January 8 Column By J. Peter Mulhern Pundits are full of dire warnings about the pitfalls that lie ahead for the new administration. No column about politics these days is complete without some reminder of the close division of Congress and the disputed election that made George W. Bush the president elect. These facts of recent history are supposed to put Bush in such a weak position that his presidency is over before it begins. The president elect certainly faces his share of challenges.
Leadership is never easy.
Any serious endeavor can fail and George W. Bush appears to be approaching the presidency seriously indeed. But Bush's prospects for success are much brighter than the pundits think. Presidents can operate effectively even when the opposition party dominates Congress. Ronald Reagan comes to mind. Congress can't do anything without presidential approval, which puts Bush in position to set the legislative agenda.