When The Republicans Went Insane

When The Republicans Went Insane
UNITED STATES - JULY 11: Former Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., is seen in the House carriage entrance before entering the Capitol, July 11, 2014. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)
UNITED STATES - JULY 11: Former Speaker Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., is seen in the House carriage entrance before entering the Capitol, July 11, 2014. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

Although Movement Conservative imagery had put him in the White House, George H. W. Bush’s inaugural address signaled that he would back away from the movement’s extremes. He promised to bring the budget into balance. But since popular programs—Medicare, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, food stamps—took up 65 percent of the budget and defense spending took up most of the rest, there was very little room for cuts. Bush suggested hopefully that volunteerism could replace expensive social programs. He told Americans the nation had a “high moral principle” to “make kinder the face of the Nation and gentler the face of the world.” He deplored the rise of partisanship in Congress and called for bipartisan cooperation.

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot