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Bush's Inaugural Speech

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photoPresident George W. Bush, with his hand on the Bible, was sworn back into the Oval Office today by Chief Justice William Rehnquist. Bush starts his second term with a clear election victory behind him, a Republican House and Senate, and with a legacy to shape.

In his 21-minute inaugural speech, Bush emphasized his leadership during a time of war. He said that liberty at home depends on the promise of liberty abroad and America will use its influence to pursue freedom's cause. Bush promised that, as president, he would give Americans more control over their destiny by building an ownership society. He concluded his speech saying America is ready for some of the greatest achievements in history.

Hear a discussion on President Bush's setting of the stage for the next four years, and his own legacy.

Guests:

John Harwood, national political editor for The Wall Street Journal

Terry Moe, senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, professor of politics at Stanford University and an expert on the U.S. presidency

Allan Lichtman, presidential historian, professor of history at American University and author of "The Keys to the White House, 1996: A Surefire Guide to Predicting the Next President"

Holly Bailey, correspondent for Newsweek Magazine.

This program aired on January 20, 2005.

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