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I won't stop until 'Dat dere cell-tech' is on the English language article: Ronnie coleman!
{{sprotected}}
{{Infobox President
| name=George Walker Bush
| image=George-W-Bush.jpeg
| order=43rd ]
| term_start=], ]
| final term ends= ], ]
| vicepresident=]
| predecessor=]
| birth_date=], ]
| birth_place=], ], ]
| party=]
| spouse=]
| religion=]
| languagesspoken=], ]
| signature=GeorgeWBush Signature.png
|
|}}
'''George Walker Bush''' (born ] ]) is the 43rd ], inaugurated on ], ]. He was re-elected in 2004 and is currently serving his second term in that office. He formerly served as the 46th ] from 1995 to 2000. A ], he belongs to one of the most politically influential American families, being the son of former president ] and elder brother of ], the present ].

An entrepreneur in the oil industry in Texas, Bush was an unsuccessful candidate for the ] in 1978. After working on his father's 1988 presidential campaign, he purchased and managed the ] baseball team, and in 1994 he was elected Governor of ]. As Governor, Bush worked on education reform, school finance and ] and sponsored the largest ] program in Texas history. Re-elected in 1998, he was one of the most popular governors in the nation. Bush won the ] as the Republican candidate in a close and controversial contest, despite losing the popular vote. As president, Bush pushed through a $1.3 trillion tax cut program and the ], and has made efforts to ] ] and ]. Bush has also pushed for socially conservative efforts such as the ], ], and the proposed ] to prevent recognition of ].

Following the ], Bush declared a global '']'' and ordered the ], the overthrow of the ], and the rooting out of ]. His post-9/11 actions led to a surge in his popularity. Following failed diplomatic efforts to coax ] into yielding to weapons inspections, Bush ordered the ], despite the fact that the weapons inspectors already stationed in Iraq at the time had requested more time to complete their task satisfactorily. Following the overthrow of the regime, Bush committed the U.S. to establishing ] in both Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as across the ]. A self-proclaimed "war president," Bush won ] after an intense and heated election campaign, becoming the first candidate to win a majority vote in 16 years, as well as the largest tally of votes for any presidential candidate. Since re-election in 2004, Bush has received increasingly heated criticism for his management of the war and domestic issues and his popularity has declined.

==Early life==
]
{{main articles|] and ]}}
Born in ], ], Bush is the eldest son of ] and his wife ] ('']'' Pierce). His family moved to ] when he was two years old. He was raised in ], and ], ] with his siblings ], ], ], and ]. Another younger sister, ], died in 1953 at age three from ].<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.famoustexans.com/georgewbush.htm
| title = George Walker Bush
| accessdate = 2006-06-27
| date = 2005-02-03
| work = Famous Texans
| publisher = famoustexans.com
}}</ref> Bush's grandfather ] was a ], and his father served as U.S. President from 1989 to 1993. His brother Jeb is a two-term ]. The Bush family has long-standing and strong involvement in the ].

Bush attended the ] in ], and following in his father's footsteps, was accepted into ], where he received a ] degree in ] in 1968. He would work for his father on his 1964 and 1970 Senate campaigns in Texas, as well as other Republican campaigns. As a college senior, Bush became a member of the secretive ] society. By his own characterization, Bush was an average student.<ref>{{cite news
|author = Associated Press
|url = http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,25229,00.html
|title = Self-Deprecating Bush Talks to Yale Grads
|publisher = FOXNews.com
|date = 2001-05-21
|accessdate = 2006-06-27
}}</ref> In May 1968, at the height of the on-going ], Bush was accepted into the ]. After training, he was assigned to duty in ], flying ] ]s out of ].<ref>{{cite news
|first = Byron
|last = York
|url = http://www.hillnews.com/york/090904.aspx
|title = Bush's National Guard Years
|publisher = The Hill
|date = 2004-09-09
|accessdate = 2006-06-27
}}</ref> Through his political career, Bush has been criticized over his induction and period of service. Critics allege that Bush was favorably treated owing to his father's political standing, and that he was irregular in attendance. Bush took a transfer to the ] Air National Guard in 1972 to work on a Republican senate campaign, and in 1974 he obtained permission to end his six-year service obligation six months early in order to attend ], receiving an honorable discharge. Bush has described this period of his life as his "nomadic" period of "irresponsible youth" and admitted to drinking "too much" in those years.<ref name="Life-changing">{{cite news
|first = Lois
|last = Romano
|coauthors = George Lardner Jr
|url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/wh2000/stories/bush072599.htm
|title = Bush's Life-Changing Year
|publisher = ]
|date = 1999-07-25
|accessdate = 2006-06-27
}}</ref> On ], ], near his family's summer home in ], ], police arrested Bush for ] of ], having been drinking with former ] world number one ] player ] and his former advisor Raphael Rosenast. He pled guilty, was fined $150, and had his ] suspended for 30 days within ].<ref name="CNNDUI">{{cite news
|author = Staff and wire reports
|url = http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/11/02/bush.dui
|title = Bush acknowledges 1976 DUI charge
|publisher = ]
|date = 2000-11-02
|accessdate = 2006-06-27
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
|url = http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/bushdui1.html
|title = The Smoking Gun: Archive
|publisher = thesmokinggun.com
|accessdate = 2006-06-27
}}</ref>

