Texas Gov. George W. Bush was sworn as the 43rd president of the United States at noon on Saturday in Washington. Mr. Bush leads a nation that is more politically divided than at any time in its history. He must bring the country together. The U.S. must be united if it is to assume its role as a leader among nations. If Mr. Bush is to fulfill his campaign promises and achieve his vision for the U.S., he must rally the nation behind him.
Mr. Bush has a reputation for being a conciliator, a man who is more interested in accomplishments than ideology. He promised to bring a new approach to Washington politics. After the long fight over the Florida vote count, he pledged to heal the nation and protect the interests of all Americans, even those who did not vote for him, In his inauguration speech, he said "Our unity, our union, is the serious work of leaders and citizens in every generation. And this is my solemn pledge: I will work to build a single nation of justice and opportunity."
Last weekend, bipartisanship was the favorite word of politicians on both sides of the aisle and on either end of Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington. The air was thick with promises of cooperation. The Senate quickly confirmed seven of the new Cabinet members, including the most important posts, the secretaries of state, Treasury and defense. Mr. Bush pledged to do his part, and proclaimed that the values of his administration would be "civility, courage, compassion and character."