Poll: Country Behind Obama

And over 90 percent view the economy as important, a historical high.

RON FOURNIER and TREVOR TOMPSON:

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.

Now is the time to play some long ball, throw some Brett Farve passes. Let Fox and the rightwing culture warriors squeal all they want; no one cares about them anymore.