After obtaining an ] from Harvard, Bush entered the oil industry in Texas, working in the companies of his father's business allies and contacts. In 1978, he was introduced by friends to ], a young schoolteacher. After three months of courting, Bush married Laura and settled in ]. His twin daughters ] and ] were born in 1981. Bush joined his wife's ], leaving his family's ]. In 1978, Bush ran for the ] from the ]. Facing ] of the ], Bush stressed his energy credentials and conservative values in the campaign. Hance was also a conservative, opposing gun control and excessive regulation, but successfully portrayed Bush as out of touch with rural Texans. Bush campaigned hard and was an effective fundraiser, but lost by 6,000 votes. Hance later became a ], and donated money to Bush's campaign for ] in 1993.<ref name= NewsMine>{{cite news
|url = http://newsmine.org/archive/cabal-elite/w-administration/w-bush/bush-loses-congress-election-1978-texas.txt
|title = Bush Wasn't Always a Front-Runner
|publisher = ]
|date = 1999-10-17
|accessdate = 2006-07-27
}}</ref>
]
Bush returned to the oil industry, becoming a senior partner or chief executive officer of several ventures, such as ], ], and ]. These ventures suffered from the general decline of oil prices in the 1980s, that had affected the industry and the regional economy, but he remained active through mergers, acquisitions and consolidations of his firms. Faced with serious drinking issues and difficulties in his professional and personal life, Bush abandoned his socializing lifestyle and began attending church regularly. In 1986, he quit drinking alcohol, and following a personal meeting and exchange with Reverend ], he become a ].<ref name="Life-changing"/> Bush studied the ] and Christian philosophy, participating in church and community study groups. Bush moved with his family to ] in 1988, to work on his father's campaign for the U.S. presidency. He worked with ] and ] to develop and coordinate a political strategy for courting conservative Christians and ] voters, who were seen as key to winning the nomination and the election. Delivering speeches at rallies and fundraisers, Bush met with representatives of conservative and religious organizations on behalf of his father.

Returning to Texas, Bush purchased a share in the ] ] franchise, in April 1989, where he served as managing general partner of the Rangers for five years. He was active in the team's media relations and in securing the construction of a new stadium, which opened in 1994 as ]. Bush actively led the team's projects, and regularly attended its games, often choosing to sit in the open stands with fans. Bush's role with the Rangers gave him prominent media exposure and attention, as well as garnering public, business and political support. The Rangers were mostly successful while Bush lead the team. During his tenure, the Rangers acquired Hall-of-Fame pitcher ] who was enormously popular with the fans during the last years of his career. The team nearly won its first division title in 1994 before a strike shortened the season. Bush presided over the unfortunate trade of the eventually famous ].

==Governor of Texas==
]
Following his father's election in 1988, speculation had arisen amongst Republicans that Bush would enter the 1990 gubernatorial election, but this was offset by Bush's purchase of the Rangers baseball team and personal concerns regarding his own record and profile. Following his success as owner and manager of the Rangers, Bush declared his candidacy for the 1994 election, even as his brother Jeb first sought the governorship of ]. Winning the Republican primary easily, Bush faced incumbent Governor ], a popular Democrat who was considered the easy favorite, given Bush's lack of political credentials.

Bush was aided in his quest by a close coterie of political advisors that included ], a former journalist who was his communications advisor; ], who became his campaign manager and ], a personal friend and political activist who is believed to have been a strong influence in encouraging Bush to enter the election. Bush's aides crafted a campaign strategy that attacked Governor Richards' record on law enforcement, her political appointments and support for liberal political causes. Bush developed a positive image and message with themes of "personal responsibility" and "moral leadership". His campaign focused on issues such as education (seeking more accountability for schools over student performance), crime, deregulation of the economy, and ]. The Bush campaign was criticized for using controversial methods to criticize Richards. Following an impressive performance in the debates, Bush's popularity grew. He won with 52 percent against Richards' 47 percent.<ref>{{cite book
| last = Wayne Slater
| first = James Moore
| year = 2003
| title = Bush's Brain: How Karl Rove Made George W. Bush Presidential
| publisher = Wiley
| location = USA
| ISBN = 0-471-42327-0
| pages = 210
}}</ref>

As governor, Bush successfully sponsored legislation for ], increased education funding, set higher standards for schools, and reformed the ] system. School finance was considered a sensitive issue at the time by politicians and the press. The state financed its school system through property taxes. Seeking to reduce the high rates to benefit homeowners while increasing general education funding, Bush sought to create business taxes, but faced vigorous opposition from his own party and the private sector. Failing to obtain political consensus for his proposal, Bush used a budget surplus to push through a $2 billion tax-cut plan, which was the largest in Texas history and cemented Bush's credentials as a pro-business fiscal conservative.<ref>{{cite book
| last = Wayne Slater
| first = James Moore
| year = 2003
| title = Bush's Brain: How Karl Rove Made George W. Bush Presidential
| publisher = Wiley
| location = USA
| ISBN = 0-471-42327-0
| pages = 233-36
}}</ref>

Bush also pioneered ] by extending government funding and support for religious organizations providing social services such as education, alcohol and drug abuse prevention, and reduction of domestic violence. Governor Bush signed a memorandum on ], ], proclaiming ] to be ] in Texas, a day where he "urge(d) all Texans to answer the call to serve those in need."<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/jesus/art/pop_jesusday.jpg
| title = Jesus Day
| accessdate = 2006-06-30
| author = Texas State
| date = 2005-03-11
| format = JPEG
| work = Texas State Archives
| publisher = PBS
}}</ref> Criticized by some for violating the constitutional ], Bush's initiative was consistent with his personal faith, and was popular with most people across the state, especially religious and social conservatives. In 1998, Bush went on to win re-election in a ] with nearly 69% of the vote, becoming the first Texas governor to be elected for two consecutive four-year terms (before 1975, the gubernatorial term of office was two years).<ref>{{cite news
|author = Associated Press
|url = http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1998/11/03/election/governors/texas
|title = Texas Gov. George W. Bush wins in landslide
|publisher = CNN
|date = 1998-11-03
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref>

