Dec 29 2005
In January, President Bush began his second term, buoyed by a clear numerical win at the polls. Although his popularity rating was about 50 percent, and he vowed to use his "political capital" to push pet projects (like tort reform) through the Republican-led Congress.
By December, his White House found itself mired in an investigation about a leak (which has cost one high profile staff member his job), a federal budget hemoragging red ink, troops still in Iraq, tales of secret prisons in Europe and controversy over warrantless domestic wiretaps. And the President's approval rating had dropped to 41% according to USA Today.
January
President Bush presides over a nation that remains divided, as evidenced by polling data. His approval rating stood at 50% (Pew Research), much lower than other second-term numbers: Clinton and Nixon (59%), Reagan (62%) and Johnson (71%). The White House has its first run-in with allegations of covert propaganda: Armstrong Williams. Rice sworn in as Secretary of state; Gonzoles nomination to Attorney General moves forward.
February
Two journalists (Miller and Cooper) are found in contempt of court and directed to testify before Prosecutor Fitzgerald. The Terri Schiavo case grips the nation, as a Florida Judge rules that her husband can remove life support. And the 9-11 Commission reports that warnings were ignored twice a week for six months before 9/11.
March
Bush nominates Wolfowitz to be World Bank president. On Palm Sunday, Congress intervenes in the Terri Schiavo case; most Americans feel action inappropriate. And for the first time since 2000, the Army fails to meet its recruiting goal.
April
Arizona takes the front row in the battle between pharmacists and women seeking birth control. The head of the Iraq Survey Group announces that the search for WMD in Iraq is over. Goldman-Sachs forecasts the possiblility that oil will hit $100 per gallon.
May
Congress has its lowest approval ratings since 1994. Europe report on global warming is dire, but makes little impact on US news. Deep Throat revealed.
June
The percent of US military abroad exceeds Vietname era. The Supreme Court expands eminent domain powers in Connecticut case. Texas Judge cites Tom DeLay PAC.
July
President Bush appoints Judge Roberts to replace Sandra Day O'Connor. The House passes Patriot Act amendments, extending sunset beyond 2005. Judith Miller (New York Times) jailed in Plamegate investigation.
August
Katrina. Presidential approval ratings at all-time low, with disapprovals exceeding approval. Pat Robertson calls for assassination. President signs pork-laden transporation bill.
September
Chief Justice Rehnquist dies ; Roberts sworn in as new Chief. House Majority Leader DeLay indicted, steps down from leadership and FEMA Chief Brown resigns. Modern day Scopes trial begins in Pennsylvania.
October
Libby resigns after indictment in Plamegate; Miers withdraws Supreme Court nomination; Bush procurement officer indicted. Inflation hits 30-year high.
November
The GAO calls evoting flawed. Fitzgerald calls new grand jury in Plame case. Senate Democrats force closed door session on Iraq. California Republican Congressmen Cunningham resigns after accepting bribes; former DeLay aide and lobbyist Scanlon pleads guilty in corruption case. US military criticized for Iraq propaganda.
December
The 9/11 Commission discourse project gives feds failing grades. After battles between the Senate and the House -- along with revelations of warrantless wiretaps on US citizens -- Congress extends the sunsetting Patriot Act for a month. The budget passes because the Vice President broke the tie. And a Pennsylvania judge rules that teaching intelligent design in public schools is unconstitutional. US trade deficit hits a record high.