While our nation’s capital was being pelted by a cold, driving rain on Saturday, George W. Bush took the oath of office from Chief Justice William Rehnquist and was officially inaugurated as the 43rd president of the United States of America.

Now that the peaceful transition of power from the Clinton administration to the Bush administration is complete, how do you think President Bush will do as Chief Executive?

Here are some additional issues to consider and questions to answer in assessing the future of George W. Bush’s presidency and our nation as a whole:

• How much of an effect, if any, do you think November’s election controversy will have on President Bush’s ability to govern?



• How do you think President Bush will fare in comparison to his predecessor, Bill Clinton? How do you think he will fare in comparison to his father, and Clinton’s predecessor, George Herbert Walker Bush?



• Bush has pledged to unite the differing political factions and interest groups in Washington and encourage bipartisanship. Do you think he will be able to do this?



• In what areas do you think Bush will excel the most? Where will he have the most difficulty? In your opinion, what are the biggest obstacles Bush faces as our new president?



• Given the short amount of time they had to work with, how would you say the Bush administration handled their transition? What grade would you give Bush’s cabinet appointments?



• Bush’s appointment for Attorney General, John Ashcroft, has been met with some opposition. Do you think this was a good choice by Bush? Do you think the U.S. Senate will confirm Ashcroft? If you were a member of the U.S. Senate, would you vote to confirm Ashcroft?



• Finally, 2004 may be a long way away, but if you had to make an early prediction, do you think Bush will get elected to a second term?