==Seeking the U.S. presidency==
{{main|United States presidential election, 2000}}
As one of the most popular governors in the nation, Bush was seen in the media and the Republican Party as a strong potential contender for the ]. Bush had personally envisioned running for the presidency since his re-election, and upon announcement of his candidacy, he immediately became the front-runner and raised the largest amount in campaign funds. Bush declared himself a "]", a term coined by ] professor ], and his ] promised to "restore honor and dignity to the White House," in reference to the disenchantment with the incumbent ], over his affair with ]. Bush proposed lowering taxes in response to a projected surplus, supported participation of ] ] in federally funded programs, promoted ], national education reform, ] in the ], a balanced ], and structural changes to the ]. Bush's ] campaign platform supported a stronger economic and political relationship with ] and especially ], free trade and reduced involvement in "]" and other minor military engagements indirectly related to U.S. interests. Bush also pledged to expand the ] initiative, and to reform Social Security and ].

Bush's campaign was managed by Rove, Hughes and Albaugh, as well as by other political associates from Texas. He was endorsed by a majority of Republicans in 38 state legislatures. After winning the ], Bush was handed a surprising defeat by U.S. Senator ] of ] in the ]. During the campaign, Bush was criticized for visiting the controversial ], which bore a reputation for a bias against ] and a ban on inter-racial dating. Bush apologized to the Archbishop while clarifying that he did not endorse the university's controversial measures.<ref>{{cite news
|author = ]
|url = http://www.commondreams.org/views/020900-101.htm
|title = At Bob Jones U., A Disturbing Lesson About The Real George W.
|publisher = Common Dreams Newscenter
|date = 2000-02-09
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref> Bush captured nine of thirteen ] state primaries, effectively clinching the Republican nomination. He chose ], a former ] and ] as his ]. His campaign was endorsed by prominent Republicans such as ] and ], who assumed roles as advisors on issues of national security and foreign relations. While stressing his successful record as governor of Texas, Bush's campaign attacked the Democratic nominee, incumbent Vice President ] over ] and taxation. Bush criticized the ], championed by Gore, citing the decline of the industries in the mid-western states such as ] and resulting economic hardships.

In the televised Republican presidential debate held in ], ], on ] ], all of the participating candidates were asked: ''"What political ] or thinker do you most identify with and why?"'' Unlike the other candidates, who cited former presidents and other political figures, Bush responded "], because he changed my heart." Bush's appeal to religious values is believed to have aided his election, as those who said they "attend church weekly" gave him 56% of their vote in 2000 and 63% of their vote in 2004.<ref>{{cite news
|title = How Americans Voted
|publisher = The Gallup Organization
|date = 2004-11-05
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}The Gallup Organization, "How Americans Voted," 5 November 2004</ref>
] greets President-elect Bush at the White House in late December of 2000.]]

On Election Day on ], ], Bush won the key mid-western states such as ], ], ]. He also clinched Gore's home state of ], ] and an erstwhile Democratic bastion of ]. Television networks initially called the state of ] for his opponent, then withdrew that projection and later called the state for Bush along with the entire election, and finally declared that it was too close to call. Sometime after the networks reported that Bush had won Florida, Gore conceded the election and then rescinded that concession less than one hour later. The vote count, which favored Bush in preliminary tallies, was contested over allegations of irregularities in the voting and tabulation processes. Because of Florida state law, a state-wide machine recount was triggered and completed. Although it narrowed the gap, the recount still left Bush in the lead. Eventually, four counties in Florida which had large numbers of presidential undervotes began a manual hand recount of ballots. On ], the ] ruled that every county with a large number of undervotes would perform a hand recount. On ], in the '']'' case, the ] stopped the statewide hand recount. The machine recount showed that Bush had won the Florida vote, giving him 271 ] to Gore's 266; Bush carried 30 of the 50 states.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.fec.gov/pubrec/2000presgeresults.htm
| title = 2000 OFFICIAL PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS
| accessdate = 2006-06-30
| author = State Elections Offices
| date = 2001-11-07
| publisher = Public Disclosure Division, Federal Election Commission
}}</ref>

==First term==
{{main article|George W. Bush's first term as President of the United States}}
President George W. Bush was regarded by his political opponents and many in the media as lacking a popular mandate, having lost the popular vote. Upon assuming office, Bush appointed ] as his chief of staff, Karl Rove as his political advisor and Karen Hughes as White House communications director. He appointed Colin Powell as the ], ] as ] and Donald Rumsfeld as the ]. His appointment of former senator ] as ] was intensely criticized by Democrats over Ashcroft's opposition of ] and support for social and religious conservative causes about ], ]. Despite this, Ashcroft was confirmed and Bush was lauded by conservatives.

