In an interview with Matt Lauer that aired before the Super Bowl, Barack Obama argued that “I deserve a second term.” And if the election were held right now, he’d probably get one.

A new ABC News/Washington Post poll that shows the president opening a 6-point lead over Mitt Romney (and moving over the magic 50 percent mark) among registered voters has been generating plenty of attention today. It confirms the degree to which Obama’s reelection prospects have improved recently. Just a month ago, the same poll gave Romney a 2-point edge (48 to 46 percent), and not since last July had Obama run ahead of Romney among registered voters. This is also the first time either man has cleared the 50 percent mark in the ABC/WaPo poll. Among all adults, Obama notches a 50 percent job approval rating — his highest mark since last March.