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Previous Volume 350:826-833 February 19, 2004 Number 8 Next

	Since this article has no abstract, we have provided an extract of the first 100 words of the full text and any section headings.

	Full Text PDF PDA Full Text Purchase this article Perspective by Kennedy, E. M. Add to Personal Archive Add to Citation Manager Notify a Friend E-mail When Cited E-mail When Letters Appear PubMed Citation

Every so often, U.S. presidents pursue goals that turn the political orthodoxy of the time on its head. Memorable modern examples include the historic move by Richard M. Nixon to normalize relations with Communist China, the controversial step by Bill Clinton to embrace welfare reform, and now, the decision by George W. Bush to sign legislation that will entitle the 41.7 million disabled and elderly beneficiaries of Medicare to new coverage of prescription drugs. Defying traditional Republican principles that favor fiscal constraint and retrenchment of the welfare state, but outflanking Democrats in the process, Bush achieved a major political goal . . . [Full Text of this Article]

The Evolution of the Law

A Divided Conference Committee

A Historic Struggle on the House Floor

The Scope of the Drug Benefit

Drug-Discount Cards

The Exercise of Power

The Price of Support

The Partisan Wars Continue

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