The more stuff that is messed up before you show up on Day 1, the more time and patience you are given.

Everyone recognizes that Barack Obama will have a lot on his plate as soon as he's sworn in tomorrow afternoon.  Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Bin Laden, a collapsed (and still collapsing) economy, increasing unemployment, entitlement reform, Guantanamo, health care reform, etc...  The list goes on and on.  The interesting thing is this: The fact that the Bush Administration has left Obama with such a mess is precisely the reason that he will be given a ton of time and patience from most of the American people.  Sure, there will be plenty of yapping on the far right from Rush, Hannity, et al - but the average American realizes the country is in a serious mess, and that it's going to take some time to get out.