New polls: Results suggest Americans are content with their lives, finances and prospects.

PUBLIC OPINION polls continue to confirm that Americans feel good about the economy, the country and their own lives.

Add two recent surveys to the list -- by the Gallup Organization and the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.

Gallup found that 85 percent of respondents expressed satisfaction with their personal well-being, a percentage that has risen steadily since the 1980s. Most said they expected things to even better five years from now.

The Joint Center's poll of African Americans showed that 51 percent reported they were better off financially this year than last, the same percentage that felt the nation was headed in the right direction.

Sounds like a lot of contented voters who may opt for the status quo on Election Day.

' Pub date 120/29/98