(As of this writing, the Associated Press is reporting that both sides are close to a contract deal to end the strike.)

Confidence and fear are having a tug of war. In Wentzville, Mo., you can see it on the picket lines. It's the first national United Auto Workers strike against General Motors since 1970. It's the strike no on wanted. At least, that's what company officials and union leaders say. With 73,000 workers off the job at about 80 GM plants, the strike is already having a ripple effect across the American economy.

Back to the tug of war. Speeding cars and trucks honk horns on Highway A in support of striking workers outside Wentzville's assembly plant. The workers wave their signs. Some cheer. Confidence.

But that cheer can turn to talk of fear in an instant. How long will the strike last? They hope not for long. Union officials say many workers began saving money long ago in anticipation of a strike, but just because you saved money to prepare doesn't mean you want to spend it all now. Fear.

For now, worker confidence is winning. GM's stock price has barely suffered so far.

A quick end to the strike appears to be in everyone's interest.

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