Americans are realistically optimistic for the first time in years

AP Poll: Americans high on Obama, direction of US

WASHINGTON – For the first time in years, more Americans than not say the country is headed in the right direction, a sign that Barack Obama has used the first 100 days of his presidency to lift the public's mood and inspire hopes for a brighter future.

Intensely worried about their personal finances and medical expenses, Americans nonetheless appear realistic about the time Obama might need to turn things around, according to an Associated Press-GfK poll. It shows most Americans consider their new president to be a strong, ethical and empathetic leader who is working to change Washington.

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I still shudder to think what a mess we'd be in if McCain/Palin had won. I guess it took a direct hit to people's personal finances for the country to wise up, but thank goodness it did!