===Conservative agenda===
On his first day in office, Bush moved to block federal aid to foreign groups that offered counseling or any other assistance to women in obtaining abortions.<ref>{{cite news
|author = Office of the Press Secretary
|url = http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/20010123-5.html
|title = Memorandum for Restoration of the Mexico City Policy
|publisher = ]
|date = 2001-01-22
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref> Days later, he announced his commitment to channeling more federal aid to faith-based service organizations. At the time, critics feared this would dissolve the traditional ].<ref>{{cite news
|first = Thomas E.
|last = Buckley
|url = http://www.americamagazine.org/gettext.cfm?articleTypeID=1&textID=2601&issueID=411
|title = Church, State and the Faith-Based Initiative
|publisher = America, The National Catholic Weekly
|date = 2002-11-11
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
|first = David
|last = Brancaccio
|url = http://www.pbs.org/now/politics/churchandstate2.html
|title = Faith-based Initiatives
|work = God and Government
|publisher = ], ]
|date = 2003-09-26
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref> Bush created the ] to assist faith-based service organizations. In a televised address on ] ], Bush would announce a national policy on ] that authorized funding and research work, with federal restrictions over the use of human embryos.

Bush would also successfully push for the ], enacted in 2003 with bi-partisan support but criticized by ] groups as incursive on legalized abortion rights. Following a national furor over the recognition of same-sex marriages in ] and ], Bush announced his opposition to the recognition of same-sex marriage but supported allowing states to provide ].<!-- This reference is no longer online.--><!--<ref>{{cite news
|author = ]
|url = http://washingtontimes.com/upi-breaking/20041026-121303-1337r.htm
|title = Bush breaks with GOP on same-sex unions
|publisher = United Press International
|date = 2004-10-26
|accessdate =
}}</ref>--> He endorsed the ] to the ] which would define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Bush is the first Republican president to appoint an openly ] man (], assistant secretary at the ]) to his administration.<ref name=GayAppointee>{{cite web
| url = http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1589/is_2005_August_30/ai_n15390133
| title = Bush's newly minted gay appointee
| accessdate = 2006-06-30
| last = Wildman
| first = Sarah
| date = 2005-08-30
| publisher = ]
}}</ref>

On ], Bush remains staunchly opposed to the procedure, and supported ] ]'s decision to file suit against the voter-approved ], which was ultimately decided by the ] in favor of the Oregon law.<ref name=OregonEuthanasia>{{cite news
|first = Kevin
|last = Johnson
|url = http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2002/04/17/court-suicide.htm
|title = Federal judge backs Oregon suicide law
|publisher = ]
|date = 2002-04-18
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref> However, as governor of ], Bush signed a law which gave hospitals the authority to take terminally ill patients off of ] against the wishes of their spouse or parents, if the doctors deemed it medically appropriate.<ref name=RighttoDie>{{cite news
|author = Knight Ridder
|coauthors = Newsday
|url = http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2002215324_texaslaw22.html
|title = As governor, Bush signed right-to-die law
|publisher = ]
|date = 2005-03-22
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref> This became an issue in 2005, when the president signed controversial legislation forwarded and voted on by only three members of the ] to intiate federal intervention in the court battle of ], a comatose ] woman who ultimately died.<ref name=Schiavo>{{cite news
|first = Charles
|last = Babington
|coauthors = Allen, Mike
|url = http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A51402-2005Mar20.html
|title = Congress Passes Schiavo Measure
|publisher = The Washington Post
|date = 2005-03-21
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref>

In the ] message in January 2003, Bush outlined a five-year strategy for global emergency ] relief, the ]. Bush announced $15 billion for this effort, $3 billion a year for five years, but has requested less in annual budgets, though some members of Congress have added amendments to increase the requested amounts. The emergency relief effort is led by U.S. Ambassador ], former ] of ] and ] at the ]. $9 billion is allocated for new programs in AIDS relief for 15 countries most affected by HIV/AIDS. Another $5 billion will go to continuing support of AIDS relief in 100 countries where the U.S. already has bilateral programs established. An additional $1 billion will go to support the ]. Almost one quarter of the $15 billion has gone to religious groups that tend to emphasize abstinence over condom use.<ref>{{cite news
|author = Associated Press
|url = http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2006/01/29/quarter-of-bushs-15-bil_n_14689.html
|title = Quarter Of Bush's $15 Billion For AIDS Going To Christian Groups
|publisher = ]
|date = 2006-01-29
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref> This budget represents more money contributed to fight AIDS globally than all other donor countries combined.

On ] ], in response to a press question about the teaching of ] versus ] in public schools, Bush answered, "Both sides ought to be properly taught .&nbsp;.&nbsp;. so people can understand what the debate is about. .&nbsp;.&nbsp;. I think that part of education is to expose people to different schools of thought."<ref name=BostonGlobeEducation>{{cite news
|first = Ron
|last = Hutcheson
|coauthors = Ridder, Knight
|url = http://www.boston.com/news/education/k_12/articles/2005/08/02/bush_endorses_intelligent_design/
|title = Bush endorses 'intelligent design'
|publisher = Boston Globe
|date = 2005-08-02
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref> Bush did not elaborate his personal view on intelligent design.

===Economic policies===
Facing opposition in Congress, Bush held town hall-style public meetings across the nation to increase public support for his plan for a $1.3 trillion tax cut. Bush and his economic advisors argued that unspent government funds should be returned to taxpayers, and with reports of the threat of recession from Federal Reserve Chairman ], Bush argued that such a tax cut would stimulate the economy and create jobs. In the end, five Senate Democrats crossed party lines to join Republicans in approving Bush's $1.35 trillion <ref>{{cite news
|first = Kelly
|last = Wallace
|url = http://archives.cnn.com/2001/ALLPOLITICS/06/07/bush.taxes
|title = $1.35 trillion tax cut becomes law
|publisher = ] InsidePolitics archives
|date = 2001-06-07
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref> tax cut program - one of the largest in U.S. history. This was regarded as a major political victory given Bush's controversial election.

