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This is a list of characters in the [[comic strip]] [[Garfield]], as well as the [[animated cartoon]] series ''[[Garfield and Friends]]''.
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{{Infobox President | name=George Walker Bush
{{verylong}}
| nationality=american
== Primary characters ==
| image name=George-W-Bush.jpeg
===Garfield===
| order=43rd President of United States
{{main|Garfield (character)}}
| date1=[[January 20]], [[2001]]
[[Image:Garfield.JPG|130px|thumb|right|Garfield]] '''Garfield''' is the main central character in the [[Jim Davis]] [[comic strip]] ''[[Garfield]]''. He is a [[lazy]], [[selfish]], [[overweight]], [[orange (colour)|orange]] [[tabby cat]] who enjoys eating, sleeping, stealing Jon's dinner, and tormenting Odie by kicking him off the table. He loves [[lasagna]] and enjoys entertaining (or annoying) an unseen neighboring audience on top of a fence in the middle of the night (and gets bombarded by various objects by the agitated audience for it). He hates [[spider]]s, and often splats them until they are as flat as a pancake with a rolled up newspaper. His first appearance was June 19, 1978. His first TV appearance was on [[Here Comes Garfield]]. His last was on the [[Garfield and Friends]] episode, [[The Ocean Blue]].
| date2=Present (Current Term will end on [[January 20]], [[2009]]. He will be ineligible to run for re-election)
{{-}}
| preceded=[[Bill Clinton]]
| succeeded=[[Incumbent]]
| date of birth=[[July 6]], [[1946]]
| place of birth=[[New Haven, Connecticut|New Haven]], [[Connecticut]]
| dead=dead
| date of death= N/A
| place of death= N/A
| wife=[[Laura_Bush|Laura Welch Bush]]
| party=[[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
| vicepresident=[[Dick Cheney]]
}}
'''George Walker Bush''', (born [[July 6]], [[1946]]) is a [[Politics of the United States|politician]] and currently the 43rd [[President of the United States of America|President]] of the [[United States]]. Bush, a member of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party of America]], is part of the prominent [[Bush family]], which includes his grandfather (former [[United States Senate|U.S. Senator]] [[Prescott Bush]]), his father (former President [[George H. W. Bush]]), and his brother ([[Jeb Bush]], who is currently [[Governor of Florida|governor of Florida]]).
Before entering politics and becoming president, he was a [[businessman]], involved in the [[oil industry]] and [[professional sport|professional]] [[baseball]].{{an|oil_and_baseball}} He was elected the 46th [[Governor of Texas|Governor]] of [[Texas]], and won the nomination of the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican Party]] in the [[U.S. presidential election, 2000|2000 presidential election]]. Bush became [[President_of_the_United_States|President]], defeating [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]] [[Al Gore]] of the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] in a particularly [[U.S. presidential election, 2000#Florida election results|close and controversial]] [[U.S. presidential election, 2000|election]]. Bush [[U.S. presidential election, 2004|was re-elected]] in 2004, defeating Democratic Senator [[John Kerry]] of [[Massachusetts]].
===Jon Arbuckle===
==Personal life, service and education==
[[Image:JonArbuckle.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Jon Arbuckle]]
Bush is the son of [[George H. W. Bush]] and [[Barbara Bush]]. He was born in [[New Haven, Connecticut|New Haven]], [[Connecticut]] but grew up in [[Midland, Texas|Midland]] and [[Houston, Texas|Houston]], [[Texas]], with siblings [[Jeb Bush|Jeb]], [[Neil Bush|Neil]], [[Marvin Bush|Marvin]], and [[Dorothy Bush|Dorothy]]. (A younger sister, Robin, died of [[leukemia]] in [[1953]] at the age of three.) The family enjoyed the summers and most holidays at the [[Bush Compound]] in Maine.
Jon is the owner of Garfield and Odie, a total [[nerd]], and a clumsy [[individual]]. He is the primary [[fodder]] and conversation partner to Garfield and is often the butt of his jokes. He makes his living as a cartoonist. This reference has not been seen in the comic strip since its early days, but the animated show Garfield and Friends does show him several times in his job as a [[cartoonist]]. Jon manages to make enough money to keep Garfield well fed — no easy feat. Often, Jon, as well as Garfield, gets bored, and comes up with "fun" ways to cure boredom (such as buying new [[socks]], clipping his [[toenails]], or playing "Guess the [[Burp]]" with Garfield). His full name has been revealed as Jonathan Q. Arbuckle (the "Q" might stand for "[[Quack]]") in a [[Christmas]] strip. He is played by [[Breckin Meyer]] in the [[Garfield film]]s. His first television appearance was on [[Here Comes Garfield]]. Hist last was on [[The Ocean Blue]].
===Odie===
[[Image:Bush daughers.gif|thumb|George W. Bush and Laura Bush with their daughters Jenna and Barbara, [[1990]].]]
{{main|Odie}}
Like his father, Bush attended [[Phillips Academy]] (September [[1961]]–June [[1964]]) and later [[Yale University]] (September [[1964]]–May [[1968]]). At Yale, he joined [[Delta Kappa Epsilon]] (of which he was president from October [[1965]] until graduation) and the [[Skull and Bones]] secret society. He was a C+ student, scoring 77% (with no As and one D, in astronomy) with a [[grade point average]] of 2.35 out of 4.00. He played baseball and rugby during his freshman and senior years. Bush has joked that he was known more for his social life than for his grades. [http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,25229,00.html] He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in [[1968]].
[[Image:Garfield character Odie.png|thumb|right|Odie.]]
He is a lovable but intellectually challenged yellow-furred, brown-eared [[beagle]] constantly panting with his very large tongue, and the only character without a "voice" as he was portrayed as a "normal" house dog. However, he was once shown to be thinking "I'm hungry". He also says "I don't know, I'm kinda scared," as a "mistake" in the cartoon episode "Mistakes Will Happen". More recently, he was seen actually speaking in one of Garfield's dream sequences. [http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?2005-ga050710] He also sometimes thinks like Garfield. [http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?1995-ga951221] He sometimes says minor things in episodes of the television series, such as "Ta-da!", "Huh?", or more commonly, panting "Yeah, yeah, yeah!". In the [[live-action]] [[film]]s based on the strip, Odie was a real-life [[dachshund]]. Though he may seem stupid, in one strip, he was seen reading "[[War and Peace]]" and listening to [[Mozart]]. First appeared: [[Here Comes Garfield]]. Last appeared: [[The Ocean Blue]].
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===Arlene===
After graduating from Yale University, Bush enlisted in the Texas [[Air National Guard]] on [[May 27]], [[1968]], during the [[Vietnam War]], with a commitment to serve until [[May 26]], [[1974]]. He was promoted once, to [[first lieutenant]], on the November [[1970]] recommendation of Texas Air National Guard commander Lt. Col. [[Jerry B. Killian]]. "Lt. Bush is an exceptionally fine young officer and pilot,” wrote his commanding officer in the 111th Fighter Interceptor Squadron in Houston, Lt. Col. Jerry B. Killian. Bush “performed in an outstanding manner … a natural leader.”
[[Image:Arlene.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Arlene]]
He served as an [[F-102]] pilot until 1972.
'''First Appearance:''' [http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?1980-ga801217 December 17, 1980]
[[Image:GW-Bush-in-uniform.jpg|thumb|left|George W. Bush in his National Guard uniform.]]
Garfield's female friend. She is a [[pink]] cat with a long neck and buck teeth. She once wished their relationship would take a few steps, but Garfield does not seem to notice. Garfield once quipped in the early strips that he and Arlene have an apparent love-hate relationship: Garfield loves himself, and Arlene hates that. Garfield loves to tease Arlene about the gap between her front teeth, which also infuriates her. She seems somewhat more clever than Garfield and repays his teasing with witty comebacks.
In September [[1973]], he received permission to end his six-year commitment six months early in order to attend [[Harvard Business School]]. He transferred to inactive reserve status shortly before being honorably discharged on [[October 1]], [[1973]]. [http://www.usatoday.com/news/bushdocs/2-Discharge.pdf]<small>([[PDF]])</small>
Although she never appeared on the animated series (with the exception of a cameo appearance in the fourth season), she appeared in the film version as well, where she was voiced by [[Debra Messing]]. Arlene, whom is never shown talking in animation, will possibly have a speaking line in the 2007 direct to video movie, [[Garfield Gets Real]].
It has frequently been alleged that Bush skipped over a waiting list to receive a National Guard slot, that he did not report for required duty from 1972 to 1973, and that he was suspended from flying after he failed to take a required physical examination and drug test. These issues were publicized during the 2004 Presidential campaign by the group [[Texans for Truth]] and other Bush critics. See [[George W. Bush military service controversy]] for details.
In the book ''Garfield's Judgment Day'', it was revealed she was a stray cat, which she had never revealed to Garfield until emergency situations brought it to light.
Bush entered Harvard Business School in 1973. He was awarded a [[Masters of Business Administration]] (MBA) degree in [[1975]], and is the first U.S. president to hold an MBA.
===Pooky the Teddy Bear===
On [[September 4]], [[1976]], Bush was pulled over by police near his family's summer home in [[Kennebunkport, Maine|Kennebunkport]], Maine. He was arrested for [[Drunk driving (United States)|driving under the influence of alcohol]], admitted his guilt, was fined $150, and had his driving license suspended for 30 days within the state. [http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/11/02/bush.dui/], [http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/bushdui1.html] News of the arrest was uncovered by the press five days before the [[U.S. presidential election, 2000|2000 presidential election]].
[[Image:Pooky.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Pooky]]
'''First Appearance:'''
[http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?1978-ga781023 October 23, 1978]
Pooky is Garfield's teddy bear and best friend that Garfield discovered stuffed in a drawer. Despite the fact that Pooky is a stuffed animal, Garfield acts as though he can communicate with him. At one point, Garfield pretended to teach Pooky how to jump through hoops then Garfield turned around to talk to Jon. When he turned back Pooky was on the other side of the hoop. Garfield is generally overprotective of Pooky. Once Garfield thought he lost Pooky so he turned into "The Caped Avenger", a repeating storyline, and tried to find Pooky. It turned out that Jon had just thrown him in the wash.
