"Yes we...will?"

With an approval rating of 79%, Obama surpasses the par set by his predecessors. But during the biggest economic hardships in decades, how will he hold up to such high expectations?
Now is the time when his plans for our country will be put to the test. Now is also the time when we question whether these efforts will pay off or not. Who better to judge than the American public? The New York Times and CBS News did exactly that.
The New York Times and CBS News teamed up to conduct phone interviews of about 1,000 adults to gather their opinions on Obama a few days before the inauguration. The poll was based upon opinions of the country’s well-being five years ago and today, jobs, and the economy. According to the study done between January 11th and January 15th, 2009, the current optimism in Obama stands at an extraordinary 79%. We have not yet experienced what he has to bring to the table, but it seems that even though we have optimism, this rate may change depending on how soon the effects take place.
Phyllis Harden was one of the Americans who participated in the poll, and also voted for Obama in November. “It’s going to take a couple of years at least to improve the economy. I think anyone who is looking for a 90-day turnaround is delusional,” as quoted in the New York Times.
“I think those of us who voted for McCain are going to be a lot happier with Obama than the people who voted for him,” said Valerie Schlink, quoted in the New York Times. Schlink, a Republican for McCain, also participated in the poll. Torey Lacey, a criminal justice student at the University of Cincinnati, voted for Obama in the fall yet holds a similar opinion to Schlink. “I think everyone that voted for Obama expects the same things. Those for McCain may now see how Obama may or may not hold up to his campaigns, and in the end will be impressed,” said Lacey.
Although it is refreshing to see such high hopes after the disappointing approval rate of George W. Bush, this rate for a president-elect is not uncommon. The same type of polls taken in previous years just before inaugurations by CBS, show the same patterns. George W. Bush and Bill Clinton entered their first terms with levels of optimism at 64% and 70% respectively. Ronald Reagan entered at 69% and Jimmy Carter at 69%. It seems common, and almost patriotic, to have high hopes for any new leadership offered to our country.
Before each inauguration, the polls show a heightened confidence in each and every president. It seems as though we are all rooting for Obama, and even more our country as a whole, to take a turn and create greener pastures for ourselves. Republicans, Democrats, Independents all seem to be on the same page when it comes to the willingness to give Barack Obama a chance to make changes happen.