Optimism About Obama Is the Only Optimism Out There

Often, when a new president or a new political party takes control of government, an uptick in public sentiment follows.

So it shouldn't be surprising that there is some evidence of a small spike in optimism about President Barack Obama and the future. What's stunning, however, is the growing economic pessimism, both on Main Street and Wall Street, and it is that pessimism that could eventually add to the woes of most officeholders.

Numerous polls show the president with strong personal and job-approval ratings.

A CBS News poll conducted Feb. 2-4 found 55 percent approving of Obama's handling of the economy, and a Feb. 4-8 Pew Research Center poll found an almost identical 56 percent approved.