First mile in a marathon

Mr Bush promised a return to conservative values, and he's delivering

By Stephen Sackur in Washington

With 100 days in the White House, it was enough of a milestone for George Bush to invite members of Congress over for lunch and a spot of self-congratulation.

"We've had some good debates. We've made some good progress, and it looks like we're going to pass some good law," he said.

He's come a long way in a short time. At last year's Republican convention in Philadelphia, he promised a return to conservative values, and he is delivering.

Mr Bush's game plan

Philadelphia's basketball team, the 76ers, play in the arena that hosted the Republican convention. These athletes, all multi-millionaires, have good reason to welcome George Bush's first 100 days.

His sweeping tax cut plan should put some bounce in the sluggish economy, and it will leave the rich significantly richer.

"Our economy is in great hands. There is still Alan Greenspan there behind him. He's got a great cabinet there behind him. I'm a George Dubya fan," said Pat Croce, rpesident of Philadelphia 76ers.

He rejects suggestions that a tax cut isn't needed or is too large.

"No, I like a tax cut. Give it me," Mr Croce said.

The president's game plan is simple: Drive home the tax cut theme until it's a winner.

Weakness on the environment

Mr Bush has faced stiff criticism on his environmental policy

George Bush has impressive approval ratings for someone who did not win the popular vote in the election.

But he has a weakness - most Americans think he is more in tune with Big Business than the American people.

Mr Bush's determination to expand fossil fuel production and his rejection of the Kyoto global warming treaty has led to political trouble.

Richard Whiteford of the Sierra Club has not enjoyed President Bush's first 100 days.

"I'm outraged. I was ready for him to attack the environment. But I thought he would do it more subtlety, and I thought he would do it more diplomatically," Mr Whiteford said.

Focused president

Many Americans like the president's "America First" style

Many Americans, though, seem to like Mr Bush's "America First" style - be it on Kyoto or on relations with China.

"He has much of the same things that Ronald Reagan had. He knows who he is. He's comfortable with himself. He's thought about what it is he wants to do as president," said Michael Deaver, former adviser to President Reagan.

"And he understands completely that if he doesn't stay focused, it will all fall apart," he added.

He does look comfortable, but then so he should. He has run just the first mile of his White House marathon.