Bush and his wife, Laura, are by all appearances a happy couple. So are Al and Tipper Gore, but the Bushes' toned-down style won converts during the long presidential campaign. The nation is eager for a bit of wedded bliss. The second Bush presidency, which starts today, offers a sharp contrast to the first. The elder Bush lacked any real style, but promised to be heavy on substance.
Low expectations accompany the new president.
As a candidate, he seemed disengaged at times. Yet his casual style could be a welcome tonic for a nation weary of fever-pitch quarrels. He was too smart, too pent-up, too political to be languishing on hay bales. The style works for Bush. He was the picture of calm when NBC's Tom Brokaw interviewed him at his Texas ranch last weekend.