Bush Faces Challenges with New Republican Congress

[rodeodance]

http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=7216883


Bush Faces Challenges with New Republican Congress
Sat Jan 1, 2005 10:59 AM ET



By Thomas Ferraro
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The 109th Congress convenes on Tuesday with Republicans flexing more political muscle. Yet it is unclear how far they can, or in some cases want to, push President Bush's ambitious second-term agenda.

The record federal deficit, the rising cost of the Iraq war, plus competing positions of rival Democrats and even within the Republican Party, all pose risks to such White House goals as overhaul of the federal tax code and the Social Security retirement program.

Still, Bush has high hopes. He sees his re-election, coupled with bigger Republican majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives, as a mandate for his stewardship.

Yet as Rep. Deborah Pryce of Ohio, a member of the House Republican leadership says: "Everything is going to be hard." .......

[TahitiNut]

1. I don't think it's the first time he's been called "challenged"

:eyes: ... particularly by such low hurdles.


Morally challenged, emotionally challenged, intellectually challenged, socially challenged, and physically challenged -- that's our George.

[MaryH]

2. It's Hard Work - Really Hard Work

But Bush will push forward.

Did you see where they are taking the idea of the SS changes on the road - will have a campaign like deal to sell their changes to the public. I hope they don't have a bunch of TV ads. I am so sick of those TV ads.

[Pam-Moby]

5. We must become more

committed to letting our congress and senate know that we disagree with this chimps mandates and that we are not beyond finding replacements for those that wimp out and let him steam roll over them.

[w4rma]

11. Let the Dems in Congress know. Ignore the Repukes.

Let the people know, also.

[johnaries]

6. I thought it was "challanged"...

:evilgrin:

[VegasWolf]

13. TahitiNut, you forgot "penis challenged" according to the west texas

party girls. "He had such a tiny little thing!"

[stevebreeze]

3. "Republicans fighting each other? Shouldn't they be all fighting the

underprivileged?" Thank you Micheal Feldman of What do you know.

[bpilgrim]

4. poor thing...

he should be expecting it from all sides but most of even our own leaders to be on board with the policies if not the implementation :puke:

peace

[rodeodance]

8. "Republicans would rue the day they changed the rules,"

"Republicans would rue the day they changed the rules," warns incoming Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada.

[zann725]

7. Beginning on Jan. 6, indeed!

And if things go well with various Charges filed in various courts, Chimp may not have to even worry about how 'hard' it's going to be (with Congress, and others)!

[blm]

9. Horseshit. These articles are used to make the congress appear independent

of Bush when we all know that they are in place to push through everything he demands. Any conflict will be for SHOW to further manipulate the press and the people.

[Old and In the Way]

10. Right as usual, blm.

Remember how Hastert refused to grant the 9/11 commission more time, even though Bush wanted it? Riiiiight.

[jaysunb]

12. Hey You !

Happy New Year :toast:

[radric]

14. It's always a good thing..

to remember that even though Dubya doesn't have to run again, all these people in Congress have to do so again in the future. While a few of the super-radicals of the right may froth at the mouth, many Repubs will stick a little closer to right of center to get re-elected. Dubya may push hard but most of those in Congress prefer to stay on the gravy train and you can't do that if you don't get elected.

[blm]

18. They control most of the voting machines and most of the media. They have

nothing to fear.

[Itchinjim]

16. I agree, the biggest challenge to *

is whether congress uses black ink or blue ink to rubber stamp everyone of his proposals.

[Pithy Cherub]

15. My * pity implant failed!

The fact that he is incapable of playing well with his own team bothers me not at all! * royal republican decrees will be received with the deference afforded selected * buffoons. :puke:

sp

[VegasWolf]

17. Gotta keep the drama meter on high to keep the masses entertained.

[goforit]

19. LOL!!!............I don't think so!!!!.......(What a PR game)