George W. Bush (1946-), America’s 43rd president, served in office from 2001 to 2009. Before entering the White House, Bush, the oldest son of George H.W. Bush, the 41st U.S. president, was a two-term Republican governor of Texas. A graduate of Yale University and Harvard Business School, Bush worked in the Texas oil industry and was an owner of the Texas Rangers baseball team before becoming governor. In 2000, he won the presidency after narrowly defeating Democratic challenger Al Gore. Bush’s time in office was shaped by the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against America. In response to the attacks, he declared a global “war on terrorism,” established the Department of Homeland Security and authorized U.S.-led wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Editors, History.com. “George W. Bush.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 9 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/george-w-bush. |
"Compassionate Conservatism" - GWB
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Election of 2000 |
"Compassionate Conservative" |
Bush beat Democratic incumbent Ann Richards to become governor of Texas In 1994. He was re-elected as governor four years later. The next year in the summer of 1999, Bush announced his candidacy for president. In the election of 2000, Bush and running mate Dick Cheney, previously a the U.S. defense secretary under George H.W. Bush, surpassed Vice President Al Gore and his running mate, U.S. Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut. Though Gore won the popular vote by 48.4 percent to Bush’s 47.9 percent. The 2000 election was the fourth election in U.S. history in which the winner of the electoral votes did not carry the popular vote. Editors, History.com. “George W. Bush.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 9 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/topics/us-presidents/george-w-bush. |
"I call my philosophy and approach compassionate conservatism. It is compassionate to actively help our fellow citizens in need. It is conservative to insist on responsibility and results. And with this hopeful approach, we will make a real difference in people's lives." - President George W. Bush
George W. Bush uses his philosophy to apply conservative practices to compassionate actions for example “It is conservative to insist that we measure students in public schools; it is compassionate to teach every child to read.” In other words, it’s conservative to cut taxes; it’s compassionate to let families have more money to spend or give families more of their own money to spend. President George W. Bush on Compassionate Conservatism | Bush Center, www.bushcenter.org/catalyst/opportunity-road/george-w-bush-on-compassionate-conservatism.html. |