WASHINGTON – Contending Americans have embraced his conservative agenda, President Bush pledged Thursday to aggressively pursue major changes in Social Security, the tax code and medical malpractice awards, working with Democrats if they are receptive and leaving them behind if they’re not.
“I earned capital in the campaign, political capital, and now I intend to spend it,” Bush said a day after a decisive victory that made him the first president in 68 years to win re-election and gain seats in both the House and Senate.
In setting priorities, Bush said some issues would be at the front of the line simply because they have been at the center of the political arena before. Capping medical malpractice limits, a prized goal of Republicans, will be one of his first proposals because it “had been debated and got thwarted a couple of times,” the president said.
Education initiatives could move quickly, too, Bush said, while Social Security reform “will require some additional legwork.”
Another divisive issue, reforming the complicated U.S. tax system, is “going to take a lot of legwork to get something ready for a legislative package. I fully understand that,” the president said. He has avoided specifics but has said ideas such as a national sales tax deserve study.
“I’ll reach out to everyone who shares our goals,” said Bush, who 24 hours earlier had promised to try to win over those who voted for his Democratic opponent.
Buoyant and relaxed Thursday, Bush cracked jokes at his first postelection news conference and said he had not decided on any changes in his Cabinet for the second term.
As U.S. forces in Iraq mobilize for an all-out offensive in Fallujah and other Sunni militant strongholds, the president refused to say how much the war would cost or whether he planned to increase or cut troop strengths. “I have yet to hear from our commanders on the ground that they need more troops,” the president said. He is expected to ask Congress early next year for up to $75 billion for Iraq, Afghanistan and operations against terrorism.
The president was unapologetic about the unpopularity of his decisions in many world capitals, such as his commitment to spread democracy in the Middle East. “Listen, I’ve made some very hard decisions: decisions to protect ourselves, decisions to spread peace and freedom.” The war on terror would remain a priority, he said.
Bush said that at home, he had set an unmistakable direction for the country and he emphasized anew he does not foresee the need for any tax increase despite big budget deficits.
Coming from a campaign that offered clear policy choices, Bush said, “When you win, there is a feeling that the people have spoken and embraced your point of view, and that’s what I intend to tell the Congress.” He urged lawmakers to show discipline on spending bills and to enact an intelligence reform bill when they return to town later this month.
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