Hastert tried to backpedal the next day, but key Republicans have told Cheney the same thing, and their words serve as a reminder, should anybody need one, that Bush will take office with little or no political capital to spend. If education reform is the first bill he sends to Congress, he'll find some common ground for his focus on tough achievement standards. And if he doesn't push ahead with that plan, his conservative base will have its first betrayal. For now, smoothing over differences is the priority. Bush sent Cheney to Capitol Hill on the day Gore conceded to start building coalitions.
Conservatives hear a big tax cut coming.
Moderates believe education reform and prescription drugs will be the priority. One faction or the other is getting played, but it's impossible to tell which side. On one point, at least, the Bush message has been remarkably consistent. The man who predicted a decisive victory now argues that scratching out a win in the closest election in a century equals a mandate. Typically, Bill Clinton radiated hope and optimism.