George W. Bush

1. George W. Bush Perfect, or just Texan?

2. Who is this god? • Making America Safer with Decisive Action to Win the War on Terror • Keeping America on Track for a More Prosperous Future • Strengthening Health Care for Millions of Americans • Building a Better and More Compassionate America for All

3. Who is this god? • Animal Lover • In his 2004 State of the Union, President Bush said, "Last January, Iraq's only law was the whim of one brutal man. Today our coalition is working with the Iraqi Governing Council to draft a basic law, with a bill of rights. We're working with Iraqis and the United Nations to prepare for a transition to full Iraqi sovereignty by the end of June."

4. Approval Ratings

5. Factors Having Influenced Rating • His continuance with the war effort despite lack of clear plans • His absence of “finalization” to the war taking place in Iraq—what would be next? • His having thrown our economy—although not solely responsible—into a deficit • Spending inordinate amounts of money seemingly without caution

6. Factors Having Influenced Rating • Avoidance of “real issues”—those of which affected the American people (economy, etc.) and focus instead placed upon “war” • Continued use of vacation time despite growing problems/conflicts

7. Foreign Affairs • The U.S. government has provided more than $3.7 billion since September 2001 to programs and activities throughout Afghanistan. Congress authorized an additional $1.28 billion in supplemental funding for Fiscal Year 2004 in advance of the regular appropriation, and the Administration has reallocated nearly $400 million from existing accounts to accelerate progress in Afghanistan. The U.S. is working to revitalize agriculture, provide security, expand educational opportunities, improve basic health, build effective government, and encourage citizen participation in the democratic process.

8. President Bush is committed to the goal of achieving peace in the Middle East. Rebuilding the countries we have so “kindly” crushed and conquered, so-as to share the “joys” of democracy among a “willing” group of individuals. Foreign Affairs

9. Domestic Policy • President Bush proposes to make welfare even more focused on the well-being of children and supportive of families. The President's plan is designed to strengthen families and help more welfare recipients work toward independence and self-reliance. The President's welfare reform plan will: • Help more welfare recipients achieve independence through work. • Increase the welfare-to-work resources available for families. • Protect children and strengthen families. • Empower states to seek new and innovative solutions to help welfare recipients achieve independence.

10. Domestic Policy • The President's Plan to Strengthen Retirement Security includes: • Expanding Ownership of Retirement Assets • Ensuring Freedom of Choice • Creating a Society of Stakeholders • Minimizing Risk through Diversification • Strengthening Women.s Retirement Security • Helping Future Generations to Achieve the American Dream • Spurring National Saving and Economic Growth

11. Worked With Congress? • YES HE HAS! Bush has made great strides to work alongside the opinions and shared views of Congress • Bush has proven to be negotiable and lenient in passing his desired legislation, taking in a myriad of differing views and perspectives in the process.

12. Outstanding Legislation • On December 4, 2003, President Bush signed into law the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003, ensuring that all citizens are treated fairly when they apply for a mortgage or other form of credit.

13. Closing Statements

14. Veto Possible Pro Gay Right Bill • "I believe marriage is between a man and a woman, and I think we ought to codify that one way or another," Bush told reporters at a White House news conference. "And we've got lawyers looking at the best way to do that."