Government has a role, and an important role.
Yet too much government crowds out initiative and hard work, private charity and the private economy. In that spirit, Bush proposed a budget with conservative underpinnings and hints of moderation. The 43rd president, who lost the popular vote but narrowly carried the Electoral College, was welcomed to the House of Representatives chamber shortly after 9 p.m. EST by boisterous applause from both sides of the political aisle. Rather than rush to the podium, he stopped to chat with Republicans and Democrats alike, working the room for the votes he needs to accomplish the goals he went on to lay out in his speech. Displaying his telltale sense of humor, he began his 49-minute address with a nod to the contentious election and the almost evenly split Congress.