Split Decision

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Passing that agenda will not be easy, in part because Bush, despite his reputation, is not always eager to do what is necessary to win over lawmakers. In December he gave a ride on Air Force One to half the South Carolina congressional delegation as he flew back to Washington from a speech in Charleston. The lawmakers spent the flight in the plane's conference room, waiting for Bush to stop by. Inside his office, aides kept reminding Bush, who was in the middle of giving an interview, that he needed to pay a visit to the Congressmen and Senator who were aboard, but the President kept putting it off. Finally, as the plane landed, Bush turned to his chief of staff, Andy Card, laughed and said, "Forget Congress."