Bush has described his days before his religious conversion as his "nomadic" period and "irresponsible youth" and admitted to drinking "too much" in those years. He says that he gave up drinking for good shortly after waking up with a hangover after his 40th birthday celebration: "I quit drinking in 1986 and haven't had a drop since then." He ascribed the change in part to a [[1985]] meeting with The Rev. [[Billy Graham]]. [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/wh2000/stories/bushtext072599.htm], [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/wh2000/stories/bush072599.htm], [http://www.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/11/02/bush.dui/]
The strip shows Garfield searching through Jon Arbuckle's bottom drawer, finding Pooky, and adopting him as his own. Once, Pooky lost an eye for several comic strips. It was replaced the following [[Christmas]]. In addition, Pooky was over-squeezed by Garfield and had an inflated head. Afterwards, Garfield tried to squeeze him back but made his head thin and body thick. Then, Jon "completely restuffed" Pooky and made him fat on both ends. Also, Pooky had lost his arm on one occasion on the week of January 1, 1983, but was sewn back on. Garfield looks at Pooky as the only one that he can truly trust. Outside of dream sequences and the like, Pooky has never been "brought to life" (as in the case of [[Hobbes (Calvin and Hobbes character)|Hobbes]] of the comic strip ''[[Calvin and Hobbes]]'') "on camera" in the strip, but on rare occasions, the possibility that Pooky is more than just a stuffed bear is brought up, though never confirmed or denied. (Garfield was pretending to teach him to jump through a hoop. Jon asked what was happening. Garfield looked away for a moment. Pooky appeared on the other side of the hoop). In the Spanish translation of the strip, Pooky was initially named "Doggy" ("perrito") but suddenly changed name to Pooky in further lines. In a few strips, he is referred to as "Pookie" but "Pooky" is clearly used more often.
Bush has said that he did not use illegal drugs at any time since 1974. [http://www.cnn.com/ALLPOLITICS/stories/1999/08/19/president.2000/bush.drug/] He has denied the allegation (Hatfield, 1999) that family influence was used to expunge the record of an arrest for cocaine possession in 1972, but has declined to discuss whether he used drugs before 1974. [http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v99/n1143/a08.html?4588]
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===Nermal===
In taped recordings of a conversation with an old friend, author [[Doug Wead]], Bush said: “I wouldn’t answer the marijuana question. You know why? Because I don’t want some little kid doing what I tried.” When Wead reminded Bush that the latter had publicly denied using cocaine, Bush replied, "I haven't denied anything." [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/4282799.stm], [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6999665/] See also [[George W. Bush substance abuse controversy]].
[[Image:Nermal.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Nermal]]
'''First Appearance:''' [http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?1979-ga790903 September 3, 1979]
Nermal is a small gray [[kitten]], self-proclaimed "The world's cutest [[kitten]]." He frequently makes unannounced visits into Garfield's home, where he flaunts his cuteness and becomes the focus of Jon's attention for the entire duration of his visit, much to Garfield's dismay. Nermal especially does this on Garfield's birthdays to remind him of how he is getting older.
Bush married [[Laura Bush|Laura Welch]] in [[1977]]. They have twin daughters, [[Barbara and Jenna Bush]], born in [[1981]]. In [[1986]], at the age of 40, he left the [[Episcopal Church]] and joined his wife's denomination, the [[United Methodist Church]].
Nermal is a male kitten, but his voice actress in the cartoon ([[Desirée Goyette]]) and long [[eyelashes]] have led to some confusion over his gender. It is revealed in one strip that he is a model for cat calendars and greeting cards. He once mentioned that he is going to stay cute and small forever because he's a midget. ("I think small," he once quipped, "and the coffee and cigarettes don't hurt.") However, there is evidence that Nermal preserves his cuteness by mud packing his face. In exasperation and feelings of being degraded for ugliness and advancement in age, Garfield ultimately attempts to ship Nermal to [[Abu Dhabi]]. In later strips Nermal grows up and appears to be in what could be considered adolescence, but retains his vanity and continues to poke fun at Garfield.
Bush is 5 [[Foot (unit of length)|feet]], 10½ [[Inch|inches]] (179 cm) tall. Bush's most common nickname is "Dubya", from the colloquial mispronunciation of his middle initial.
The Spanish-dubbed version of the TV series changed Nermal's name to Thelma during some seasons. His first television appearance was on [[School Daze (Garfield and Friends)|School Daze]]. His last was on [[Change of Mind]]. In ''[[Garfield (film)|Garfield: The Movie]]'', Nermal is portrayed as an adult (and slow witted) [[Siamese (cat)|Siamese]] cat rather than a small gray kitten, and is voiced by [[David Eigenberg]].
==Business and early political career==
In [[1978]], Bush ran for the [[United States House of Representatives|U.S. House of Representatives]] but lost to a [[Texas Legislature|State Senator]], Democrat [[Kent Hance]]. [[Ronald Reagan]], then the former Governor of California and unsuccessful 1976 Presidential candidate, endorsed Bush's opponent in the Republican [[primary election|primary]].
Bush began his career in the oil industry in [[1979]], when he established [[Arbusto Energy]], an oil and gas exploration company he formed with leftover funds from his education trust fund and money from other investors. The [[1979 energy crisis]] hurt Arbusto and, after a name change to Bush Exploration Co., Bush sold the company in [[1984]] to [[Spectrum 7]], another Texas oil and gas exploration firm. Under the terms of the sale, Spectrum 7 made Bush its [[chief executive officer]]. Spectrum 7 lost money, and in [[1986]] it was merged into [[Harken Energy]] Corporation, with Bush becoming a director of Harken.
===Mom===
[[Image:GeorgeWBush.png|left|thumb|Official portrait of George W. Bush as governor]]
[[Image:JonsMom.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Mom]]
After working on his father's successful [[U.S. presidential election, 1988|1988 presidential campaign]], he was told by a friend, [[William DeWitt, Jr.]], that another family friend, [[Eddie Chiles]], wanted to sell the [[Texas Rangers]], his [[Arlington, Texas|Arlington]]-based [[Major League Baseball]] franchise. In April [[1989]], Bush assembled a group of investors from his father's close friends; the group bought 86% of the Rangers for $75 million. (Bush later appointed one of these partners, [[Tom Schieffer]], to the post of Ambassador to [[Australia]].) Bush received a two percent share by investing $606,302, of which $500,000 was a bank loan. Bush paid off the loan by selling $848,000 worth of stock in Harken Energy in 1990. As Harken Energy reported significant financial losses within a year of this sale (as did much of the energy industry due to the recession of the early 1990s), the fact that Bush was advised by his own counsel not to sell his shares later fueled allegations of insider trading.
'''First Appearance:''' [http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?1980-ga800213 February 13, 1980]
(See [[George_W._Bush_insider_trading_allegations|George W. Bush insider trading allegations]] for more information.) The federal [[Securities and Exchange Commission]] concluded on March 27, 1992 by Assistant Director of the SEC Herb Janick that Bush had a "preexisting plan" to sell the Harken stock and that Bush had a "relatively limited role in Harken management" and that they did not believe insider trading took place.[http://www.publicintegrity.org/docs/harken/harken_doc5.pdf][http://www.upi.com/view.cfm?StoryID=20020717-062330-9990r] [http://www.publicintegrity.org/docs/harken/harken_doc7.pdf][http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/campaigns/wh2000/stories/bush073099.htm]
Jon’s mother lives on a farm and is known to be a great cook (she can make just about anything out of potatoes, proven in a 1980s strip when she creates five different kinds of potatoes(Scalloped, Whipped, Fried, Baked and Broiled.) She also always has the same expression on her face. Based on Jim Davis' mother Betty Davis, Jon's mother is also known for sending him and Garfield cooked meals in packages. Jon once got mashed potatoes and Garfield got gravy, which started to leak from the corner of the envelope. On one Christmas occasion, after Dad said, "Please tell me they were adopted.", her response was "I don't know, I was out at the time."
[[Image:Bushtexas.jpg|frame|right|Bush's official gubernatorial portrait, hanging in the [[Texas State Capitol]].]]
In ''[[A Garfield Christmas Special]]'' and the Garfield episode, ''[[Feeling Feline]]'', she was voiced by [[Julie Payne]].
Bush served as managing general partner of the Rangers for five years. He was active in the team's media relations and in securing the construction of a new stadium, which opened in 1994 as [[Ameriquest Field in Arlington|The Ballpark in Arlington]]. [http://www.joenickp.com/texas/teamplayer.html] Bush's prominent role with the Rangers gave him valuable goodwill and name recognition throughout Texas. [http://espn.go.com/mlb/bush/friday.html]
===Dad===
In [[1994]], Bush took a leave of absence from the Rangers to run for [[Governor of Texas]] against the popular [[incumbent]], Democrat [[Ann Richards]]. On [[November 8]], 1994, he defeated Richards, 53% to 46%.
[[Image:JonsDad.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Dad]]
'''First Appearance:''' [http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?1980-ga800213 February 13, 1980]
Jon's father who tends the family farm. In his sole animated appearance, ''[[A Garfield Christmas Special]]'', he was voiced by [[Pat Harrington Jr.]] and as proved in one strip has not been off the farm in a long time. Based on Jim Davis' father, James William Davis.
As Governor, Bush forged a legislative alliance with powerful Texas Lt. Governor [[Bob Bullock]], a longtime Democrat. Bush went on to become, in [[1998]], the first Texas governor to be elected for two consecutive four-year terms. (Until [[1975]], Texas governors served two-year terms.)
===Doc Boy===
During Bush's terms as Governor, he undertook significant legislative changes in the areas of criminal justice, [[tort]] law, and school financing. Bush took a hard line on capital punishment, and received much criticism from advocates wanting to abolish the death penalty. Bush's transformative agenda, in combination with his political and family pedigree, catapulted him onto the national political radar. As the campaigns to succeed [[Bill Clinton]] as president began in earnest, Bush emerged as a key figure.
[[Image:DocBoy.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Doc Boy]]
'''First Appearance:''' [http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?1983-ga830517 May 17, 1983]
Jon's brother who lives on a farm with his mother and father, and often fights with Jon, calling him a "city slicker". Hates being called "Doc Boy" and Jim Davis addresses in a strip once that he did not like the name since he started wearing pants. Based on Jim Davis' brother David "Doc" Davis, who's not nearly as goofy as his cartoon counterpart.
==Presidential campaigns==
[[Image:Bush_43_10-19-04_Stpete.jpg|thumb|George W. Bush speaks at a campaign rally in 2004.]]
In [[George W. Bush presidential campaign, 2000|Bush's 2000 presidential election campaign]], he declared himself to be a [[Compassionate conservativism|"compassionate conservative"]]. He campaigned on, among other issues, allowing [[religion|religious]] [[charity|charities]] to participate in federally funded programs, cutting taxes, promoting the use of [[education voucher]]s, supporting oil drilling in the [[Arctic National Wildlife Refuge]], maintaining a balanced federal budget, and restructuring the [[United States armed forces|armed forces]]. In foreign policy, he stated that he was against using the U.S. armed forces in [[nation building]] attempts abroad.
In ''A Garfield Christmas Special'', he was voiced by [[David Lander]].
