Poll: Americans High On Obama, Direction of U.S.

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 a new poll. It shows most Americans consider their new president to be a strong, ethical and empathetic leader who is working to change Washington.