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=Section 3  = = = = Bush Takes Over!!!!=  -George H.W. Bush became the first man in 152 years to go straight from Vice President to President

**The El** **ection of 1988**
 -Vice President Bush was the obvious choice for the Republicans to succeed Reagan. Bush took advantage of television ads. Both parties stressed the negative aspects of the other candidates. George H.W. Bush became President with 426 electoral votes.

The New President
 -Bush brought a wide range of experience. Bush would not follow the Reagan ideals he said "A new breeze is blowing". The President stressed a more moderate course. Bush sought to make the U.S. a more gentle nation.

Drugs, Education, and the Environment
 -He suggested a better control on illegal drugs. William Bennett was appointed to keep a handle on illegal substances. The large government deficit prevented President Bush from creating new anti-drug programs. He also promised to chart a new course for the environment and education. However, Bush made the local schools raise the money themselves to meet the new standards. President Bush also appointed William Reilly to head the EPA. Our government was also faced with the issue of dealing with the nuclear waste. It is estimated to cost over $200 billion.

The Savings and Loan Crisis
-Many S&Ls were on the verge of going bankrupt. They were stuck in low-interest, long term loans. This led to government deregulation which then led to S&L banks to make high risk loans and investments. Some banks went under while others saw huge profits. It would cost over $600 billion and take over 10 years to do. Many people blamed the Reagan Administration and Congress for allowing a loan crisis to develope.