Since the election, President Bush has had many opportunities to mention among his agenda items some of the conservative issues that I believe got him elected.
In each of those three chances (two news conferences and then again before the newly elected members of congress), the president has talked about how he will spend his political capital. He has mentioned Social Security reform, tort reform, education, immigration, taxes, and the war on terror.
Before the election, 'respect for life' and the 'sanctity of marriage' were huge issues in every stump speech. But since the election there has been nothing from the president. A little from Karl Rove once, but nothing from the president.
Conservatives expect the president to stand up and stand strong on the issues that were so highlighted before the election. Life. Marriage. Nominating strict constructionists for the Supreme Court.
With two major speeches this month (Inaugural Address and the State of the Union), the president has the chance to make clear what he intends to do about these issues.
What doesn't get talked about doesn't get started and what doesn't get started in the first year of the second term, has a tough chance getting done.
Will social conservatives be disappointed? Or is this all going to fly under the radar until it gets done?