George W. Bush

Profession: 43rd US President

Nationality:

Political Party: Republican
Political Titles: Governor of Texas

Presidential Term: January 20, 2001 - January 20, 2009
Preceded By: Bill Clinton
Succeeded By: Barack Obama

Biography: Previously serving as the Governor of Texas from 1995 to 2000, Bush was the son of George H. W. Bush who served as President from 1989 to 1993. His election win in 2000 was a close and highly controversial victory over Al Gore.

Bush's first term was dominated by the September 11 terror attacks, which launched the country into the 'War on Terror' and the subsequent invasion of Afghanistan in 2001. After years of claiming Saddam Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction, he authorized the invasion of Iraq in 2003. This proved to be an immensely controversial decision as no such weapons were found.

On the domestic front, Bush initiated broad tax cuts, the PATRIOT Act to strengthen security controls after 9/11 and the No Child Left Behind Act. In 2004 Bush was re-elected, defeating John Kerry. In his second term he faced increasing criticism for his handling of Hurricane Katrina and the increasingly violent Iraq War. In December 2007 the United States entered the worst economic recession since the Great Depression and Bush authorized a number of major economic programs to combat the downturn.

Bush had the highest recorded approval ratings after 9/11, at 90%, and some of the lowest approval ratings of 13% in the midst of the recession.

Born: July 6, 1946
Birthplace: New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Age: 77 years old

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Dog
Star Sign: Cancer