After winning the Republican nomination, Bush faced Democratic candidate [[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]] [[Al Gore]]. Bush took 271 [[U.S. Electoral College|electoral votes]] to Gore's 266, including the electoral votes of 30 of the 50 [[U.S. state|states]]. Neither candidate received a [[Majority|majority]] of the popular vote -- Bush took 47.9 percent; Gore, 48.4 percent -- but Gore received a [[Plurality|plurality]] of about 540,000 more of the 105 million votes cast. Most of the votes that neither Bush nor Gore won went to [[Green Party (United States)|Green Party]] candidate [[Ralph Nader]] (2,695,696 votes/2.7%), [[Reform Party of the United States of America|Reform Party]] candidate [[Pat Buchanan]], (449,895/0.4%), and [[Libertarian Party (United States)|Libertarian Party]] candidate [[Harry Browne]] (386,024 votes/0.4%).
===Grandma===
It was the first presidential election since [[U.S. presidential election, 1888|1888]] in which the winning candidate received fewer popular votes than his opponent, the first since [[U.S. presidential election, 1876|1876]] in which the winner of the electoral vote was in dispute, and the first ever to be directly affected by a [[Supreme Court of the United States|Supreme Court]] decision.
[[Image:JonsGrandma.jpg|180px|thumb|left|Grandma]]
Jon and Doc Boy's grandmother. She is a [[Harley-Davidson|Harley]]-riding, [[leather]]-wearing old lady who carves turkey with a chainsaw. She loves Jon, Garfield, and Odie, and occasionally makes appearances throughout the series. The most is revealed about her in Garfield's Christmas special, where it is revealed that her husband has died and she talks about her life with him. She is undoubtedly Garfield's favorite of Jon's family. In the strip, Grandma was originally depicted as a stereotypical elderly woman, wearing a shapeless, plain dark dress and her hair in a tight bun; her animated appearances outfit her as a more modern-looking woman. In ''[[A Garfield Christmas]] Special'' and ''[[Garfield's Thanksgiving]]'', she was voiced by [[Pat Carroll (actress)|Pat Carroll]]. She also appears as the DVD seller on the DVD store on the Garfield website.
{{-}}
===Lyman===
[[image:GoreBush.jpg|thumb|left|Al Gore greets President-Elect Bush at the White House in late December of 2000.]]
[[Image:Ga790308.GIF|thumb|right|Lyman & Garfield.]]
'''First Appearance:''' [http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?1978-ga780807 August 7, 1978]<br/>
'''Last Appearance:''' [http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?1988-ga880619 June 19, 1988]
Friend of Jon's who lived with him for a while and was the original owner of Odie. He first appeared on [[August 7]], [[1978]]. However, he disappeared from the comic on April 24, 1983 and his disappearance was never fully elaborated upon. His last appearance in the strip was a cameo on Garfield's 10th Birthday [[June 19]], [[1988]] where he appears in the title panel seated between Jon's Dad and Liz, he also appears in a flashback panel within the strip. Recently, Davis was forced to directly address the issue of 'What happened to Lyman?'. According to Davis, Lyman's original purpose was to be someone who Jon could actually talk to and express other ideas—a role more and more taken over by Garfield himself. Hence, he was removed without explanation. The closest thing Davis has ever given to explain his absence is "Don't look in Jon's basement". In the Web game [http://www.garfield.com/fungames/scavengerhunt/scavengerhunt.html "Scary Scavenger Hunt"], Lyman is shown chained onto the wall in the basement of a haunted mansion, as well as screaming in a bathtub upstairs (in a scene clearly referencing the "shower scene" in the film ''[[Psycho (1960 film)|Psycho]]''; even the screeching violins from the infamous scene are played here) and his head is also shown in a room under a blanket. In [http://www.garfield.com/fungames/scavengerhunt2/scavengerhunt2.html "Scary Scavenger Hunt 2"], his head is found inside the kitchen oven. This "in the basement" joke was revealed by Mr. Davis to not be entirely true. In an interview he mentioned that the real reason that Lyman disappeared was that he joined the [[Peace Corps]] and was never heard from again. Lyman has appeared on the Garfield website as the seller at the bookstore.
The Florida vote, which favored Bush by a slim margin in the initial count, was hotly contested after concerns were raised about flaws and irregularities in the voting and tabulation processes. A series of contentious court cases ensued regarding the legality of county-specific and statewide recounts. After machine and manual recounts in four counties, and with Bush still prevailing, the Florida Supreme Court ordered a statewide manual recount of all counties. The Bush campaign appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which, in its mid-December decision in ''[[Bush v. Gore]]'', overturned the decision and halted all recounts. Gore then conceded the election.
===Irma===
In the final official count, Bush won Florida by 537 votes, giving him the state's 25 electoral votes and the presidency. See [[U.S. presidential election, 2000]]. (Also see [[U.S. presidential election, 2000#The Florida Ballot Project recounts|The 2000 Florida Ballot Project]].) Bush was inaugurated President on [[January 20]], [[2001]].
'''First Appearance:''' [http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?1979-ga790609 June 9, 1979] (though not by name until [http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?1979-ga791019 October 19, 1979])
[[Image:Ga070413.gif|480px|thumb|left|A strip featuring Irma]]
In the [[U.S. presidential election, 2004|2004 election]], Bush won a second term, an electoral majority by receiving more votes than any president in history[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._presidential_election,_2004], and also received 3.5 million popular votes more than his Democratic challenger, Senator [[John Kerry]]. Bush was the first presidential candidate since his father, [[George H.W. Bush]] in [[U.S. presidential election, 1988|1988]] to receive a majority of the popular vote. Bush carried 31 of 50 states for a total of 286 Electoral College votes. As in the 2000 election, there were charges raised alleging [[2004 U.S. presidential election controversy and irregularities|voting irregularities]], especially in [[Ohio]], [[Pennsylvania]] and [[Wisconsin]]. In 2004 they did not lead to recounts that were expected to affect the result. After a [[2004 U.S. presidential election recounts and legal challenges#Ohio: U.S. Congress electoral contest|congressional electoral contest]] -- the second in American history -- failed, a [[Moss v. Bush|lawsuit]] challenging the result in Ohio was withdrawn, because the congressional certification of the electoral votes had rendered the case [[Mootness|moot]].
Waitress and owner of "Irma's Diner", a diner occasionally patronized by Jon and Garfield. Her first appearance was on [[October 19]], [[1979]]. The food, service, and mental stability of both Irma and her restaurant are all questionable. For instance, her idea of a "chicken surprise" is her coming up to the table wearing a rubber chicken mask and saying "SURPRISE!" She also referred to "your choice of [[potato]]es" as "cooked" and "raw." However, this may be attributed to her operating the diner 24 hours a day with no help (though in other comics, she is shown to speak to other diner employees). Although her main and most memorable appearances took place earlier in the strip, in 1999 she appeared (updated to match the most recent style of the strip), once again doing wacky things at the diner.
Bush was inaugurated for his second term on [[January 20]], [[2005]]. The oath was administered by Chief Justice [[William Rehnquist]]. Bush's inaugural speech centered mainly on a theme of spreading freedom and democracy around the world. Bush stated in his second inauguration on January 20, 2005:
===Dr. Elizabeth Wilson===
"From the perspective of a single day, including this day of dedication, the issues and questions before our country are many. From the viewpoint of centuries, the questions that come to us are narrowed and few. Did our generation advance the cause of freedom? And did our character bring credit to that cause?"[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/01/20050120-1.html]
[[Image:LizWilson.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Dr. Liz Wilson]]
'''First Appearance:''' [http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?1979-ga790626 June 26, 1979]
== Years as President ==
Garfield's [[veterinarian]] and long-time crush of Jon Arbuckle. She occasionally dates him, but these outings always become disasters, and Liz herself has little regard for Jon. She vainly tries to make him understand that she is not interested, but Jon is persistent in his efforts. In one strip, she revealed she had a (possibly entirely fictional) boyfriend named Nick "The Mangler" Scarlotti; however, he has never been mentioned again. The two appeared to have fallen in love after Liz admitted that she liked Jon, which means Liz has become Jon's girlfriend. [http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?2006-ga060726] She first appeared on [[June 26]], [[1979]]. In the [[live-action]] [[film]]s, she became Jon Arbuckle's "[[girlfriend]]/[[partner]]". In animation, she was voiced by [[Julie Payne]]. On [[Garfield and Friends]], she appeared occasionally in the first two seasons only. In the live-action movies, she is played by [[Jennifer Love Hewitt]]. Her first television appearance was on [[Garfield Goes Hawaiian]]. Her last was on [[Arrivederci, Odie!]].
* [[George W. Bush's first term as President of the United States|First Term]]
* [[George W. Bush's second term as President of the United States|Second Term]]
Jon and Liz shared their first true kiss on December 19, 1981, though Jon had previously managed to steal a kiss on October 6, 1979. In the past, Liz showed great dislike and little respect for Jon; her attempts to show him that she was not interested in him were generally futile, although she did deliver some pithy comments. During the week of her second appearance, Jon asked her what she would suggest for an animal who is madly in love (referring to himself), and Liz countered with "[[spaying and neutering|neutering]]." They didn't have a lasting relationship until after another kiss during slight dating fiasco on July 28, 2006. A third kiss was shared on September 3 of the same year.
==Presidency==
From this point on, Liz has been Jon's girlfriend (she called him "Sweetie").
===Domestic policy===
{{main|Domestic policy of the George W. Bush administration}}
====Faith-basedHerman initiativesPost====
[[Image:HermanPost.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Herman Post]]
Jon Arbuckle's [[mail carrier|mailman]]. Garfield constantly torments him by ripping off his pants and leaving him shredded and scratched, and he perpetually tries to find a way to deliver the mail safely, but almost never succeeding (although the mail always makes it). In ''Garfield and Friends'', the mailman was voiced by [[Gregg Berger]]. He first appeared on [[January 28]], [[1984]]. His first appearance on television was on [[Fair Exchange (Garfield and Friends)|Fair Exchange]]. His last was on [[Fill-in FELINE]]. In some of the comics, his [[hair]] is [[white]] instead of [[brown]].
{{-}}
== Neighbors ==
In early 2001, Bush worked with Republicans in Congress to pass legislation changing the way the federal government regulated, taxed and funded charities and non-profit initiatives run by religious organizations. Although prior to the legislation it was possible for these organizations to receive federal assistance, the new legislation removed reporting requirements that required the organizations to separate their charitable functions from their religious functions. Bush also created the [http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/ White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives]. Several organizations such as the [[American Civil Liberties Union]] have criticized Bush's faith-based initiative program, arguing that it involves government entanglement with religion and favoritism to religion in violation of the [[Establishment Clause of the First Amendment]].
* '''Hubert and Reba''' are Jon's stereotypical "grumpy old neighbors." Hubert is mostly outside on his porch yelling "REBA!" when Garfield, Jon, Odie, and other characters are doing something crazy. Reba is mostly inside doing something unseen. In an earlier comic, Reba is called "Thelma." Their only Television appearance was on "''Here Comes Garfield.''"
