George H.W. Bush Administration Overview

Election of 1988: Bush becomes the Republican nominee after the popular presidency of Ronald Reagan.
Background:
- History of public service: U.S. military veteran, former CIA director, and played a role in Nixon's resignation.
- Known for centrist positions and working towards consensus in political decisions.

Democratic Nominee: Michael Dukakis, with Jesse Jackson as a prominent challenger.
Bush's Running Mate: Dan Quayle, known for his inexperience and gaffes.
- Notable quotes from Quayle:
- "I love California. I practically grew up in Phoenix."
- "It's wonderful to be here in the great state of Chicago."
- "Republicans understand the importance of bondage between mother and child."
- Included a controversial moment during a spelling bee involving the word "potato".
Bush's Campaign Pledge: "Read my lips: no new taxes."
- This pledge eventually complicates his presidency as economic issues arise.

Economy under Reagan: Bush's presidency begins with relatively good economic conditions, but later faces downturns.
Savings and Loan Scandal:
- Between 1980-1990, many lending institutions failed due to fraud and deregulation; cost taxpayers approximately 400 ext{ billion}.
Budget Issues:
- Bush faces growing budget deficits and is pressured to raise taxes, ultimately reversing his pledge.

Key Issues:
1. End of the Cold War:
- The Soviet Union begins to collapse, leading to significant geopolitical changes and the reunification of Germany in 1989.
- Key policies like glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) in USSR.
- Bush's cautious approach: promoting peaceful resolution to Cold War tensions.
- Notable treaties include the START treaty reducing nuclear arsenals by 25 ext{%}.
1. Operation Desert Storm (Gulf War):
- Triggered by Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on August 2, 1990, over oil fields.
- Bush builds an international coalition to oppose Saddam Hussein, underscoring the importance of global consensus in military action.
- Military operation characterized by an extensive air campaign, leading to a successful liberation of Kuwait with minimal American casualties (48 killed).

Public Support Post-War:
- Bush's approval ratings surged to 75%, but were short-lived due to economic issues back home.
Interventions in Panama:
- U.S. military action to remove Manuel Noriega, involved unconventional tactics such as playing loud music to force him out of hiding.
Other Global Actions:
- Conversations around troubling events in the Philippines, South Africa, and the Tiananmen Square protests in China further define the Bush presidency's approach to foreign policy.

Bush's inability to maintain voter support was largely due to the economy and breaking tax promises, leading to a loss against Bill Clinton in the 1992 election despite successful foreign policy achievements.
Key Takeaway: While George H.W. Bush’s foreign policies were largely successful, economic downturns and unfulfilled promises overshadowed his presidency, culminating in his election loss in 1992.