Poll: Americans feel good about Obama, Cabinet choices

Remember when there was a new poll every time you blinked? Good times...

WASHINGTON — President-elect Barack Obama is riding a wave of good feeling toward him and his key Cabinet appointments, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds — positive attitudes that may give him some breathing room for tough decisions ahead. Soaring ratings for the way he has handled the presidential transition so far — more than three of four Americans express approval — contrast with a downbeat national mood over the economy.

By 69%-25%, those surveyed approve of Obama's choice of former rival Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of State.

By an even wider margin, 80%-14%, they support his decision to have President Bush's Defense secretary, Robert Gates, stay on the job.

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In the poll, Americans by more than 3-1 say they trust Obama more than Bush to handle the economy. By 58%-33%, they support Obama's promise of a huge spending package to stimulate the economy.**

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There's little concern Obama is relying too much on veterans of President Clinton's administration. By nearly 4-1, those polled say the picks will make the new team more effective.

**Suck. On. That. Republicans.