====Diversity and civil rights====
* '''Mrs. Feeny''' is another neighbor, who has never appeared in the strip. Garfield routinely torments her, her little dog, and Mr. Feeny (who have never appeared as well) and as such Mrs. Feeny is always complaining to Jon about Garfield over the phone, or occasionally, vent her revenge on Jon. But, Garfield isn't always bitter to Mrs. Feeny. One year, he gave her a homemade hairball for Christmas. In one strip it is mentioned that Garfield once glued her dog to a cross town bus. When called on this, he raises his paw to swear, only to notice that his coffee cup has become attached to him. Another time Jon reported to Garfield, "Mrs. Feeney's little dog is missing again, and all those stamps I bought yesterday are gone, not to mention a box and some twine!" Garfield replied, "Take your time, it'll come to you."
*'''Ellen''' is a local woman whom Jon often tried to go out with. Of all of the women Jon calls for a date and ends up getting rejected, Ellen is the most common. She was introduced as a blind date for Jon [http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?1990-ga901109 November 9, 1990] After 16 years, Ellen finally dated Jon in the comic on [[July 17]], [[2006]] and appeared in person on [[July 20]], [[2006]] after Jon convinced her to go on a date because she had [[amnesia]] and couldn't remember how much she despised him.[http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?2006-ga060720] She was persuaded to go on a date with him, and on July 20th, 2006, the strip finally showed her as a blond woman with a striped dress. [http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?2006-ga060720] For years she never appeared in the strip, but many strips focused on Jon phoning Ellen asking for a date. She usually asked him sarcastically to do something very stupid first, before refusing. Once Jon received a restraining order from her on [[November 22]], [[1996]], but despite that has asked her out many times since then (to no success). Jon fell in love with Liz who admitted that she did like Jon - and Ellen, still having amnesia, went with the man that Liz initially dated that night.
== Family ==
Bush is opposed to the legal recognition of same-sex marriages and supports the establishment of civil unions ("I don't think we should deny people rights to a civil union, a legal arrangement" - ABC News [[October 26]], [[2004]]), and has endorsed the [[Federal Marriage Amendment]], a proposed amendment to the [[United States Constitution]] that would define marriage as being the union of one [[man]] and one [[woman]]. Bush reiterated his disagreement with the Republican Party platform that opposed civil unions, and said that the issue of civil unions should be left up to individual [[U.S. state|states]]. In his [[February 2]], [[2005]] State of the Union address he repeated his support for the constitutional amendment.
Even though Bush is opposed to same sex marriages, he became the first GOP president to appoint someone openly [[gay]] to serve in a Republican administration.[http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A34772-2002Jun11?language=printer] Besides appointing [[Michael Guest]] as the ambassador to Romania, he has also appointed five other people that are openly gay.[http://www.commondreams.org/news2001/0925-01.htm]
[[Image:GarfieldsMom.jpg|130px|thumb|right|Garfield's mother, Sonja]]
*'''Sonja: Garfield's mother,''' Garfield's most influential family member. His mother is a stray, and he hardly sees her. But when they do meet, such as in the television special ''Garfield on the Town'' and a loose adaptation that ran in the strip in December [[1984]], she showers him with the love that she can rarely give. She also appeared in the television special ''Garfield: His 9 Lives'', and in the [[November 5]], 1994 strip, in which she's the only one watching Garfield's representation on the fence. [[Sandy Huge]] provided her voice in the specials.
Some claim Bush has opposed most forms of [[affirmative action]], but expressed appreciation for the Supreme Court's ruling upholding the selection of college applicants for purposes of diversity. Bush has met with the [[National Urban League]] as President, but has not yet met with the [[NAACP]] as a group since he became president, though he did address the NAACP at its 2000 convention in Baltimore as a presidential candidate, and he met with outgoing NAACP President [[Kweisi Mfume]] on December 21, 2004. Colin Powell became the first African-American man to serve as Secretary of State during Bush's first term in office. In 2005 he was succeeded by Condoleezza Rice, who became the first African-American woman to hold the post.
*Garfield's '''grandfathers''' have both appeared. His maternal grandfather, Wilfrid, is a strict, demanding stray, who insists (with extreme futility, of course) that Garfield must become a mouser. His paternal grandfather, Garfield I, is a cynical, bitter and sarcastic character with a habit of telling long (and often completely made up) stories. He holds his grandson in mild contempt and threatens Jon with physical harm when he claims to see a family resemblance.
* Other [[relative]]s have included '''Uncle Harry''', '''Aunt Bernice''', '''Uncle Hubert''', '''Aunt Reba''', '''Uncle Barney''', '''Aunt Evelyn''', '''Uncle Nick''', '''Aunt Edna''', '''Uncle Roy''', '''Uncle Bob''', '''Uncle Morty''', Garfield’s [[brother]] '''Raoul''', and '''[[Cousin]] Sly'''. Most have been [[unseen characters]].
====Economy====
During his first term Bush sought and obtained Congressional approval for three major tax cuts, which increased the standard income tax deduction for married couples, eliminated the [[estate tax]], and reduced marginal tax rates, and are scheduled to expire a decade after passage. Bush has asked Congress to make the tax cuts permanent.
According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, by 2003 these tax cuts had reduced total federal revenue, as a percentage of the [[Gross Domestic Product]] (GDP), to the lowest level since 1959. [http://www.cbpp.org/10-21-03tax.htm]
The effect of the tax cuts and simultaneous increases in spending was to create record budget deficits out of a record surplus, in less than one term. In the last year of the Clinton administration, the federal budget showed an annual surplus of more than $230 [[billion]]. [http://archives.cnn.com/2000/ALLPOLITICS/stories/09/27/clinton.surplus/] Under Bush, however, the government returned to deficit spending. The annual deficit reached record current-dollar levels of $374 billion in 2003 and $413 billion in 2004, though as a percentage of GDP these deficits are lower than the post-[[World War II]] record set under the [[Ronald Reagan]] administration in the 1980s. [http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2003/08/26/politics/main570166.shtml], [http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2004-10-14-deficit_x.htm]
In an open letter to Bush in 2004, more than 100 professors of business and economics at U.S. business schools ascribed this "fiscal reversal" to Bush's "policy of slashing taxes - primarily for those at the upper reaches of the income distribution". [http://www.yubanet.com/artman/publish/article_14283.shtml] Bush's supporters have countered that, primarily because of the doubling of the value of the child tax credit, "7.8 million low and middle-income families had their entire income tax liabilities erased by the cuts." [http://www.taxfoundation.org/publications/show/102.html]
According to the "baseline" forecast of federal revenue and spending by the [[Congressional Budget Office]] (in its January 2005 Baseline Budget Projections, [http://www.cbo.gov/showdoc.cfm?index=6060&sequence=2]), the trend of growing deficits under Bush's first term will become shrinking deficits in his second term. In this projection the deficit will fall to $368 billion in 2005, $261 billion in 2007, and $207 billion in 2009, with a small surplus by 2012. The CBO noted, however, that this projection "omits a significant amount of spending that will occur this year--and possibly for some time to come--for U.S. military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and for other activities related to the global war on terrorism." The projection also assumes that the Bush tax cuts "will expire as scheduled on December 31, 2010." If, as Bush has urged, the tax cuts were to be extended, then "the budget outlook for 2015 would change from a surplus of $141 billion to a deficit of $282 billion."
Private employment has decreased significantly under Bush according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. After private employment (seasonally adjusted) peaked at 111,680,000 in [[December]] [[2000]], it dropped to 108,250,000 in mid-2003. The 3.4 million jobs lost was the largest ever (since records begin in 1939), and the percentage drop was the largest since 1981-1983.
The employment level remained below the pre-Bush level until [[June]] [[2005]] when it reached 111,783,000 (preliminary). Considering population growth, that still represents a 4.6% decrease in employment.
====Social Security====
[[Image:George W. Bush Omaha panel (cropped).jpg|thumb|300px|Shortly after his second inauguration, Bush (here seen with a panel in [[Omaha, Nebraska|Omaha]]) toured the nation to promote his proposal for [[Social Security (United States)|Social Security]] personal accounts.]]
Bush has called for major changes in [[Social Security (United States)|Social Security]], identifying the issue as a priority early on in his second term. From January through April of 2005, he toured the country, stopping in over 50 cities across the union, pressing his argument that there is a "crisis", a view disputed by critics. Initially, Bush emphasized his proposal for partial privatization, which would allow individual workers to invest a portion of their Social Security taxes in personal retirement accounts. One criticism of this approach was that it would actually worsen the imbalance between revenues and expenses that Bush was pointing to as a looming problem. The main idea behind this privatization of social security is to allow workers to actually own the money they place into retirement. With the existing social security system, a person who passes on loses all benefits they paid for, and the benefits are non-transferable, even to family. Many Democrats and some Republicans have opposed changes that they view as turning Social Security into a welfare program that would be politically vulnerable. See [[Social Security debate (United States)]].
====Health====
[[Image:PBAsigning.jpg|thumb|250px|George W. Bush signing the [[Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act]] of 2003, surrounded by senators and congressmen.]]
Bush signed the [[Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act|Medicare Act of 2003]], which added prescription drug coverage to [[Medicare (United States)|Medicare]], subsidized pharmaceutical corporations, and prohibited the Federal government from negotiating discounts with drug companies.
Bush is [[pro-life]]; his aim, in his words, is to "promote a [[culture of life]]."
====Education====
In January of [[2002]], Bush signed the [[No Child Left Behind Act]], with Senator Ted Kennedy as chief sponsor[http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2004/03/16/bush_relaxes_rules_on_teacher_standards/], which targets supporting early learning, measures student performance, gives options over failing schools, and ensures more resources for schools. Critics (including Senator Kerry and the [[National Education Association]]) say schools were not given the resources to help meet new standards, although the [[U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce|House Committee on Education and the Workforce]] said in [[June]], [[2003]] that in three years under the Bush administration the Education Department's overall funding would have increased by $13.2 billion [http://edworkforce.house.gov/press/press108/06jun/edspending062003.htm]. Some state governments are refusing to implement provisions of the act as long as they are not adequately funded.[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A52720-2004Feb18.html] In January of [[2005]], ''[[USA Today]]'' reported that the [[United States Department of Education]] had paid $240,000 to conservative political commentator [[Armstrong Williams]] "to promote the law on his nationally syndicated television show and to urge other black journalists to do the same." [http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-01-06-williams-whitehouse_x.htm] Williams did not disclose the payments.
The House Education and Workforce Committee stated, "As a result of the No Child Left Behind Act, signed by President Bush on January 8, 2002, the federal government today is spending more money on elementary and secondary (K-12) education than at any other time in the history of the United States."[http://www.house.gov/ed_workforce/issues/108th/education/funding/summary.htm]
====Science====
Some scientists are upset over increased immigrant restrictions brought on for national security reasons that have had the unintended consequences of decreasing immigration by foreign scientists.
