Never underestimate the value of optimism on national well-being

[Stinky The Clown]

The news - particularly the economic news - is just plain dreadful. When that happens, optimism turns down and even those who can afford to spend money simply stop. That leads to pessimism. Pessimism is contagious.

So is optimism.

http://www.cbsnews.com/blogs/2008/11/11/politics/horserace/entry4591579.shtml

CBS News has a poll they'll be releasing tonight that shows that optimism has begun to break out across the country.

From the online article's opeing paragraphs:

Whether they voted for him or not, Americans are optimistic about the next four years with Barack Obama as president, according to a new CBS News poll. Seventy-one percent of all Americans say they are optimistic about the next four years, including nearly half (48 percent) of all those who voted for John McCain. Just 17 percent of all Americans are pessimistic, including 40 percent of McCain voters.

Eighty-three percent of African-Americans are optimistic and 88 percent of Americans under the age of 30 are as well. While 88 percent of Democrats say they are optimistic, so do 51 percent of Republicans.

[Winterblues]

1. I think people are thinking about Christmas and what they can spend

I think people are optimistic enough to decide they are going to have a happy Christmas for a change and then wait and see what the new Presidency brings..Spending will be more this year than last year I would bet..

[TwilightZone]

2. That was one of Bill Clinton's biggest strengths.

People generally felt optimistic about the direction of the country, the economy, etc., under Clinton. The impact of high public optimism and confidence should not be underestimated, and Obama's high approval ratings and the high "optimism" factor are an excellent start.

[Stinky The Clown]

3. It also worked for FDR .... and, I hate to say it ......

.... St. Ronnie.

[TwilightZone]

4. Yep.

I never understood it, personally, but while Reagan trashed the economy and repeatedly screwed over the middle class, he somehow made people feel good about it. :crazy: