PRINCETON, NJ -- Americans' views of Barack Obama's handling of terrorism remain closely divided, but mark a slight improvement from before the Christmas Day bombing attempt, with more Americans now approving than disapproving of how he is handling the issue.

Prior to Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab's alleged attempt to blow up a Northwest Airlines flight headed for Detroit on Christmas Day, 45% of Americans approved and 47% disapproved of Obama's handling of terrorism. Now those who approve outnumber those who disapprove by 49% to 46%, according to the Jan. 8-10 USA Today/Gallup poll.

Both recent ratings are down from Gallup's initial reading of Obama's handling of terrorism from May, when 55% of Americans approved. The May reading came at a time when Obama's overall job approval rating was in the low 60% range, compared to his current ratings near 50%.

While Obama's approval rating on terrorism has inched up, his approval ratings for handling the economy and healthcare have declined slightly since they were last measured, in late November. His current 40% approval rating on the economy and 37% rating on healthcare are the lowest of his presidency to date. The latter number is of some concern as the president and Congress work toward final legislation on healthcare reform, which could be ironed out later this month. The public is currently divided on this legislation, and the president's leadership may be needed to bridge the gap between House and Senate Democrats while Obama tries to gain greater public backing for the reforms...