On December 19, 2002, President George W. Bush signed into law H. R. 4664, far-reaching legislation to put the [[National Science Foundation]] (NSF) on a track to double its budget over five years and to create new mathematics and science education initiatives at both the pre-college and undergraduate level.[http://www.aibs.org/public-policy-reports/public-policy-reports-2002_12_20.html]
Bush has funded embryonic [[stem cell research]]. Federal funding for embryonic stem cell research was first approved under Clinton on [[19 January]] [[1999]] [http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/9901/19/stem.cell.research/], but no money was to be spent until guidelines were published. The guidelines were released under Clinton on [[23 August]] [[2000]]. [http://archives.cnn.com/2000/HEALTH/08/24/NIH.stem.cell/] They allowed use of unused frozen embryos. On [[August 9]] [[2001]], before any funding was granted under these guidelines, Bush announced modifications to the guidelines to allow use of only existing stem cell lines. [http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/08/20010809-2.html] While Bush claimed that more than 60 embryonic stem cell lines already existed from privately-funded research, is is suggested that some un-named scientists in [[2003]] said there were only 11 usable lines, and in [[2005]] that all lines approved for Federal funding are contaminated and unusable. Adult stem cell funding has not been restricted.
Some scientists have repeatedly criticized the Bush administration for reducing funding for scientific research and setting restrictions on federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. In February [[2004]], over 5,000 scientists (including 48 Nobel Prize winners) from the [[Union of Concerned Scientists]] signed a statement "opposing the Bush administration's use of scientific advice". They stated that "the Bush administration has ignored unbiased scientific advice in the policy-making that is so important for our collective welfare." [http://www.ucsusa.org/global_environment/rsi/page.cfm?pageID=1320] [http://msnbc.msn.com/id/5722898/]
On [[January 14]], [[2004]], Bush announced the largest financial increase to NASA, [[Vision for Space Exploration]], calling for a return to the [[Moon]] by [[2020]], the completion of the [[International Space Station]] by [[2010]] and eventually sending astronauts to Mars. [http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/space/01/14/bush.space/index.html]. Although the plan was met with a largely tepid reception ([http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/world/8572141.htm?1c]), the budget eventually passed with a few minor changes after the November elections. In January [[2005]] the White House released a new [http://www.ostp.gov/html/SpaceTransFactSheetJan2005.pdf Space Transportation Policy fact sheet] which outlined the administration's space policy in broad terms and tied the development of space transport capabilities to national security requirements.
====Environment====
Bush's environmental record has been attacked by un-named environmentalists, who charge that his policies cater to industry demands to weaken environmental protections. He signed the Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2002, authorizing the federal government to begin cleaning up pollution and contaminated sediment in the Great Lakes, as well as the Brownfields Legislation in 2002, accelerating the cleanup of abandoned industrial or brownfield sites. In December 2003, Bush signed legislation implementing key provisions of his [[Healthy Forests Initiative]]; environmental groups have charged that the plan is simply a giveaway to timber companies. Bush has pushed for tapping into oil reserves in the fragile Arctic NWR, thought by many to be the last untouched wilderness left in the US. Another subject of controversy is Bush's [[Clear Skies Initiative]]; opponents say that the initiative will in fact allow utilities to pollute more than they do currently. Bush has opposed the [[Kyoto Protocol]] saying it would harm the U.S. economy. Environmental groups note that many Bush Administration officials, in addition to Bush and Cheney, have ties to the energy industry, automotive industry, and other groups that have fought against environmental protections. However, Bush claims his reason for not supporting the Kyoto Protocol is that it is unfairly strict on the U.S. while being unduly lenient with developing countries, especially China and India. Bush stated, "The world's second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases is China. Yet, China was entirely exempted from the requirements of the Kyoto Protocol." He has also questioned the science behind the global warming phenomenon, insisting that more research be done to determine its validity.[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/06/20010611-2.html] (See [[Kyoto_protocol#Position_of_the_United_States|America's Kyoto protocol position]].)
====Immigration====
Bush proposed an immigration bill that would have greatly expanded the use of guest worker visas. His proposal would match employers with foreign workers for a period up to 6 years; however workers would not be eligible for residency or citizenship. Bush opposes granting amnesty for illegal aliens to an estimated 15 million undocumented, illegal aliens currently residing in the USA.
===Major appointees===
====Cabinet====
{| cellpadding="1" cellspacing="4" style="margin:3px; border:3px solid #000000;" align="right"
!bgcolor="#000000" colspan="3"|
|-
|align="left"|'''OFFICE'''||align="left"|'''NAME'''||align="left"|'''TERM'''
|-
!bgcolor="#000000" colspan="3"|
|-
|[[President of the United States|President]] || '''[[George W. Bush]]''' || 2001–
|-
|[[Vice President of the United States|Vice President]] || '''[[Dick Cheney|Richard B. Cheney]]''' || 2001–
|-
!bgcolor="#000000" colspan="3"|
|-
|[[United States Secretary of State|State]] || '''[[Colin Powell|Colin L. Powell]]''' || 2001–2005
|-
| || '''[[Condoleezza Rice]]''' || 2005–
|-
|[[United States Secretary of Defense|Defense]] || '''[[Donald Rumsfeld|Donald H. Rumsfeld]]''' || 2001–
|-
|[[United States Secretary of the Treasury|Treasury]] || '''[[Paul O'Neill|Paul H. O'Neill]]''' || 2001–2003
|-
| || '''[[John W. Snow]]''' || 2003–
|-
|[[Attorney General of the United States|Justice]] || '''[[John Ashcroft|John D. Ashcroft]]''' || 2001–2005
|-
| || '''[[Alberto R. Gonzales]]''' || 2005–
|-
|[[United States Secretary of the Interior|Interior]] || '''[[Gale Norton|Gale A. Norton]]''' || 2001–
|-
|[[United States Secretary of Agriculture|Agriculture]] || '''[[Ann Veneman|Ann M. Veneman]]''' || 2001–2005
|-
| || '''[[Mike Johanns]]''' || 2005–
|-
|[[United States Secretary of Commerce|Commerce]] || '''[[Donald Evans|Donald L. Evans]]''' ||2001–2005
|-
| || '''[[Carlos Gutierrez|Carlos M. Gutierrez]]''' || 2005–
|-
|[[United States Secretary of Labor|Labor]] || '''[[Elaine Chao|Elaine L. Chao]]''' || 2001–
|-
|[[United States Secretary of Health and Human Services|HHS]] || '''[[Tommy Thompson|Tommy G. Thompson]]''' || 2001–2005
|-
| || '''[[Michael O. Leavitt]]''' || 2005–
|-
|[[United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development|HUD]] || '''[[Mel Martinez|Melquiades R. Martinez]]''' || 2001–2003
|-
| || '''[[Alphonso Jackson|Alphonso R. Jackson]]''' || 2004–
|-
|[[United States Secretary of Transportation|Transportation]] || '''[[Norman Mineta|Norman Y. Mineta]]''' || 2001–
|-
|[[United States Secretary of Energy|Energy]] || '''[[Spencer Abraham|E. Spencer Abraham]]''' || 2001–2005
|-
| || '''[[Samuel W. Bodman]]''' || 2005–
|-
|[[United States Secretary of Education|Education]] || '''[[Rod Paige|Roderick R. Paige]]''' || 2001–2005
|-
| || '''[[Margaret Spellings]]''' || 2005–
|-
|[[United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs|Veterans Affairs]] || '''[[Anthony Principi|Anthony J. Principi]]''' || 2001–2005
|-
| || '''[[Jim Nicholson (U.S. politician)|James Nicholson]]''' || 2005–
|-
|[[United States Secretary of Homeland Security|Homeland Security]] || '''[[Tom Ridge|Thomas J. Ridge]]''' || 2003–2005
|-
| || '''[[Michael Chertoff]]''' || 2005–
|}
Bush's cabinet included the largest number of minorities of any U.S. federal cabinet to date, including the first Asian-American female cabinet secretary (Chao). This gives it the distinction of being both the most racially diverse, and, according to the [[Guinness_Book_of_World_Records|Guinness Book of Records]], the wealthiest cabinet ever.
There is one non-Republican present in Bush's cabinet: [[United States Secretary of Transportation|Secretary of Transportation]] [[Norman Mineta]], the first Asian-American cabinet secretary, who had previously served as [[United States Secretary of Commerce|Secretary of Commerce]] under [[Bill Clinton]], is a Democrat.
His cabinet included figures prominent in past administrations, notably [[Colin Powell]], who had served as [[United States National Security Advisor]] under [[Ronald Reagan]] and [[Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff]] under George H. W. Bush and Clinton, and [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] [[Donald Rumsfeld]], who had served in the same position under [[Gerald Ford]]. <br> Also, Vice President [[Richard Cheney]] served as [[United States Secretary of Defense|Secretary of Defense]] under George H. W. Bush.
====Other advisors and officials====
*[[United States Director of National Intelligence]] - [[John Negroponte]] (2005)
*[[CIA|CIA Director]] - [[George Tenet]] (2001–2004), [[John E. McLaughlin]] (interim director, 2004), [[Porter J. Goss]] (2004—)
*[[FBI|FBI Director]] - [[Robert Mueller]]
*[[United States National Security Advisor|National Security Advisor]] - [[Condoleezza Rice]] (2001–2005), [[Stephen Hadley]] (2005—)
*[[EPA]] Administrator - [[Christine Todd Whitman]] (2001–2003), [[Michael O. Leavitt]] (2003–2005), [[Stephen L. Johnson]] (2005-)
*[[UN]] [[United States Ambassadors to the United Nations|Ambassador]] - [[John Negroponte]] (2001–2004), [[John Danforth]] (2004); [[John R. Bolton]] ([[nominee]])
*[[Federal Communications Commission|FCC]] Chairman - [[Michael Powell (politician)|Michael Powell]] (2001-2005), [[Kevin Martin (FCC)|Kevin Martin]] (2005-)
*[[Office of Management and Budget|OMB]] Director - [[Mitch Daniels]] (2001–2003), [[Joshua B. Bolten]] (2003—)
*[[White House Chief of Staff]] - [[Andrew Card]]
*Deputy White House Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor - [[Karl Rove]]
*White House counsel - [[Alberto R. Gonzales]] (2001–2005), [[Harriet Miers]] (2005-)
*Advisor - [[Karen Hughes]] (2001–2002) Appointed in 2005 to rank of Ambassador.
*[[White House Press Secretary]] - [[Ari Fleischer]] (2001–2003), [[Scott McClellan]] (2003—)
*Personal aide - [[Blake Gottesman]] (2002-)
== Pests ==
[[Image:FloydMouse.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Floyd the Mouse from ''Garfield and Friends''.]]
