Recent polls show that Americans are both optimistic and realistic about the new president's promises to reform both healthcare and the economy.

A New York Times poll finds that 26% of Americans think it will take at least two years to achieve some significant measure of healthcare reform. Roughly 20% say it will take at least four years and 18% believe it may take even longer. A total of 22% don't believe healthcare reform will become a reality during Obama's term in office.

Meanwhile, The Washington Post recently found that approximately 70% of the nation believes Obama has a mandate from the people to enact serious social and economic programs. A similar percentage approve of his more than $800 billion stimulus plan, according to the Post's poll.