During his first term, Bush sought and obtained Congressional approval for three major tax cuts in ], ], and ]. These cuts reduced taxes for almost every taxpayer, including reducing the lowest ], increasing the ], and eliminating the so-called "marriage penalty". Arguably, cuts were distributed disproportionately to higher income taxpayers through a decrease in ], but the change in marginal rates was greater for those of lower income, resulting in an income tax structure that was more progressive overall. However, complexity was increased with new categories of income taxed at different rates and new deductions and credits; at the same time, the number of individuals subject to the ] increased since the AMT remained unchanged.

Federal spending in constant dollars increased under Bush by 26% in his first four and one-half years. The tax cuts, a recession, and significant increases in military and domestic outlays all contributed to record budget deficits during the Bush administration. The seasonally adjusted Unemployment Rate based on the Household Survey started at 4.7% in January 2001, peaked at 6.2% in June 2003, and retreated to 4.6% in May 2006. Under Bush, the ] traded for a record 61 consecutive trading sessions above 11,000.

Bush's imposition of a ] and ] was controversial in light of his advocacy of ] ] in other areas, and attracted criticism both from his fellow ] and from nations affected. The steel tariff was later rescinded under pressure from the ]. A negotiated settlement to the softwood lumber dispute was reached in April 2006, and the seven-year deal was finalized on July 1st, 2006.

===Education, healthcare and science===
Bush's domestic agenda carried forward themes of increased responsibility for performance from his days as Texas governor, and he worked hard to lobby the adoption of the ], with Democratic Senator ] as chief sponsor. The legislation aims to close the achievement gap, measures ] performance, provides options to parents with students in low-performing schools, and targets more federal funding to low-income ]. Bush also increased funding significantly for the ] and ], creating education programs to strengthen the grounding in science and mathematics for American high school students. Bush promoted increased de-regulation and investment options in social services, leading Republican efforts to pass the ], which added prescription drug coverage to Medicare and created ], which would permit people to set aside a portion of their Medicare tax to build a "nest egg." Bush said the law, estimated to cost US$400 billion over the first 10 years, would give the elderly "better choices and more control over their health care."<ref>{{cite news
|url = http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/12/20031208-2.html
|title = President Signs Medicare Legislation
|publisher = The White House
|date = 2003-12-08
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref>

In wake of the ], on ] ] Bush announced a major re-direction for the ].<ref name=NewVisionNASA>{{cite news
|url = http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/01/20040114-3.html
|title = President Bush Announces New Vision for Space Exploration Program
|publisher = The White House
|date = 2004-01-14
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref> Known as the ], it calls for the completion of the ] by 2010 and the retirement of the ] while developing a new ] called the ] under the title ]. The CEV would be used to return American ] to the ] by 2018.

=== Foreign policy ===
{{main|Foreign policy of the George W. Bush administration}}
] ], President Bush, and former ] Prime Minister ] after reading a statement to the press during the closing moments of the Red Sea Summit in ], ], on ] ].]]
Public perceptions of Bush were reputedly of lacking interest in foreign affairs. However, the Bush administration implemented major changes in U.S. foreign policy by withdrawing its participation in the 1998 ](although in 1998 the Senate vote to participate in the treaty was 0 for and 95 against) and the 1972 ] with Russia, in order to pursue ].<ref>{{cite news
|url = http://www.fas.org/nuke/control/abmt/news/010501bush.html
|title = President Bush Speech on Missile Defence
|publisher = Federation of Americal Scientists
|date = 2001-05-01
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref> International leaders also criticized Bush for withdrawing support for the ] soon after he assumed the presidency. The administration voiced concern that the court could conceivably co-opt the authority of the United States' judicial system.<!--Reference is no longer online--><ref name="BBCICC">{{cite news
|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/1970312.stm
|title = US renounces world court treaty
|publisher = BBC
|date = 2002-05-06
|accessdate =
}}</ref> Although lauded by Republicans and conservatives, global public opinions rose against U.S. policies and its status the world's sole superpower, which presented a hegemonistic image. Bush publicly condemned ] of ] and his Stalinist regime. Bush also undertook bold actions by expressing U.S. support for the defense of ] following the stand-off in March 2001 with the ] over the crash of a Chinese air force jet and the detention of U.S. personnel. In 2003-04, Bush would authorize U.S. military intervention in ] and ] to restore order and oversee a transition to democracy.

Bush emphasized a "hands-off" approach to the conflict between ] and ] in wake of rising violence and the failure of the Clinton administration's efforts to negotiate. Bush specifically disowned Palestinian leader ] for his support of the violence and militant groups, but following urgings from European leaders, became the first American president to embrace a two-state solution envisaging an independent Palestine existing side-by-side with Israel. Bush sponsored dialogue between Prime Ministers ] and ], but continued his administration's boycott of Arafat. Bush would also support Sharon's unilateral disengagement plan, and lauded the democratic elections held in Palestine following Arafat's death.

