Even Republicans Like Obama

It seems that the Republicans in Congress are doubling down on a losing hand. Gallup's first poll of the new president found that 68 percent approve of his performance, while only 12 percent disapprove. It's the highest favorable rating for a newly elected president since John Kennedy in 1961. According to Gallup, Obama even polls well among Republicans: 43 percent of whom approve of Obama, while only 30 percent disapprove.
With such strong numbers, one has to show some grudging admiration to congressional Republicans who are preparing to vote against Obama's fiscal stimulus plan. Give them style points for playing the bipartisan card:

Republicans plan to test President Barack Obama’s commitment to bipartisanship as his $825 billion stimulus package heads to the floor of the House of Representatives this week, with the House Republican leader saying Sunday morning that many in his party will vote no unless there are significant changes to the plan.

In the meanwhile, Paul Krugman offers some useful rebuttal to some of the GOP's cheap shots on the stimulus plan.
But Obama himself offered the most succinct appraisal of the political situation in a meeting with congressional leaders last week, saying "I won." Despite the new president's advice not to listen to Rush Limbaugh, the GOP seems determined to start the year by playing to the 12 percent. It's not much of a base, but its a start.