Early Saturday Obama Roundup (excerpts, with video)

"Obama win makes GOP mull tactics" (Nancy Kruh-Detroit Free Press):

Though no longer in the seat of power, the Republicans are still working to influence the affairs of state, and the pundits, of course, still want to have a say in what the Republicans do.

"What A Difference Ten Days Make" (Isaiah J. Poole-BlogforOurFuture):

On Thursday, the Senate followed the House in passing a reauthorization of a child health insurance bill that will mean 4 million more children will have access to health insurance. When the Congress passed similar legislation last year, then-President Bush vetoed the legislation—twice. This time, President Obama is expected to sign the bill into law next week.

"Obama’s Economic Recovery Plan Is Almost As Pure As Ivory Soap" (Bernie Horn-BlogforOurFuture):

In fairness to all, the negotiations took place behind closed doors, leaving us little solid information on which to base opinions. And over the years, we’ve had good reason to be wary of backroom deals in Congress.

But there's good news. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is a remarkably “clean” bill. Only between 1½ and 3 percent is being wasted on tax cuts for business. Put another way, the bill is about 98 percent pure—money dedicated to good, progressive causes.

"Replace Daschle with Dean" (Booman):

Howard Dean might not have equivalent connections and political savvy, but he does understand health care and he does deserve a job in the Obama administration. I say that the Obama administration should withdraw Daschle's nomination and replace him with Howard Dean.

Obama accepts lobbyists after all" (MSNBC, video (01:48).

"George Obama Arrested: Obama's Half Brother Charged With Drug Possession In Kenya" (AP).

NAIROBI, Kenya — The half-brother of President Barack Obama was arrested for alleged possession of marijuana on Saturday near his home in a Nairobi shantytown, police said.

George Obama, who is in his 20s and barely knows the president, had one joint of marijuana on him, said Joshua Omokulongolo, the police chief in the area.

"He is not a drug peddler," Omokulongolo told The Associated Press. "But it's illegal, it's a banned substance."

Barack Obama