But it is not just Democrats that Bush must court. Many presidential scholars said he faces an equal challenge in his relations with the conservatives in Congress who are eager to enact their own agenda, now that the threat of a presidential veto has been removed. He will have to avoid a lot of litmus test issues like abortion, but Ronald Reagan did that, too. It may not be all that easy now, however, because the partisan tensions have sharpened the dilemma for Bush. A number of those interviewed suggested that tough as the challenge looks, Bush may have exactly the right temperament for the job.
Education is a possibility or perhaps prescription drugs.
Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., made an almost identical suggestion yesterday and Democrats indicated they would be receptive. Bush will have an opportunity in the first six months to work on leftover items from the last Congress that will give him the political clout to move on to bigger issues later on, like tax and Social Security reform. Associated Press content is Copyrighted by The Associated Press. Click for list. Where Bush, Gore stand Discuss the races with others in our forums area.