home

The Election of 1988

For the republicans, Vice President Bush was an obvious choice to succeed Ronald Reagen.

The New President He tried to maintain a balance between continuing the policies of the Reagan years and working more closely with the Democratic-controlled congress.The president stressed a moderate course.

Drugs Education and the Environment During the 1988 campaign George Bush had spoken out strongly on the need to control the spread illegal drugs. As president he appointed William Bennett to be a special drug czar to oversee the nation's war on drugs.

The Savings and Loan Crisis A rash of savings bank failures put even more pressure on the nation's finances. These savings and long institution know as S&Ls had long financed mortgages or loans for Americans buying homes.

Reducing the Deficit The saving and loan crisis added to the growing deficit in the federal budget. To reduce it congress and President needed either to cut spending or raise more money.

The Elections of 1990 The new budget agreement had reduced the deficit more than any legislation during the Reagan years. They saw a Congress unwilling to make difficult choices on raising taxes or cutting programs.

Flags and the Supreme Court Early in his administration President Bush was angered by Supreme court decision.in 1989 the court struck down a Texas law that had made burning the American flag a crime.