The Changing of the Ties

...With Democrats poised to assume control of Congress in January, Bush has substituted his charged campaign rhetoric with promises to cooperate in hopes of retaining legislative influence during the final two years of his presidency.

Major differences remain. Although Bush will contend with a Congress controlled by Democrats for the first time in his presidency, he has asked for passage of legislation authorizing wiretapping of phone calls of terrorism suspects. He has also sought confirmation of John Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Many Democrats oppose the eavesdropping program and Bolton.

During the White House meeting, Reid made a pitch for the president to convene a bipartisan summit to devise a new policy for bringing stability to Iraq. The president listened but did not commit to such a summit, said Jim Manley, a spokesman for Reid.

In brief remarks to reporters after the meeting, Durbin noted the ties that Bush and Cheney wore.

"I do want to say thanks personally to the president and vice president for their conciliatory gesture by wearing blue ties today," he said.

Bush said, "I was hoping you would notice, senator." -- Washington Post / Sat Nov. 11th