The Second Term of George W. Bush

As part of a conference on President George W. Bush’s second term, panelists talked about, “Are Second Terms Second Best? Why George W. Bush Might (or Might Not) Beat the Expectations.” They described precedents and variables that might determine the likelihood of success for the president’s second term. Professor Johannes presented a paper by Roger Davidson on presidential elections and presidential governance, focusing on public opinion and the issues of the 2004 election, forecasting their effects on policy-making and on the 2006 and 2008 elections. After their presentations the panelists responded to questions from members of the audience.

Professor Brattebo is the author of, The Presidency, the Navy, and the War on Terror. Professor Lansford is the author of, A Bitter Harvest: U.S. Foreign Policy and Afghanistan. Professor Maranto is the author of, Beyond a Government of Strangers. close