* '''Mice''' - Jon's house is also inhabited by mice, Most of whom are unnamed, though one was named "Squeak" and anothe was named "Herman Vermin". The mice enjoy a quite full social life—to much annoyance of Jon. Garfield, however, cannot be bothered to chase them, and according to him they tend to either bribe or blackmail him to stay so. In the cartoon show, there was a significant mouse with a similar role named '''Floyd''', who could be told apart by the fact that he was drawn with oval eyes, like the other regulars, had a pink nose (an animation goof in "Good Mousekeeping" shows another mouse briefly with Floyd's nose), and was voiced by Gregg Berger. A running gag with Floyd was his annoyance with the fact that he didn't appear often (he often says he wishes he'd be on more than once a season; it's unclear whether Floyd really does only appear once a season).
* '''[[Spider]]s''' - also appear in the strip regularly. They sometimes walk around the house or dangle from the ceiling-or get squished by a newspaper wielded by Garfield. This, of course, leads to several attempts by the spiders to get back at Garfield, which are unsuccessful in most cases. Garfield does occasionally obtain help from the spiders, such as to get rid of an annoying fly. The spiders were initially drawn with six legs, although now they are generally drawn with eight.
* '''[[Flea]]s''' - have been important characters too. Once a flea [[nurse]] asked if Garfield would like to contribute for a [[blood drive]], but Garfield catches on. In a comic from 1989, the fleas are having a rowdy [[party]] on Garfield’s back. Garfield sprays [[bug spray]] on his back, but the fleas continue to party, making Garfield frustrated with the spray he used. The first week of fleas is in 1980, when Garfield gets them from Odie. When Garfield looked up fleas in the dictionary, it said, "flea (flē) n. a small [[wingless]],[[bloodsucking]] parasite… also see: [[brother-in-law]]."
== Household Appliances ==
Among these appointees, Negroponte, Abrams, and Poindexter, along with [[Otto Reich]] (Special Envoy to the Western Hemisphere for the Secretary of State) were criticized for their roles in the [[Iran-Contra Affair]] and for allegedly covering up human rights abuses in Central and South America.
* Three household appliances in the comic are the '''talking bathroom scale''', the '''alarm clock''' and the '''TV'''. The three objects have quite different personalities: The scale, sometimes known as '''RX-2''', usually allows itself to be quite cynical and crude about Garfield's overweight state. But sometimes when it does so, it gets smashed or thrown into a trash can. A cover on one of the Garfield paperbacks show Garfield putting a toe on the scale and it heaving with agony. The clock usually retracts from ringing loud and waking Garfield, since he tends to smash it into pieces, and was once flushed down a toilet because it woke Garfield. The TV also speaks to Garfield by itself on occasion, usually trying to persuade Garfield into continuing to watch it or turning it off. Once, when Garfield fell asleep in front of the TV, the TV yelled at him to turn it off. On an episode of ''Garfield'' TV show there was a [[The Twilight Zone|Twilight Zone]]-like episode with Garfield trapped in the TV set.
===Major legislation signed===
;[[2001]]
:*[[June 7]]: [[Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001]]
:*[[September 18]]: [[Authorization for Use of Military Force]]
:*[[September 28]]: [[United States-Jordan Free Trade Area Implementation Act]]
:*[[October 26]]: [[USA PATRIOT Act]]
:*[[November 28]]: [[Internet Tax Nondiscrimination Act]]
;[[2002]]
:*[[January 8]]: [[No Child Left Behind Act]]
:*[[March 9]]: [[Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002]]
:*[[March 27]]: [[Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act|Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002]]
:*[[May 13]]: [[Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002]]
:*[[July 30]]: [[Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002]]
:*[[October 16]]: [[Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of United States Armed Forces Against Iraq]]
:*[[November 25]]: [[Homeland Security Act of 2002]]
;[[2003]]
:*[[March 11]]: [[Do-Not-Call Implementation Act]]
:*[[April 30]]: [[PROTECT Act of 2003]] (Prosecutorial Remedies and Other Tools to end the Exploitation of Children Today Act) (see also [[Age_of_consent#Social_and_legal_attitudes|Age of consent]]) [http://judiciary.senate.gov/special/S151CONF.pdf]
:*[[May 27]]: [[United States Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Act of 2003]]
:*[[May 28]]: [[Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003]]
:*[[September 3]]: United States-Chile Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act
:*[[September 3]]: United States-Singapore Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act
:*[[November 5]]: [[Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act|Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003]]
:*[[December 8]]: [[Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act|Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003]]
:*[[December 16]]: [[Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act]] (CAN-SPAM)
;[[2004]]
:*[[April 1]]: [[Unborn Victims of Violence Act]] (Laci and Conner's Law)
;[[2005]]
:*[[February 18]]: [[Class Action Fairness Act of 2005]]
:*[[April 20]]: [[Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005|Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2005]]
== Television personalities==
==Public perception and assessments==
[[Image:Binky.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Binky the Clown]]
* '''Binky the Clown''' is a television personality noted for his extremely loud and piercing greetings, most notably "HEEEEEEEY, KIDS!" He was first mentioned on March, 13, 1985 in the comic strips.[http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?1985-ga850313]In ''[[Garfield's Halloween Adventure]]'', the character made his first animated appearance and was given a voice. Binky was first seen in the comics on September 15, 1986[http://www.garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?1986-ga860915]. On ''Garfield and Friends'', Binky became more of a regular, and would modify his greeting to suit who it was he was greeting, such as "HEEEEEEEY, CAT!" He also had his own segment on the show during the second and third seasons, called ''Screaming With Binky'', in which he showed up in the midst of a certain activity and performed his trademark greeting, ruining said activity. Most of these segments were cut in syndication, but have been restored for the DVD releases. Like Jon, Binky was voiced by Thom Huge. His first television appearance was on [[Peace and Quiet]]. His last: [[The Feline Philosopher]].
*'''Uncle Roy''' is another television personality and the [[rival]] of Binky. He remains an [[unseen character]].
== Toys ==
Bush has been the subject of both high praise and stringent criticism. His supporters have focused on matters such as the [[Domestic_policy_of_the_George_W._Bush_administration|economy]], homeland security, and his leadership after the September 11 attacks. His detractors have disagreed on those very subjects and have also criticized the passage of the [[USA PATRIOT Act]], the [[U.S. presidential election, 2000|controversial 2000 election]], and the [[occupation of Iraq]]. The magazine ''[[TIME]]'' named Bush as its [[Person of the Year]] for [[2000]] and for [[2004]]. This award is traditionally given to the person considered by the editors to be the most important newsmaker of the year.
[[Image:Stretchthechicken.gif|480px|thumb|right|A Stretch strip]]
*'''Stretch'''
**First appearance: [http://garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?1984-ga840619 June 19, 1984]; acquired his name the next day.
**Last appearance: [http://garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?2000-ga001231 December 31, 2000]
**''Stretch'' is Garfield's rubber chicken, who was given to Garfield on his 6th birthday. It only appeared for a week after, yet makes cameo appearances from time to time, mainly used as a weapon against Jon. Stretch was last seen on [[December 31]] [[2000]].
*A recurring plot in the strip is Garfield eating Jon's various '''pet fish''', which causes Jon to get mad. In an attempt to prevent Garfield from eating his second pet fish one week, he lets Garfield name it. Ironically, '''Second Helping''' (the fish Garfield named) lasted to the end of the strip, an event very rare in a Garfield comic. Another time, he named a fish '''Sushi'''. It is mentioned that Jon owned 323 fish. Garfield thought it was 321, but then remembered that "two died of natural causes".
== Objects thrown at Garfield ==
=== Domestic ===
[[Image:Time_2004_poty.jpg|thumb|175px|Bush as ''TIME'' Person of the Year 2004.]]
[[Image:SPLUT!.jpg|thumb|right|An example of a SPLUT! hitting Garfield in the face]]
In the time of national crisis following the [[September 11, 2001 attacks]], Bush enjoyed approval ratings of greater than 85%. He maintained these extraordinary ratings (the highest approval ratings of any president since such regular polls began in [[1938]]) for some months following the attack. They gradually dropped to lower levels, but stayed above 50% for two and half years [http://www.hist.umn.edu/~ruggles/Approval.htm].
*'''The SPLUT!s''' are slapstick-comedy flying pies which strike Garfield on random occasions, making the sound "SPLUT!" when they hit. Typically the Spluts are used for shock humor or as a running gag ('''Garfield'': ''(checks the calendar)'' "Yep... it's 'Splut week.'"). The SPLUT!s have not appeared in the strip for several years, however.
*'''Garfield's Fence Hecklers''' are usually known to be [[unseen characters]]. The very first strip to show Garfield on a fence had an irate old man in a nightshirt toss an alarm clock. However, in later strips, many of the (normally unseen) throwers are implied to be dogs. Sometimes, Garfield is hit with a SPLUT! while on the fence.
== Food ==
During the [[2002]] midterm congressional elections, Bush had the highest approval rating of any president during a midterm election since [[Dwight Eisenhower]]. In an unusual deviation from the historical trend of midterm elections, the Republican Party retook control of the [[United States Senate|Senate]] and added to their majority in the [[United States House of Representatives|House of Representatives]]; typically, the President's party loses Congressional seats in the midterm elections, and 2002 marked only the third midterm election since the [[American Civil War|Civil War]] that the party in control of the White House gained seats in both houses of Congress (others were [[1902]] and [[1934]]).
*The '''contents of Jon's fridge''' have been left alone for so long that many of them have evolved into sinister intelligent lifeforms. The most sinister of all was the '''Mystery Meat''', which attempted to embark on a plan for world domination. Some were not sinister or intelligent, and simply became life forms (Bacon grazing on lettuce, etc.)
In [[2003]], Bush's approval ratings slowly fell, except for a spike upward at the time of the invasion of Iraq. By late [[2003]], his approval numbers were in the low to middle 50s, still solid for the third year of a Presidency, when opponents typically begin their campaigns in earnest. Most polls tied the decline to growing concern over the [[U.S.-led occupation of Iraq]] and a slow recovery from the [[2001]] recession. Polls of May [[2004]] showed anywhere from a 53 percent approval rating [http://www.rasmussenreports.com/Bush_Job_Approval.htm] to a 46 percent approval rating. [http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/polls/usatodaypolls.htm] A recent Zogby poll showed Bush's approval rating a 46% for the month of March, 2005 - the lowest Bush had ever received, and the lowest second-term rating of any President since World War II. With the exception of [[John F. Kennedy]], however, it is still the highest career long low-point rating of any President since polls began. Bush's approval rating remains at a Presidential low as of July 2005, according to a CNN/USA Today/Gallup poll.
* When dieting, Garfield often has [[hallucination]]s. One common [[hallucination]] features '''walking food''' which encourages Garfield to eat it.
