Obama Happiness Update

Amid all the apocalyptic swine flu and economic news, a bright spot: The percentage of black Americans who say race relations in the country are generally good has more than doubled since last July, according to a CBS/New York Times poll. Still, half of blacks surveyed said they thought whites have a better chance of getting ahead in society. About two-thirds of all respondents agreed that race relations are good, suggesting that the president’s election has shifted public perception on race. The poll’s other findings: The American people are supportive of Obama: 72 percent say they are optimistic about the next four years. Another 62 percent support the president’s decision not to hold hearings about the CIA’s harsh interrogation methods.