It turns out Americans like a progressive president.

As President Obama begins pushing his second-term agenda of stronger gun laws, addressing climate change, reforming immigration and other issues, a new Washington Post/ABC News poll finds that 60 percent of Americans have a favorable view of the president, compared to only 37 percent who have an unfavorable view — the highest favorability rating since he started his first term in 2009.

The president’s popularity rating increased seven points from a year ago. Two groups who voted for Mitt Romney — Independents and seniors — have swung towards Obama; 60 percent of Independents have a favorable view of Obama, up 4 points from last year, while a majority 51 percent of adults 65 and older have a positive view of the president, up 11 points since last year.

The biggest jumps in favorability came from liberals, with a 17 point increase from January of last year to 87 percent, and young adults ages 18-39, whose favorability rating rose 12 points to 66 percent.

Some Republicans called President Obama’s progressive inaugural address too partisan. But a majority 51 percent of Americans approve of the speech, while only 24 percent do not.

(AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)