Mr. Bush, 58, whose career in elective politics began only a decade ago as the governor of Texas, took the oath of office

—gratuitous disparaging (i.e., he is a rookie—how did we end up with this guy as President?)
 
did not mention the two wars he waged in response.

Well we fully expected the Times to bring this up)
 
Rolling slowly along the parade route from the Capitol to the White House in his armor—plated limousine, Mr. Bush was surrounded by a defensive phalanx of trucks, cars, a large bus and dozens of Secret Service agents. Unlike the leisurely strolls along the route by other presidents, Mr. Bush did not get out of the car until he reached the highly secure area near the White House, beyond the protesters.

In other words, he is a coward

Condoleezza Rice, Mr. Bush's nominee for secretary of state, who just went through two contentious days of Senate hearings only to have her confirmation delayed by Democrats, was captured by television cameras yawning broadly in a back row.

His own Secretary of State finds him boring and not worthy of respect

Guests ate quail breasts, scalloped lobster and crab, and braised turnips, beets and rutabagas — a menu inspired by food served during the presidency of Theodore Roosevelt and by game shot on the Lewis and Clark expedition in the early 1800's.

Living it up!

"I want to thank my brothers and sisters," Mr. Bush said. "They have meant a lot to me. Their unconditional love is an important part of keeping perspective here in the nation's capital"

Reference to allegation Jeb helped him win the 2000 election by manipulating Florida vote?

They deleted this comment from the on—line version (to avoid blogger critics?) but it was in my printed copy when speaking of the crowd of invited Republicans:

"who huddled in mink coats and fur hats or blue jeans and hiking boots"

That is the tacky, rich anti—PETA crowd plus the hillbilly rubes out for a night in the big city.

Ed Lasky   1 21 05