|
|
 |
 |
 |
| Friday, 21 January 2005 |
 |
|
 |
World | |
| News Business Features Editorial Security Politics World Letters Sports Obituaries
|
Bush appeals for unity ahead of inauguration WASHINGTON, Thursday (Reuters) On the eve of his inauguration, President George W. Bush called for unity and pledged to represent all Americans during his second term which he begins with an aggressive domestic agenda amid deep partisan divide over his Iraq policy. "An inauguration is a time of unity for our country," Bush told an event called "A Celebration of Freedom" on the Ellipse just south of the White House on a cold wintry night. Bush's inaugural address, expected to last 17 minutes, reached its 21st draft as the president and his speech writers prepared it for delivery at midday on Thursday before thousands gathered in the capital. "With the campaign behind us, Americans lift up our sights to the years ahead and to the great goals we will achieve for our country. I am eager and ready for the work ahead," he said on Wednesday evening. "And I know that this office carries a duty to the entire nation. After all, we are one America, and every day that I am your president I will serve all Americans," he said. Bush, who frequently clashed with Democrats in his first term, will need the support of some Democrats to succeed with ambitious plans to change the Social Security retirement system, the legal system and the tax code. So far Democrats have been skeptical about such overtures. |
|
News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
Produced by Lake House |
