Our first MBA president is managing the agenda of action in Washington in textbook fashion. Unlike his predecessor or his father, George W. Bush is limiting his exposure to the myriad issues waiting to be tackled and fights available to be fought. By this time in his first year, President Bill Clinton had dozens of issues in play and firefights to control everywhere. Bush, in contrast, is focusing on fewer issues and driving them hard.
Taxes: The Bush tax-cut proposal is front row and center for the president. His preoccupation with it reminds me of those old medicine-show performers, who had a single remedy that cured every ailment. Bush has told America that the remedy for unemployment, the energy crisis, the faltering economy and the high level of spring pollen is the tax cut.
The legislation that will implement the tax cut is moving through Congress in an orderly manner. The House passed the tax-cut bill, pretty much as written by the White House, back in February. The Senate is seen as the more difficult sell, but Republican leaders were able to get a tax-cut provision in the Budget bill that helps the president immensely. Procedurally, it means that the tax cut will need only 51 votes to pass, rather than 60 votes, since it is now in the budget.