"Bush discussing his agenda will lead to less carping about Abramoff"

[Bush_Eats_Beef]

Bush Will Use `Bully Pulpit' in Bid to Recover From 2005 Damage

By Roger Simon

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=washingtonstory&sid=aRZrMqeQXaVc

Jan. 30 (Bloomberg) -- President George W. Bush gives his State of the Union speech tomorrow night facing an unpopular war, an ethical cloud shrouding his fellow Republicans and a midterm election that will decide whether the party keeps control of Congress. The president has one formidable weapon available to meet these challenges: the ``bully pulpit'' of his office.

Tomorrow's address will provide clues to how Bush will use that weapon to persuade voters to stay with him and his party. A strong speech may set up a year that reverses the political damage of 2005, when setbacks drove his public approval ratings to the lowest of his presidency. Another such year, culminating in a Republican defeat in November, would reduce Bush's effectiveness in his last two years in office and may diminish his entire presidency.

The president must put his ``personal leadership'' behind the party's agenda in his speech, says Senator Jeff Sessions, an Alabama Republican. ``This is the world of the constant campaign, and he let down a little while after the last election.''

If Bush pushes his agenda, Sessions says, "people will listen less to carping and the stuff about" lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who has pleaded guilty to corrupting lawmakers and other public officials.



Sen. Sessions and Sesame Street’s Elmo and Rosita taped a public service announcement on developing healthy eating habits for life. (02/15/2005)

[madame defarge]

1. We need to start a new trend...

Make if "fashionable" to be a dissenter... Make it the next "what's hot" thing to do... That's unfortunately the only way to reach some people.

[madokie]

2. Hey jeffie boy, I would be embarrassed to have to pin my hopes on scrub