===War on terrorism===
] in ], September 14, 2001: "I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon."]]
The ] were a major turning point in Bush's life and presidency. Bush was visiting an elementary school in Florida when chief of staff Andrew Card informed him that a plane had crashed into the ] in ]. Following news of a second plane crashing, Bush left the school and flew to an air base, before returning to Washington, D.C. in the late afternoon. That evening, he addressed the nation from the Oval Office, promising a strong response to the attacks but emphasizing the need for the nation to come together and comfort the families of the victims. On September 14, he visited ], meeting with mayor ] and firefighters, policemen and volunteers. In a moment captured by press and media, Bush addressed the roused gathering from atop a heap of rubble:

{{cquote|I can hear you. The rest of the world hears you. And the people who knocked these buildings down will hear all of us soon.}}
In a speech to the U.S. Congress, Bush declared war on terrorist groups and nations supporting terrorism across the world, and specifically endorsing the overthrow of the ] regime of ], which had been harboring training camps for ] militants. Bush ordered the invasion of Afghanistan, which resulted in the overthrow of the Taliban by the ] with the help of U.S. special forces and bombing campaigns. Bush also backed secret programs to gather intelligence through the monitoring of bank funds and telephone records, and signed the ], which gave law enforcement agencies increased powers.<ref>{{cite news
|author = Associated Press
|url = http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-06-26-bush-monitoring_x.htm
|title = Bush: Disclosure of financial monitoring program 'disgraceful'
|publisher = USA Today
|date = 2006-06-26
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref>

===Iraq war===
Following the successful overthrow of the Taliban, the Bush administration also promoted urgent action in Iraq, stating that Iraqi President ] possessed ] (WMD), and that in the post 9-11 world it was too dangerous to allow unstable regimes to possess weapons that could "potentially fall into the hands of terrorists." Bush also argued that Saddam was a threat to U.S. security, destabilized the ], inflamed the ], and financed ]. ] reports asserted that Saddam Hussein had tried to acquire ], had not properly accounted for Iraqi ] and ] material in violation of ], and that some Iraqi missiles had a range greater than allowed by the UN sanctions.<!--Reference no longer online--><ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.cia.gov/cia/reports/iraq_wmd/Iraq_Oct_2002.htm
| title = Iraq's Weapons of Mass Destruction Programs
| accessdate =
| year = 2002
| month = October
| publisher = ]
}}</ref>
] in 2003.]]
Bush urged the ] to enforce Iraqi ] mandates, precipitating a ]. On ] ], under ], Hans Blix and ] led UN weapons inspectors in Iraq. There was controversy over the efficacy of inspections and lapses in Iraqi compliance. UN inspection teams departed Iraq upon U.S. advisement given four days prior to full-scale hostilities, despite their requests for more time to complete their tasks.<ref>{{cite news
|author = Associated Press
|url = http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/iraq/2003-03-17-inspectors-iraq_x.htm
|title = U.S advises weapons inspectors to leave Iraq
|publisher = USA Today
|date = 2003-03-17
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref> The Bush administration initially sought a ] resolution authorizing the use of military force pursuant to Chapter VII of the ].<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.worldpress.org/specials/iraq/chapterVII.htm
| title = Enforcement Measures under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter
| accessdate = 2006-06-30
| author = United Nations
| date = 2003-02-13
| work = ]
| publisher = United Nations
}}</ref> However, upon facing vigorous opposition from several nations (primarily France and Germany), the Bush administration dropped the bid for UN approval and began to prepare for war; Benjamin Ferenccz, a former chief prosecutor of the ] argued that for these actions Bush, with his administration, could be prosecuted for ]s;<ref>{{cite news
| author =
| url = http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/38604/
| title = Could Bush Be Prosecuted for War Crimes?
| publisher = ]
| date = 2006-07-10
|accessdate = 2006-07-10
}}</ref> also ] and ], as well as several nations, made similar statements, implying that the attack constitutes a war crime.<ref>{{cite news
|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/3661134.stm
|title = Iraq war illegal, says Annan
|publisher = BBC
|date = 2004-09-16
|accessdate = 2006-07-11
}}</ref> The war effort was joined by more than 20 other nations (most notably the United Kingdom) who were designated the "]".<ref>{{cite news
|first = Steve
|last = Schifferes
|url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/2862343.stm
|title = US names 'coalition of the willing'
|publisher = BBC
|date = 2003-03-18
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref>

Military hostilities commenced on ] ] to pre-empt Iraqi WMD deployment and remove Saddam from power, and successfully ended on ], ], when U.S. forces took control of ]. The success of U.S. operations would greatly increase Bush's popularity, but the U.S. forces would be challenged by public disorder, as well as increasing insurgency led by pro-Saddam and Islamist groups. The Bush administration was assailed in subsequent months following the report of the ], which apart from a few stockpiles, did not find the large quantities of weapons that the regime was believed to possess. The ] report concluded that Saddam's government was actively attempting to acquire technology that would allow Iraq to produce WMD as soon as U.N. sanctions were lifted.<ref>{{cite web
| url = http://www.9-11commission.gov/report/911Report.pdf
| title = The 9/11 Commission Report
| accessdate = 2006-06-30
| author =]
| format = PDF
| pages = 585
}}</ref> The Commission found no credible evidence that Saddam Hussein possessed stockpiles of WMD. On ], ], while discussing the WMD issue, Bush stated that "It is true that much of the intelligence turned out to be wrong."<ref>{{cite news
|author = Times Online
|coauthors = agencies
|url = http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,7374-1930698,00.html
|title = Bush: we went to war on faulty intelligence
|publisher = ]
|date = 2005-12-14
|accessdate = 2006-06-30
}}</ref> However, Bush would remain unwavering when asked if the war had been worth it, or whether he'd have made the same decision if he had known more. U.S. efforts in Iraq would become the centrepiece of Bush's expressed vision to promote democracy as a means to discourage and defeat terrorists, by removing radical regimes and fostering social and economic development.

