One of the nation's top political analysts, Stuart Rothenberg, dissects politics at the congressional and statewide levels.

Stuart Rothenberg: Bush's fast start

By Stuart Rothenberg/CNN

The post-Clinton era of American politics has begun. But that doesn't mean that the shadow of former President Clinton isn't present.

President Bush's first week suggests that he learned plenty of lessons (both positive and negative) from his predecessor. Like Clinton, Bush has shown his understanding of the politics of symbolism. Whether it's going to an inner city school or attending a largely black church, Bush has gone out of his way to signal African Americans that he cares about them.

Bush's symbolic steps aren't likely to win him the loyalty of black political leaders such as Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton, but they generally help reinforce his repeated promises to be "a uniter, not a divider."

At the same time that Bush is reaching out to Democrats, he's also making sure that his base is satisfied with his administration's first steps. His early action to end the use of funds to advocate for or support abortions internationally, as well as his repeated support for school vouchers and a tax cut, remind Republicans that Bush is a conservative.

Sooner or later, Bush will compromise on some core conservative issues, but it is important to his conservative supporters that he doesn't "give" on those issues without getting something in return. Conservative leaders seem to have accepted that Bush's conservatism is genuine, meaning that they are likely to give him greater leeway in dealing with issues than they gave to another president named Bush.

Interestingly, in a development reminiscent of the way Newt Gingrich and House Republicans helped Bill Clinton rally the Democratic base to his side, Clinton and liberal Democratic interest groups have helped rally conservatives behind Bush.

In accepting gifts on leaving the White House and issuing a pardon to Marc Rich, Clinton has embarrassed Democrats and reminded Republicans why they disliked the Clintons. Commentators from all ideological points of view have criticized the Clintons, and even some Democrats have shown they are uncomfortable with the former First Family's decisions. Bill and Hillary Clinton have made the new First Family look dignified.

But the flap over Bill Clinton's exit from the White House did more than just embarrass Democrats. It also distracted the media from focusing on Attorney General nominee John Ashcroft's confirmation fight.

The Bush administration has learned another important lesson that it is using to its advantage. Instead of getting involved in partisan pettiness and name calling, Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney have wisely remained focused on their message that they refuse to be distracted from doing "the people's work."

Bush scored points throughout the fall campaign by emphasizing that he wants to bring a different tone to Washington, and he has repeated that goal often in the days since he was pronounced the winner in Florida. In doing so, Bush has made it more difficult for his opponents to criticize him. After all, the new President can portray any Democratic criticism as part of the "Washington problem."

Observers across the political spectrum have credited Bush with getting off to a good start. He picked a Cabinet quickly, has quickly addressed issues such as education and delivering services through faith-based groups, met with Sen. John McCain about campaign finance reform, and benefited from a new dynamic about tax cuts. In other words, Bush isn't wasting his honeymoon.

Bush will, no doubt, face trouble ahead on some of his agenda, and unforeseen events could well throw him off stride. But so far, Bush has appeared effective wooing adversaries and supporters alike. CNN's Bill Schneider recently gave Bush his "political play of the week" for the President's "charm offensive." If history is any guide, Bush may win plenty more of those weekly awards over the next four years.

See related sites about POLITICS

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.