Bush begins second term prepared to fight for agenda

Republicans and Democrats alike hailed President Bush's inauguration speech Thursday as a "big picture" view of the world, but acknowledged that the situation in Iraq could hurt the administration's ability to push the details of its second-term agenda through Congress.

Bush emphasized a broad vision after being sworn into his second term.

"From the perspective of a single day, including this day of dedication, the issues and questions before our country are many," he said from a podium in front of the Capitol Building overlooking the National Mall. "From the viewpoint of centuries, the questions that come to us are narrowed and few. Did our generation advance the cause of freedom, and did our character bring credit to that cause?"

Thousands of supporters braved 30-degree weather to see Bush take the oath of office. They cheered often during Bush's speech, their applause muted by gloves and bundled hands. The weather held out in the morning, with sunshine coming down on the Capitol. As Bush came to the podium to give his acceptance speech, a gray overcast fell over the Capitol, causing the temperature to drop.

Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle heaped praise on the speech, saying it was "lofty" and full of liberty and freedom references.

"I think he sent a message to America and to the world that freedom will be number one on his agenda," said Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson, R-Texas. "I think it was a big picture speech, which you should have during the inauguration."

Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said he thinks Bush will end up as one of the great presidents of the country. "It was a universal speech; it wasn't a specific speech," he added.

Although Bush did not mention Iraq, the issue looms large for his second-term agenda.

Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., said the situation in Iraq and cost of operations could "overwhelm" the country "from a budget point of view."

"I really believe we're approaching a tipping point here where the American people have been tolerant and supportive, but expect to see progress," he said "If we start falling behind dramatically and more and more of our soldiers are needed, I think it's going to be very difficult to sustain public support."

Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., said he hopes the administration can live up to the rhetoric in Bush's speech.

"We do stand for the highest principles, as the president said. Unfortunately, we then work with a whole lot of people as our allies who would never meet the goals as laid down by the president today," he said, citing Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan and Indonesia. "The question is, 'Are we willing to start judging countries that we work with in the Middle East or elsewhere in that way?' "

Bush's inauguration was also marked by protests. Members of the anti-war group Code Pink stood up about 100 yards from Bush as he gave his speech holding cloth banners that read "Bring our Troops Home" and "No War."

The Capitol Police eventually took their banners and told them to sit down, which they did. Five minutes later, however, they stood up again and began chanting the slogans, prompting some Bush supporters to throw snowballs at them.

The Capitol Police eventually intervened. The protesters were taken away holding their hands up with two fingers marking the peace sign. As they were removed, however, two more protesters stood up about 50 yards from Bush with another sign that read "No War."

A crowd of Bush supporters responded by chanting "U.S.A, U.S.A." The Capitol Police quickly removed the other two protesters.

Ironically, the protests occurred while Bush was talking about bridging divides.

"We have known divisions, which must be healed to move forward in great purposes. And I will strive in good faith to heal them," Bush said to cheers and muted applause. "Yet those divisions do not define America. We felt the unity and fellowship of our nation when freedom came under attack, and our response came like a single hand over a single heart. And we can feel that same unity and pride whenever America acts for good and the victims of disaster are given hope, and the unjust encounter justice, and the captives are set free."

Other protests against the Bush administration were held elsewhere in the city throughout the day.