Some Texans wondered whether they were watching a rehearsal for another inaugural in two years. Bush made no mention of a presidential bid or President Bill Clinton's impeachment trial in his inaugural address, saying only a healthy Democracy depends on the character of its citizens.
Some people think it's inappropriate to make moral judgments anymore.
Children, he said, should be taught to make right choices in life. Bush is expected to present the Texas legislature with a package of tax cuts and education reform his advisers hope will buttress a presidential campaign. Still undeclared, Bush says his wife and two daughters are reluctant to support his run for president. In recent weeks, however, Bush has staked out his turf as the de facto Republican front-runner. He's met with top GOP contributors and some of his father's top advisers including former Secretary of State George Schultz and former Defense Secretary Dick Cheney.