Obama prepares to reverse Bush actions, decide which promises to fast-track; Kennedy says health reform can’t wait November 9, 2008

By: Mark Memmott and Jill Lawrence

Lots of newspapers are speculating today about the impact of the new Obama administration. A few examples:

The Washington Post writes that President-elect Barack Obama may quickly reverse scores of President Bush’s actions and executive orders, including a limit on federal funds for stem-cell research and a “global gag order” that bars international family-planning groups that receive U.S. aid from telling women about abortion.

The New York Times analyzes which Obama campaign promises will get onto the fast track and which might be put off. On a related note, Sen. Edward Kennedy writes in the Post that health care reform cannot wait.

The Times also examines how Obama ended up winning white, working-class Levittown, Pa., and what’s become of the harsh campaign rhetoric opponents used against Obama until he won. The lead: “That whole anti-American, friend-to-the-terrorists thing about President-elect Barack Obama? Never mind.”

Politico says the Dec. 2 runoff in the Georgia Senate race is a test for Obama and wonders whether he will risk his political capital by campaigning for Democrat Jim Martin. Vanquished Republican nominee John McCain already has said he will campaign for incumbent Saxby Chambliss.

Looking further ahead to future presidential elections, The Los Angeles Times says Democrats are setting their sights on winning Texas. The key: a large untapped pool of black and Latino voters.

And an election update: Obama has moved toward a 7-percentage point lead over McCain as late returns are counted, 53%-46%. Missouri still has not been called for either candidate. The Alaska, Georgia and Minnesota Senate races also remain undecided.