Bush Promises in 2000: Some Fulfilled, Some Thwarted: "Four years ago, when the nation still seemed in an era of boundless prosperity, George W. Bush accepted the Republican nomination with an expansive promise of 'compassionate conservatism': big tax cuts, new drug benefits for the elderly, a major overhaul of Social Security and a new commitment to public education.

"Reaching out to the political center, particularly to women, Mr. Bush promised to 'use these good times for great goals,' and to 'extend the promise of prosperity to every forgotten corner of this country.'

"As Mr. Bush prepares to accept his party's nomination for a second term, how well he fulfilled those first promises is a subject of intense debate. And the unfinished items from that 2000 agenda, most notably the creation of personal investment accounts in Social Security, are expected to be part of his vision for a second term when he addresses the nation tomorrow night."