A Welcome Beginning

President George W. Bush often gives the impression of someone who isn’t overly comfortable with words, which may be why he used relatively few of them in his inaugural speech Saturday. But what the 43rd president did say after taking the oath of office he said well. While sticking close to familiar themes of his campaign, Bush used fresh and elegant language to define the broad principles by which he hopes to govern: “To advance my convictions with civility; to pursue the public interest with courage; to speak for greater justice and compassion; to call for responsibility, and try to live it as well.” The American people can ask for no more from their presidents, and should settle for no less.

Bush can be expected to launch his administration by focusing on a few key legislative issues, as he did while governor of Texas. Improving the nation’s schools heads his agenda. Congressional Democrats, whose cooperation is essential for most of what Bush hopes to accomplish, are comfortable with that priority, though conflict looms over Bush’s interest in experimenting with school vouchers and requiring greater teacher accountability. Bush has pledged to bolster the integrity of Social Security, another goal with broad bipartisan support, though his support for partially privatizing the system invites a major battle. Medicare, like Social Security also threatened with a coming demographic tidal wave, must also be addressed.

More questionable is Bush’s determination to press for $1.6 trillion in tax cuts and to begin work on a comprehensive and enormously expensive military shield against missile attack. A compromise on taxes seems all but inevitable. On national missile defense, Bush should not risk his credibility by trying to persuade Americans that he can give them foolproof protection using a system for which the technology simply doesn’t yet exist and for which the need is far from proven.

The president is not an enthusiast of campaign finance reform, but the swelling scandal that finds big money greasing the way for special interest influence on government makes that imperative. Bush’s commitment to effective and durable environmental safeguards is also uncertain. An early test could come when he reviews President Clinton’s recent expansion of protections over some federal lands.

Clinton spared the new president one burden by admitting, on his final day in office, that he “knowingly gave evasive and misleading answers” under oath--in plain words, that he lied--in a 1998 deposition that figured prominently in his impeachment and trial. The admission was part of a deal that spared Clinton possible indictment and trial after he left office, and it spared Bush both the distraction of such an event and a possible decision about pardoning a former president.

The deal Clinton struck with special prosecutor Robert W. Ray deserves the bipartisan support it has received. It blots the last page on a sad and sordid chapter of our national political life. Americans are left to wonder what might have been had Clinton chosen the course of candor much earlier.

The presidency Clinton served so equivocally now belongs to George W. Bush, who has pledged “to make our country more just and generous; to affirm the dignity or our lives and every life.” Americans join in hoping to see that purpose achieved.