GOP contenders polled in a match-up with him — former Govs. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts and Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota. Asked whom they would vote for if the election was held today, 51 percent would “definitely” or “probably” choose the president, while 38 percent chose Romney. Against Pawlenty, Obama lead 50 percent to 36 percent.