Stem Cell Research// New York Times

THE PRESIDENT'S DECISION: THE PRESIDENT; A Long Process That Led Bush To His Decision [new window]

"Just how thoroughly Mr. Bush considered the issue and whether that represented a usual or unusual degree of presidential engagement is difficult to know, and subject to interpretation. But even his critics acknowledge that his decision was well-informed, and seemingly everybody who met with Mr. Bush in the Oval Office came away impressed by what he knew about the topic."

This article, dated 08/11/01, centers on the reaction of media to Bush's controversial announcement to stop federal funding for future development on Stem Cell Research (allowing funding for, however, research on existing lines). While it does give credence to Bush for attempting to come to a fully realized decision, it also acknowledges that the depth to which this is true may be up for debate, as some media outlets had felt that his administration was actively seeking to frame his decision in this light. Considering, however, that this article, written during a time of around 50% public approval, comes from the New York Times [obviously a notorious liberal media elitist paper] - it's rather even-handed, possibly bordering on approving.