==Campaign for re-election==
]
{{main|United States presidential election, 2004}}
Bush commanded strong support in the Republican Party, and did not encounter a primary challenge. He appointed ] as campaign manager, and the campaign political strategy was devised largely by Karl Rove{{fact}}. Bush outlined a 2004 agenda that included a strong commitment in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, a renewal of the USA Patriot Act, making the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent, cutting the budget deficit in half, promoting education, tort reform social security and national tax reform. Bush emphasized ], arguing for the preservation of the institution of marriage through the ]. In most of his speeches, Bush also strongly stressed a vision and commitment for spreading ] and ] across the world.

Building a strong treasury of campaign funds, the campaign began running television and radio advertisement campaigns across the nation against Democratic candidates as well as Bush's emerging opponent, ] Senator ]. Kerry and Democrats attacked Bush on the USA Patriot Act, the failure to find weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and for allegedly failing to stimulate the economy and job growth, as well as controversies surrounding Bush's service in the National Guard. Bush emphasized his leadership in war and national security challenges, evoking the patriotism and passion aroused by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The Bush campaign portrayed Kerry as a staunch ] who would raise taxes and increase government control, and attacked him for his opposition to a constitutional amendment banning ]. The Bush campaign continuously criticized Kerry's contradictory statements on the war in Iraq, citing his lack of decision and vision for success in the war on terrorism. Popular politicians like ], ], ] and Democrats such as ], ], ] campaigned actively for Bush, who traveled across the country delivering speeches at three to four different locations on most days. The campaign organized a large army of volunteers, and focused its efforts on ]s such as Ohio, ], Florida, ], ] and ]. Bush carried 31 of 50 states for 286 ] votes and collected the most popular votes ever (62,040,610 votes/50.7%), thanks to the highest voter turnout since 1968. This was the first time since 1988 that a president had received a popular majority.

==Second term==
{{main article|George W. Bush's second term as President of the United States}}
] and House speaker ].]]
Bush was ] for his second term on ] ]. The ] was administered by ] ]. Bush's inaugural address centered mainly on a theme of spreading ] and ] around the world:

{{cquote|We are led, by events and common sense, to one conclusion: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world...The great objective of ending tyranny is the concentrated work of generations. The difficulty of the task is no excuse for avoiding it. America's influence is not unlimited, but fortunately for the oppressed, America's influence is considerable, and we will use it confidently in freedom's cause...From the perspective of a single day, including this day of dedication, the issues and questions before our country are many. From the viewpoint of centuries, the questions that come to us are narrowed and few. Did our generation advance the cause of freedom? And did our character bring credit to that cause..?}}

For his second term, Bush assembled what is regarded as the most diverse U.S. cabinet in history, with the appointments of the first Hispanic American U.S. Attorney General and Commerce Secretary, as well as making ] the first African American woman to head the U.S. State Department. Bush retained Defense Secretary Don Rumsfeld, whose dismissal had been demanded by many in the U.S. Congress. During a visit to the ] on ], ] there was an attempt to assassinate Bush by ], whose live grenade failed to detonate after hitting a girl and landing in the large crowd 18.6 meters (61 feet) from the podium where he was delivering a speech. In 2006, Bush would replace long-time chief of staff Andrew Card with ], and undertake major staff and cabinet changes to re-vitalize his administration.

===Domestic agenda===
] to deliver the ].]]

President Bush began his second term by outlining a major initiative to reform ], which was facing record deficit projections beginning in 2015. Bush made it the centerpiece of his agenda despite contrary beliefs in the media and in the U.S. Congress, which saw the program as the "fifth rail of politics," with the American public being suspicious of any attempt to change it. It was also widely believed to be the province of the Democratic Party, with Republicans in the past having been accused of efforts to dismantle or privatize it. In his 2005 State of the Union Address, Bush discussed the allegedly impending bankruptcy of the program, and attacked political inertia against reform. He proposed options to permit Americans to divert a portion of their Social Security tax (FICA) into secured investments, created a "nest egg" that would enjoy steady growth. Despite emphasizing safeguards and remaining open to other plans, Bush's proposal was criticized for its high cost, and Democrats attacked it as an effort to partially privatize the system. Bush embarked on a 60-day national tour, campaigning vigorously for his initiative in public meetings in order to bolster public support. Bush's initiative failed to generate political momentum in face of rising concerns over the Iraq War and the budget deficit. In 2006, he would call upon the Congress to create a bipartisan commission to propose legislation to reform Medicare and Social Security.

In 2006, Bush would shift focus to re-emphasize immediate and comprehensive immigration reform. Going beyond calls from Republicans and conservatives to secure the border, Bush demanded that Congress create a "temporary guest-worker program" to allow more than 12 million illegal immigrants to obtain legal status. Bush continues to argue that the lack of legal status denies the protections of U.S. laws to millions of people who face dangers of poverty and exploitation, and penalizes employers despite a demand for immigrant labor. On ], ], Bush proposed expanding "Basic Pilot," an online system to allow employers to easily confirm the eligibility of new hires; creating a new identification card for all foreign workers; and increasing penalties for businesses that violate immigration laws. Bush urged Congress to provide additional funding for border security, and deployed 6,000 ] troops to the ].<ref>, ], ], ]</ref> On ], ], Bush created the 75th, and largest, ] in US history and the largest ] in the world with the formation of the ].<ref>, Office of the Press Secretary, ] ], ].</ref>

In 2005 and 2006, Bush also emphasized the need for comprehensive energy reform, and proposed increased funding for research and development of renewable sources of energy such as ], ], ] and ]. Bush has proposed the ] which seeks to support increasing competitiveness of the U.S. economy, with greater development of advanced technologies, as well as greater education and support for American students. Bush also appointed first lady Laura Bush to oversee an initiative to improve opportunities and education for inner-city boys.

