A new public opinion poll has good news for U.S. President Barack Obama, who is seeking a second term next year.

The poll by Quinnipiac University gives the president a 47 percent approval rating, up considerably from the 41 percent positive rating in September.

Pollster Peter Brown tells VOA that the president's boost may have come from the death of Libya's Moammar Gadhafi and better than expected economic news.

The poll also puts Herman Cain on top among Republican presidential candidates. But the survey was taken before Cain became embroiled in a controversy involving allegations that he sexually harassed women when he headed the National Restaurant Association more than 10 years ago.

Cain refused to answer questions about the allegations Wednesday, demanding that reporters “not bother” him.