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The Second Term NPR stories about George W. Bush's second term as 43rd President of the United States

The Second Term

Politics

Analysis: Bush's Success Mending Political Fences

President Bush recently visited Europe, trying to mend political rifts caused by the war in Iraq and attempting to garner support for a range of causes. Among them: curbing Iran and North Korea's nuclear ambitions, sustaining an Israeli-Palestinian peace and safeguarding democracy' fragile hold in Russia. NPR's Ed Gordon examines the trip with Calvin Sims, editorial producer with New York Times Television and a former New York Times foreign correspondent, and Michael Fletcher, White House reporter with The Washington Post.

Analysis: Bush's Success Mending Political Fences

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World

Democracy Building in the Former Soviet Union

When President Bush and Russian president Vladimir Putin met in Slovakia this week, much of the talk was about democracy, and whether Russia was backtracking from democratic reforms. What is the United States doing to promote democracy in Russia and other former Soviet states, such as Kyrgyzstan?

Democracy Building in the Former Soviet Union

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World

Bush Makes Slovakia Final Stop on European Trip

President Bush meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Bratislava, the capital of the Slovak Republic. It's the final stop on a five-day European tour where the president has worked to sooth relations with allies who opposed the Iraq war.

Bush Makes Slovakia Final Stop on European Trip

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Social Security Debate

Social Security Plan Combines Privatization, Income Cap Raise

A proposal that offers a long-term fix for Social Security involves reducing the annual cost-of-living adjustments that compensate retirees for inflation. The plan raises the cap on income subject to Social Security payroll taxes, and adds private accounts as ways to fill the funding gaps in the Social Security program.

Social Security Plan Combines Privatization, Income Cap Raise

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World

Bush to Press Putin on Democratic Reforms

At a brief summit in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, President Bush is expected to urge Russian president Vladimir Putin to renew his commitment to democracy. That pledge has been called into question by recent crackdowns on the Russian news media and more centralized Kremlin control.

Bush to Press Putin on Democratic Reforms

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Politics

Bush Addresses Iran's Nuclear Aspirations

President Bush is in Germany for discussions with German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder on NATO's future and Iran's nuclear program. The president Tuesday denied the United States is planning military action against Iran, but then added that "all options are on the table." Wednesday, the president emphasized that "diplomacy is just beginning."

Bush Addresses Iran's Nuclear Aspirations

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Social Security Debate

Examining the 'Model Two' Social Security Plan

A plan to shore up Social Security called "Model Two" would remove the existing link between retirement benefits and increases in the country's overall living standard. Instead of being based on wage increases, benefits would be tied to price inflation. Prices tend to rise more slowly than wages, so future payments also would rise more slowly.

Examining the 'Model Two' Social Security Plan

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Politics

Bush, Schroeder Stress Agreements in Germany

President Bush travels to Germany to meet with one of the most vocal foes to his policies toward Iran, Iraq and China. Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and the president focused on areas of agreement, though a recent survey shows that almost 60 percent of Germans disapprove of American foreign policy.

Bush, Schroeder Stress Agreements in Germany

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Politics

Bush Talks Mideast Peace, Iraq with NATO, EU

In Brussels, Belgium, President Bush meets with NATO and European Union leaders. The president has pledged full U.S. commitment to the Middle East peace process, pleasing European allies. He also won assurances of training assistance in Iraq from all 26 NATO member nations.

Bush Talks Mideast Peace, Iraq with NATO, EU

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Politics

T.R. Reid on Bush Visit and Europe as Super Power

T.R. Reid, Washington Post Rocky Mountain bureau chief, talks about President Bush's visit to Europe. Reid discusses what it will take for the president to patch relations with the European Union. Reid is the author of The United States of Europe: The New Superpower and the End of American Supremacy.

T.R. Reid on Bush Visit and Europe as Super Power

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Bush Makes Ready for Trip to Europe

President Bush is off to Europe Sunday, with a focus on mending fences with allies. He goes first to Belgium, then travels to Germany and finally Slovakia for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Bush Makes Ready for Trip to Europe

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Law

Bush to Sign Bill Limiting Class Class-Action Lawsuits

President Bush is about to check one item off his second-term agenda. He will sign a bill Friday that aims to curb class-action lawsuits. The president and congressional Republicans hope this will be the first step toward their goal of overhauling the civil justice system.

Bush to Sign Bill Limiting Class Class-Action Lawsuits

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