Happy Days are Here Again

The lead article in today’s New York Times is titled, “Poll Finds Brightening Outlook on U.S. Economy.” It describes a sea change in attitudes since President Obama’s administration.

The poll is striking in a number of aspects. First, it shows that Republican support has fallen to the lowest level since the poll started asking the question: 31 percent.

Second, a related finding shows that people trust Obama, two-to-one, to keep the country safe, despite scare tactics by Dick Cheney and other nefarious types.

Finally, it shows a widespread attitude, again two-to-one, that Democrats care more about people like me than Republicans do.

What a tremendous reinforcement this must be for President Obama. Despite one of the most crushing series of crises since FDR, he has risen to the challenge and through constant active involvement (compared to the laissez-faire attitude of Republicans), he has almost single-handedly changed the mood of the nation.

Perhaps just as striking as the level of support for President Obama is the level of condemnation for Congressional Republicans. The Republican Party had better change its strategy as the “no” party if it wants to avoid extinction.

Maybe, however, the Republican Party is unable to change, to move beyond failed policies of the past and embrace a more caring, less ideological, attitude. Only time will tell.