== Friends ==
[[Image:Bush and Chirac.jpg|thumb|left|President Bush and [[President of the French Republic|French President]] [[Jacques Chirac]] during the [[27th G8 summit]], [[July 21]], [[2001]].]]
*'''Wheezer''' is Jon's old school friend. He calls Jon "Carp Face". Wheezer visited Jon at his house [[April 23]], [[1990]] through [[April 29]], [[1990]]. He asked Jon if he remembers the "Reptile", which is a dance they did together on the floor. Wheezer and Jon did silly noises like Booga, Honk, Whoop, Yadda, Wheedie, Ooga, Nyahh, and Hoogie. Later in the comic, Jon saw Wheezer at his high-school reunion. Wheezer often brings up embarrising moments in Jon's high school career at the wrong time. While Jon was talking to the girl of his dreams, Wheezer yells "HEY CARPFACE!" and brings up the memory of Jon blowing his nose on the American flag. He also stole Jon's pants at the reunion and threw them into the girls' locker room.
=== Outside the United States ===
* '''Aunt Gussie''' is Jon's aunt. She first appeared [[August 14]] through [[August 15]], [[1981]], [[baby-sitting]] Garfield while Jon took a vacation. She didn't know Garfield left. She later appeared on [[November 8]] through [[November 12]] [[1983]], when she became mean and had glasses. She was supposed to baby-sit Garfield on the week of [[April 25]], [[1988]] while Jon was having his [[tonsils]] removed, but she did not show up. She has a crush on [[John Travolta]].
* '''Mrs. Lillian''' is an extremely near-sighted old lady, who Jon has hired as a pet sitter to go out on a date with Liz. First Appearance: [http://garfield.com/comics/comics_archives_strip.html?2007-ga070327 March 27, 2007] In one of her comic strips, she mistakes an orange, and a pineapple for Garfield and Odie.
===Animals===
Bush has been an unpopular figure in many places outside the United States as a result of his perceived unilateralism, and his perceived insenstivity on key global issues. His popularity fell significantly after the [[2003 invasion of Iraq]], which many saw as [[unilateralism]]. Polls of Europeans highlighted a "transatlantic split over the war in Iraq". [http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3081254.stm] A survey in 2004 found a negative view of him held by a majority of people in [[Politics of the United Kingdom|Britain]], [[Politics of France|France]], [[Politics of Italy|Italy]], [[Politics of Germany|Germany]], [[Politics of Mexico|Mexico]], [[Politics of Spain|Spain]], and [[Politics of Canada|Canada]]. [http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/03/04/world/main604135.shtml] In Muslim countries Bush's unfavorability ratings are particularly high, often over 90%. [http://www.nytimes.com/2004/08/02/opinion/02wright.html] Among the non-U.S. nations polled in a worldwide study, Bush's popularity was highest in [[Israel]], where 62% reported favorable views. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/america/poll.html] Before the 2004 election, Kerry was preferred to Bush, sometimes by a wide margin, in 30 out of 35 countries polled. After the election, majorities in most countries said that they expected Bush's second term to have a negative impact on peace and security.
*A recurring plot in the strip is Garfield eating Jon's various '''pet fish''', which causes Jon to get mad. In an attempt to prevent Garfield from eating his second pet fish one week, he lets Garfield name it. Ironically,''' Second Helping''' (the fish Garfield named) lasted to the end of the strip, an event very rare in a Garfield comic. Another time, he named a fish '''Sushi'''. It is mentioned that Jon owned 323 fish. Garfield thought it was 321, but then remembered that "two died of natural causes".
*A '''big, vicious dog''' often enjoys barking at Garfield. His rear end is rarely seen. He is almost always seen next to a "Beware of Dog" sign. Garfield isn't usually afraid of this dog, and makes fun of him and even chats with him. Once in a while, he'll be afraid of him. There are several regular "Beware of Dog" dogs; the main one has either brown or blue fur.
* '''Biff''' was Garfield's colleague intern that he taught how to be a good cat -according to Garfield's standards.
* A '''little chick''' that looks up to Garfield and calls him "Daddy" (it was originally "Mommy" until Garfield explained to the little guy what gender was). He is a nuisance to Garfield who, oddly enough, is reluctant to eat the little guy (for some strange reason, the thought just never crossed his mind). The chick doesn't like lasagna. At the end of the week long strips, Garfield has a tear rolling down his eye.
* '''Snails''' have been in the strip more recently (in the 2000’s). The strips feature Garfield asking questions about snails.
* '''Guido and Fluffy''' were a cat and dog who help Garfield escape from the city [[animal shelter|pound]] in a comic strip of January 1981.
* '''Lyle''' is Garfield's pet ant. Garfield later squashed him for eyeballing his lasagna.
* '''Loretta''' is one of the Mouse's sisters. Garfield was going to fight her. When the Mouse called her name, Garfield didn't want to fight her. She was a Giant Mouse.
* Garfield loves to eat '''sparrows''', and has many attempts to catch them (most of the time failing), most notably his "barbecue bird bath" and his various bird disguises.
* There's occasionally a dog who usually pops up at the final panel of a strip and harming Garfield in the process, always exclaiming, '''"____ DOOOGGGG!"''' with the blank word being his way of entrance. He is dressed in a pilot's cap, a cape, and a shirt that reads the initials of his name, which varies between his appearances. Examples include, "Trapdoor Dog", "Slingshot Dog", and "Bungee Dog".
* '''Herbie''' was Jon's pet frog, but was later inevitably eaten by Garfield. He appeared in 1980. In a October 30, 1994 strip, all of the pets Garfield ate were in one of Garfield's nightmares. Herbie is there underneath a white blanket that represents a ghost. He has never been heard from again.
==Honors=Miscellaneous===
*'''The Caped Avenger''' is Garfield's alter ego, a [[superhero]] who fights with only a cape (his blanket). He once had a sidekick named Slurp, (Odie) and also once lost his blanket and became the "Paisley Avenger." Some early strips show his superhero name as "Freedom Fighter". In one episode he refers to Jon as his archnemesis "The Infamous Doctor Dweeb".
In [[2005]], Kelly Miller and Quentin Wheeler, self-identified conservatives and admirers of the President, named a newly discovered [[beetle]], ''[[Agathidium bushi]]'' in his honor. The President phoned the [[Cornell University|Cornell]] [[entomology|entomologists]] to thank them. [http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/April05/slime-mold.Bush.Cheney.ssl.html]
* A '''tree''' is always trying to encourage Garfield to climb him, always ending in Garfield falling for its "same old lies". In the beginning, he sits on a tree branch, but more recently finds himself gripping the branch by his front paws and dangling. Once while stuck up a tree, he meets a cat named Ed who was raised by squirrels and had never walked on the ground before.
* '''Mondays''' are another nemesis of Garfield's. Often, they are shown off-panel but causing things to happen in-panel (such as throwing a pie at Garfield). When they are shown, they are drawn as ugly monsters. The most prominent theme was "The Monday That Wouldn't Die", in which every day in the month after a certain Monday was also Monday.
* '''[[Santa Claus]]''' is portrayed as a real, rather than fictional, character in the Garfield strip. This is a rarity as most newspaper comics do not show Santa as someone who actually exists. Belief in Santa is unquestioned, both Garfield and Jon believe in him and Garfield has witnessed him flying in his sleigh, coming down the chimney, and distributing presents. Somehow despite all of the trouble that Garfield gets into he remains on Santa's nice list. On Garfield's first Christmas Eve (December 24, 1978), he received 20 pounds of lasagna, a request which Santa notes nobody else in the world asked for.
* '''The Stump''' is where Garfield once went in August 8 to August 14, 1982.He heard strange noises in the stump. Garfield threw a stone in the stump and a bone came out. Garfield saw that a mouse live in the Stump. Garfield was about to attack the mouse for scaring him, But was attacked by the mouse's pet human,Guido. When Garfield left he heard the noises Guido made in his bed and food dish.
* '''The Sludge Monster''' is a monster made of mudlike goo. He is never seen in the comics, but Jon and Liz often go out to see "Sludge Monster" movies at theatres. The Garfield cartoon "[[Sludge Monster]]" is all about him. The creepy motel owner calls him "Maurice." There is a song about him that Jon sings to Garfield and Odie. He is only seen at the end of that episode and suggests the motel needs cable TV. There is a huge amount of Sludge Monster movies in the comics.
* '''Vermin Man''' is a character that was mentioned in Garfield comic strip in April 25,1980.He Starred in a Movie called "The Sluge Monster meets Vermin Man" when Jon took Liz on a date to a Drive in Theater.
* '''Garfield's conscience''' is an entity whose job is to "make you feel bad about the things that make you feel good." He is described as resembling "everyone's mother." When not working, he shares Garfield's sense of humour. He told Garfield to back up a little, and Garfield fell of the table. He is quite annoying, to the point that Garfield bottled him. Jon unfortunately took the cork out, wherupon he was told to "get a haircut". He has been shown as Garfield's bed, food dish, clock and a bottle. The cricket from television may be one of his forms, or a different conscience.
* '''[Yarn]''' is also a character Garfield can “think” too. The yarn talks back to Garfield, although it is not a hallucination. The first one talked January 19, 2001. The yarn humor has included the yarn shampooing itself, going in a hot tub and shrinking, and Garfield taking it for a walk (which let itself loose).
* '''The sock''' is another superhero alter-ego of Garfield. His sidekick Stinky (Odie with smelly socks) is shown to be worst as Garfield can realise.
* '''Clive''' is Garfield's invisible friend. He is another way through which Garfield plays pranks on and irritates Jon and Odie.
==Television series only==
==See also==
{{main|Garfield and Friends}}
*[[Axis of evil|Axis of Evil]]
*[[Books about George W. Bush]]
*[[Bush Doctrine]]
*[[Bush family]]
*[[Bushism]]
*[[Christian Right]]
*[[Compassionate conservatism]]
*''[[Fahrenheit 9/11]]''
*[[George W. Bush's first term as President of the United States]]
*[[George W. Bush's second term as President of the United States]]
*[[History of the United States (1988-present)]]
*[[List of national leaders]]
*[[List of TIME Magazine's 100 most influential people of 2005]]
*[[Plame affair]]
*[[Michael Scheuer]]
*[[Neoconservatism (United States)]]
*[[War on Terrorism]]
*[[White House Communications Agency]]
===Cactus Jake===
==Media==
[[Image:CactusJake.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Cactus Jake]]
{{multi-listen start}}
'''Cactus Jake''' is the foreman of the Polecat Flats ranch, and a friend of Jon. He was seen only in the TV series and had a habit of saying Garfield's name wrong. Whenever Garfield wore a cowboy outfit, Jake always believed that he really was a cowboy named "Shorty" (Jon would always recognize "Shorty" as Garfield, however). Jake's voice was provided by [[Pat Buttram]]. First appeardd: [[Polecat Flats]]. Last appeared: [[The Multiple Choice Cartoon]]. Last appearance (mentioned): [[Stairway to Stardom]].
