44, Day 40: Behold, the Populist President

An ongoing log of the daily activities of the 44th president of the United States during his first 100 days:

-This was a busy week for President Obama, providing lots of grist for his Saturday radio and internet address. Obama talked about his budget priorities and his goal to get the uninsured medical coverage. It was the way he talked about it that was a bit striking. Behold the populist president, "I didn't come here to do the same thing we've been doing or to take small steps forward," he said. "I came to provide the sweeping change that this country demanded when it went to the polls in November."

-The president Obama today offered the job of Heath and Human Services secretary to Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, according to reports. She said yes, and a formal announcement is scheduld for Monday. Sebelius is Obama's second choice for the job, but former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle dropped out because of a tax problem. Analysts say Sebelius is well-versed on the health care system, a must-have qualification as the president pushes a reform plan.

-He wasn't there in person, but the nation's first African-American president was present via video link at the 2009 State of the Black Union conference in Los Angeles. "You know that tough times for America often mean tougher times for African-Americans," Obama said. "This recession has been no exception. The unemployment rate among black Americans is a full five points higher than the rate among Americans as a whole."

by J. Jennings Moss

Sources: The White House, Bloomberg, New York Times, and Washington Post,