===Foreign policy and the war in Iraq===
] and Canada's Prime Minister ] stand in front of the ] archaeological ruins Thursday, ], ].]]
Bush began his second term with an emphasis on improving strained relations with European nations. He appointed long-time advisor Karen Hughes to oversee a global public relations campaign to improve the image of the U.S., and significantly increased development aid to countries with a focus on encouraging democracy and human rights. Bush strongly lauded the pro-democracy struggles in ], ], the election of ] as president of the ] and led international pressure against ] to withdraw troops from ]. During Bush's visit to ], the U.S. formally abandoned decades of lukewarmness by creating a strategic partnership on economic and nuclear issues. Bilateral relations with Germany and Canada have also improved following the election of conservative governments there.

Major progress was achieved in Iraq immediately following Bush's re-election, with large turnouts during elections in January and December 2005, as well as in a referendum to approve a constitution. However, Bush's leadership against global terrorism and in the war in Iraq has met increasing criticism, with increasing demands within the U.S. to set a timetable to withdraw troops from Iraq. Sectarian violence and political deadlock in Iraq has increased negative impressions of Bush's leadership and the situation in Iraq, which has led to the deaths of more than 2,500 U.S. soldiers. Allegations of abuse by U.S. troops have accompanied calls from European leaders to shut down detention centers in ]. Bush has firmly defended his policies and progress in Iraq, and paid a surprise visit following the death of terrorist leader ] and the appointment of a new government. Bush broke the record for closest Presidential elections both times.{{Fact}}

==Criticism and public perception==
{{main|Public perception and assessments of George W. Bush}}
]s from February 2001 to May 2006. Large increases in approval followed the ] attacks and the beginning of the ]. These numbers have since steadily decreased.]]
'']'' magazine named George W. Bush as its ] for 2000<ref>, ] Magazine.</ref> and for 2004<ref>, ] Magazine</ref>. Bush began his presidency with ]s near 50%.<ref name=ApprovalRatingsOverTime>, Roper Center:Presidential Job Performance</ref> In the time of national crisis following the ] attacks, Bush enjoyed ]s of greater than 85%, maintaining 80&ndash;90% approval for four months after the attacks. Since then, his approval ratings and approval of handling of domestic, economic, and foreign policy issues have steadily dropped for many reasons. Polls conducted in early 2006 showed an average of around 40% for Bush, up slightly from the following September, but still low from a president coming off of his ], which generally provides a boost. As of ], ], an average of major polls indicated that Bush's approval rating stood at 36.8%.<ref></ref>

Criticism and caricatures of Bush often portray him as lacking intelligence and general awareness of issues, depending entirely on political advisors. Some even allege that Vice President ] possesses the real control of the U.S. government. Bush's gaffes while speaking in public, often speaking in crude English, have been lampooned frequently. At the beginning of his first term, Bush was portrayed as lacking legitimacy, owing to his having lost the popular vote. Although working with Democrats such as ] and ] on major legislation, Bush has been attacked for allegedly squandering opportunities for uniting Americans across party lines.{{fact}} While routinely criticized by Democrats, Bush has also divided American celebrities, sports and media personalities, many of whom have engaged in heated criticism of Bush. Activist and filmmaker ]'s 2004 documentary '']'' accused Bush of using public sentiments following 9/11 for political purposes and lying about the case for war in Iraq. Apart from Russia, some countries in Eastern Europe and Israel, peoples across the world have borne negative views on Bush, who has been targeted by the global anti-war and anti-globalization campaigns. He has also been accused of wire taping, misleading the nation to war, and the Supreme Court ruled that his actions at the ] prison were unconstitutional and in violation of the ]. Bush's policies have also been subject to heated criticism in the 2002 elections in Germany and the 2003 elections in Canada.{{fact}} While getting along well with right-wing leaders, Bush has been openly condemned by centrist and centre-left politicians such as ], ] and ]. Diplomatic visits made by Bush have been characterized by small-scale as well as significant protests.

Many analysts and observers believe Bush to be the most overtly-religious and conservative president in U.S. history. Supporters of Bush portray him as a God-fearing, compassionate person who has been bold and decisive in leading the U.S. in wake of terrorist attacks and security challenges, as well as for protecting traditional family values. Bush has enjoyed strong support amongst Republicans and Americans holding conservative and pro-military views, and for the 2004 elections, 95-98% of Republicans approved of and voted for Bush, a figure exceeding the approval of Ronald Reagan. Bush's leadership on national security and for his war on terrorism following 9/11 have won him emotional support from a large number of Americans, as well as the endorsements of popular Democratic politicians such as ], ] and ] and the votes of as many as 10% of registered Democrats. Bush has also enjoyed strong personal and working relationships with foreign leaders such as ], ], ] and ], as well as good rapport with ] and ].

==See also==
{{GWB}}

== References ==
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==External links==
{{Sisterlinks|George W. Bush}}

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{{Persondata
|NAME=Bush, George Walker
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Bush, George, Jr.; Bush Jr.
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=43rd ]
|DATE OF BIRTH=], ]
|PLACE OF BIRTH=], Connecticut
}}

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Revision as of 01:07, 13 July 2006

I won't stop until 'Dat dere cell-tech' is on the English language article: Ronnie coleman!