Bush and Beyond

First broadcast January 2007

There is a buzz in the United States Congress - with the Democratic Party now in control of both chambers, there is a sense that political change is on the way.

The House of Representatives is already passing new legislation: increasing the minimum wage, allowing funding for stem cell research, and cutting the cost of student loans.

But there is no guarantee any of this will become law - Republican president George W Bush still wields the power of veto over incoming legislation.

What is the future of American politics - both now and beyond Bush?

Part One: Expectations

In the first part of this series, Claire Bolderson asks the American people for their expectations of American politicians over the coming months.

She asks party leaders whether, after 12 years in opposition, they're ready to deliver the kind of change the electorate is demanding.

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