Yeah, people feel like things are getting better because they ARE getting better. Job losses went from an 800,000 per month loss in late 2008 to 200,000 per month gain (that's a flip of 1 million jobs per month), GDP growth went from a 9% annual decrease in late 2008 to a 2% increase now (that's a flip of 11% per year), unemployment has fallen steadily from a peak of 10.1% in 2009 to 7.9% now, corporate profits at record levels, stock market is double what it was in early 2009. Interest rates are rock bottom, BELOW the rate of inflation. The property and housing markets have stabilized, foreclosure relief is coming as soon as Obama ditches DeMarco at Fannie and Freddie. Prospect of the "fiscal cliff" includes badly needed additional tax revenue (federal taxes currently at a 60 year low as a fraction of GDP) and even more badly needed defense cuts. Deficits have fallen from 10% of GDP in FY2009 to 7% of GDP in FY2012, just completed (not cut in half, like Obama promised, but close), and these actions will accelerate the deficit reduction that President Obama has initiated. Of COURSE consumer confidence is improving. Demand is pent up, money is more plentiful (thanks Ben), things are cheap, the economy is growing very steadily, employment is growing, inflation is under control, more people have jobs and hence available income. It's classic. Happy days ain't here again yet, but the days of sorrow are gone.

This story is incomplete.  During recent months, business investment spending on equipment, software and construction has fallen.  Why?  Because of falling exports to the depressed European Union and because of uncertainty about federal tax hikes, spending cuts and regulatory burden.  Don't celebrate Obama's victory too soon, Globsters.  Unless Congress and the White House resolve the fiscal cliff promptly (without increasing tax rates), we could be in for another recession.