The Bush scorecard

President Bush made lots of promises in his acceptance speech at the Republican convention in 2000. Here’s a look at some of them and what has happened since then.

TOPIC	WHAT BUSH SAID	ANALYSIS
Partisanship	“I want to change the tone of Washington to one of civility and respect.”	Bush had early success with his bipartisan effort on No Child Left Behind, but relations have soured since then. Congress is in partisan gridlock for many issues. VP Cheney recently told a Democratic senator, “Go f— yourself.” Polls early in Bush's presidency showed most people expected him to be a “uniter,” but recent polls show a growing number see him as a “divider.”
Medicare	“We will set it on firm financial ground and make prescription drugs available and affordable for every senior who needs them.”	Congress approved Bush’s prescription drug program, but it does not go into effect until 2006 and it limits coverage for many seniors. Neither Bush nor Congress have put Medicare on firm financial ground. In fact, the drug program has added to Medicare's long-term insolvency.
Social Security	“Now is the time for Republicans and Democrats to end the politics of fear and save Social Security together.”	In 2001, Bush appointed a commission to look at the long-term insolvency of Social Security, but no there has been no significant action.
	“For younger workers, we will give you the option, your choice, to put part of your payroll taxes into sound, responsible investments.”	The White House has not made this a priority and it has not gotten serious consideration in Congress.
Education	“When a school district receives federal funds to teach poor children, we expect them to learn. And if they don't, parents should get the money to make a different choice.”	Congress passed Bush’s No Child Left Behind Act, which requires more accountability for schools. Many Democrats supported the bill but later complained the program has not been well-managed and that it has not received the money it needs.
Taxes	“Every family, every farmer and small-business person should be free to pass on their life's work to those they love, so we will abolish the death tax.”	Congress approved Bush's proposal to phase out the federal estate tax by 2010, but it would resume after that. Bush and the Republicans want to eliminate it permanently.
	“No one in American should have to pay more than a third of their income to the federal government, so we will reduce tax rates for everyone in every bracket.”	Congress approved Bush's tax cuts reducing rates for people in every bracket. The new top rate, for the wealthiest taxpayers, will eventually be 35 percent.
	“On principle, those with the greatest need should receive the greatest help, so we will lower the bottom rate from 15 percent to 10 percent and double the child credit.”	Congress approved his request to lower it to 10 percent, but “those with the greatest need” did not get the most help. There was no cut in payroll taxes, which disproportionately fall on lower-income workers; a recent government report said the wealthy benefit the most from the tax cuts.
Foreign Policy	“A generation shaped by Vietnam must remember the lessons of Vietnam: When America uses force in the world, the cause must be just, the goal must be clear, and the victory must be overwhelming.”	There is deep disagreement about whether the U.S. should have invaded Iraq. Bush supporters say the cause was just and the goal was clear, even if victory has taken longer than expected. Opponents say the administration lied about weapons of mass destruction and the war was unjust.
Military	“America’s armed forces need better equipment, better training and better pay.”	Bush signed a bill this month that includes a 3.5 percent pay raise for military personnel, body armor for soldiers and reinforced Humvees.
Environment	“We're learning to protect the natural world around us. We will continue this progress, and we will not turn back.”	Bush has tried to reverse many longstanding environmental-protection laws. The administration says many of the old rules were harming the environment or the economy, by delaying the removal of flammable deadwood from forests or by preventing oil and gas production on public land. Bush also repudiated the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty to slow global warming. Most environmental groups pan Bush’s record.
		[Times graphic]

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