{{multi-listen item|filename=George W. Bush Speech - September 11, 2001.ogg|title=George W. Bush's speech on September 11, 2001 about the attacks|description=|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{multi-listen item|filename=George W. Bush Speech - September 12, 2001.ogg|title=George W. Bush's speech on September 12, 2001 about the attacks|description=|format=[[Ogg]]}}
{{multi-listen end}}
===Dr. Garbanzo Bean===
==References==
[[Image:Garbanzobean.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Dr. Garbanzo Bean]]
* [http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekly/aa012901a.htm About.com's article: Bush's Faith-Based Initiative Launched]
'''Dr. Garbanzo Bean''' is a [[mad scientist]] who invented a mechanical Odie dubbed the "Robodie." This proved popular enough for him to return in a sequel, appropriately enough called "Robodie 2." He was voiced by [[Frank Welker]].
* [http://www.whitehouse.gov/government/fbci/ Faith Based and Community Initiatives official website]
* Graphs of approval ratings[http://www.hist.umn.edu/~ruggles/Approval.htm],[http://www.pollkatz.homestead.com/files/pollkatzmainGRAPHICS_8911_image001.gif]
* Time-analysis of Bush's popularity[http://www.polisci.wisc.edu/~behavior/papers/Franklin2003-perspective.pdf].
* Collection of Bushisms[http://politicalhumor.about.com/library/blbushisms.htm]
* [http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/April05/slime-mold.Bush.Cheney.ssl.html Bush, Cheney and Rumsfeld are now species of slime-mold beetles—but strictly in homage] Cornell University article
===Al G. Swindler===
==Further reading and information==
[[Image:AlGSwindler.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Al G. Swindler]]
*Ken Auletta ([[January 19]], [[2004]]). [http://www.newyorker.com/fact/content/?040119fa_fact2 "Fortress Bush: How the White House Keeps the Press Under Control"], ''[[The New Yorker]]'', LXXIX, 53
'''Al G. Swindler''' is, as his name suggests, a [[swindler|Confidence trick]], often conning Jon whenever he can, not to mention mispronouncing his last name. He only appeared in the TV series, usually getting outsmarted by Garfield shortly after tricking Jon enough times, and at the end of the episodes he was in, he would usually say, "It's getting tougher and tougher to make an honest buck these days." He was voiced by [[Carl Ballantine]]. He first appered on the episode Lemon Aid.
*James Bovard, ''The Bush Betrayal'', (2004) ISBN 140396727X
*Robert Bryce, ''Cronies: Oil, The Bushes, and the Rise of Texas, America's Superstate'', (2004) ISBN 1586481886
*George W. Bush, ''A Charge to Keep'', (1999) ISBN 0688174418
*George W. Bush, ''We Will Prevail'', (2003) ISBN 0826415520
*John W. Dean, ''Worse Than Watergate: The Secret Presidency of George W. Bush'', (2004) ISBN 031600023X
*Justin A. Frank, ''Bush On The Couch'', (2004), Regan Books. ISBN 0060736704
*Ben Fritz, Bryan Keefer & Brendan Nyhan, ''All the President's Spin: George W. Bush, the Media, and the Truth'', (2004) ISBN 0743262514
*[[David Frum]], ''The Right Man'', (2003) ISBN 0375509038 ISBN 0812966953
*H. Gillman, ''The Votes That Counted: How the Court Decided the 2000 Presidential Election'', (2001) ISBN 0226294080
*[[James Hatfield]], ''Fortunate Son: George W. Bush and the Making of an American President'', (1999) ISBN 1887128840
*[[Molly Ivins]] and L. Dubose, ''Shrub: The Short but Happy Political Life of George W. Bush'', (2000) ISBN 0375503994
*[[Ronald Kessler]], ''A Matter Of Character: Inside The White House Of George W. Bush'', (2004) ISBN 1595230009
*Stephen Mansfield, ''The Faith of George W. Bush'', (2003) ISBN 1585423092
*Richard Miniter, ''Shadow War: The Untold Story of How Bush Is Winning the War on Terror'' (2004) ISBN 0895260522
*B. Minutaglio, ''First Son: George W. Bush and the Bush Family Dynasty'', (1999) ISBN 0609808672
*E. Mitchell, ''W: Revenge of the Bush Dynasty'', (2000) ISBN 0786866306
*[[Michael Moore]], ''[[Fahrenheit 9/11]]'' (2004) documentary motion picture
*[[John Podhoretz]], ''Bush Country : How Dubya Became a Great President While Driving Liberals Insane'', (2004) ISBN 0312324723
*Michel Ruppert ''Crossing the Rubicon: The Decline of the American Empire at the End of the Age of Oil'', (2004) ISBN 0865715408
*Bill Sammon, ''Fighting Back: The War on Terrorism from Inside the Bush White House'', (2002) ISBN 0895261499
*Bill Sammon, ''Misunderestimated: The President Battles Terrorism, John Kerry, and the Bush Haters'', (2004) ISBN 0060723831
*Webster Griffin Tarpley and Anton Chaitkin, ''George Bush: The Unauthorized Biography'' ([http://www.patrickcrusade.org/new_page_2.htm]
*[[Craig Unger]], [[House of Bush, House of Saud|''House of Bush, House of Saud: The Secret Relationship Between the World's Two Most Powerful Dynasties'']], (2004) ISBN 074325337X
*Ian Williams, ''Deserter: George Bush's War on Military Families, Veterans, and His Past'', (2004) ISBN 1560256273
*[[Bob Woodward]], ''[[Bush at War]]'', (2002) ISBN 0743244613
*Bob Woodward, ''[[Plan of Attack]]'', (2004) ISBN 074325547X
===The Buddy Bears===
==External links==
[[Image:BuddyBears.jpg|180px|thumb|right|The Buddy Bears]]
{{wikiquote}}
'''The Buddy Bears''' are a trio of annoying singing bear cubs who encourage viewers to "always agree with the group" (similar to ''[[The Get-Along Gang]]''). Their names are '''Bobby''', '''Billy''', and '''Bertie'''. In the episode "5 Minute Warning" the DVD subtitles mistakenly gave Bertie's name as Brady. The only disagreement they've ever had was over pizza toppings, which supposedly no one can agree on. Their show once replaced Binky's, and Roy Rooster from ''[[U.S. Acres]]'' has twice been stuck as their fall guy. Garfield has remarked that he "hates Buddy Bear episodes". In the episode "The Garfield Opera", the bears' full names are revealed to be '''Robert,''' '''William,''' and '''Bertram''' respectively. In one episode, they are accompanied by their sister, '''Betty Buddy Bear.''' In another episode, the Buddy Bears are hired to provide factual explanations for everything Garfield does, i.e., appearing spontaneously to say "Bananas are a very good source of potassium" when Garfield mentions bananas. Eventually Garfield tricks them into leaving by asking them about "gazorninplats," which they know nothing about (since Garfield made it up), and, admitting defeat, they leave. The trick backfires, however, when a TV producer notifies Garfield that he is so taken with the name "Gazorninplat" that he is going to replace Garfield's show with new Gazorninplat show. They first appeared on [[Binky Gets Cancelled, Again!]].
{{Wikisource author}}
{{commons|George W. Bush}}
===Official===
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/president/gwbbio.html Official White House biography]
*[http://www.gop.com/GOPDirectory/LeaderBio.aspx?ID=3 RNC biography]
===SpeechesMadman Murray===
[[Image:MadManMurray.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Madman Murray]]
* [http://vvl.lib.msu.edu/showfindingaid.cfm?findaidid=BushGW Audio recordings of Bush's speeches]
'''Madman Murray''' is a caricature of the type of ecstatic salesmen seen advertising used cars on television. Somewhat like Swindler, Madman is continually conning Jon out of his money. However, Madman's appearances on the show do not typically end with Garfield outsmarting him. He is voiced by [[Gregg Berger]]. His cartoons were [[Guarenteed Trouble]], [[Rolling Romance]], [[Jumping Jon]] ([[cameo]]) and [[Madman Meets His Match]].
===Mr. Burnside===
*[http://www.dubyaspeak.com/ Critical analysis of Bush's speeches]
[[Image:Mr. Burnside.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Mr. Burnside]]
'''Mr. Burnside''' is Jon's next-door neighbor, who is constantly annoyed by Garfield stealing his food. Early on in the sixth season, he was pushed so far as to rent his house out. Shortly after moving, Burnside found out that without Garfield stealing his food, he and his wife were getting overweight, so they agreed to move back. He is voiced by [[Gregg Berger]].
===TranscriptsPenelope Pussycat===
[[Image:PenelopeCat.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Penelope]]
*[http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2000/conventions/republican/transcripts/bush.html 2000 GOP Convention Nomination Speech] (August 3, 2000)
'''Penelope Pussycat''' served as another love interest for Garfield, appearing only in the show's last three seasons, quickly becoming a regular even with only three episodes being labeled by their titles as "Penelope episodes". She lives in an Italian restaurant, which is no doubt the main reason that Garfield goes out with her. The fact that Garfield enjoys eating more than being with her annoys Penelope, but she willingly goes out with him anyway, because as she says, "It doesn't matter what we do so long as we do it together." She is voiced by [[Victoria Jackson]]. Penelope was not a character creation by Jim Davis or 'Garfield & Friends' writer, Mark Evanier. Penelope was a conception of Dallas, TX resident and Garfield fanatic by the name of Chris Miller. Penelope was included as part of a spoof newspaper submission to Paws Inc in 1989. Because Miller did not have his creation copyrighted or trademarked, Penelope was fair use for the Garfield shows. Another character of Miller's named "Gwendolyn" appeared in an episode of the series.
*[http://www.yale.edu/lawweb/avalon/presiden/inaug/gbush1.htm First Inaugural Address]
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/01/20050120-1.html Second Inaugural Address]
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010911.html Remarks by the President After Two Planes Crash Into World Trade Center] ([[September 11, 2001]])
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010911-1.html Remarks by the President Upon Arrival at Barksdale Air Force Base] ([[September 11, 2001]])
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010911-16.html Presidential Address to the Nation] ([[September 11, 2001]])
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/09/20010920-8.html Declaration of War on Terrorism]
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/11/20011113-27.html Issues Military Order No. 1, Detention, Treatment, and Trial of Certain Non-Citizens in the War Against Terrorism] November 13, 2001
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/01/20020129-11.html 2002 State of the Union Address]
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/01/20030128-19.html 2003 State of the Union Address]
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/03/20030319-17.html Presidential Address to the Nation Announcing Operation Iraqi Freedom]
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/05/iraq/20030501-15.html President Announces Major Combat Operations in Iraq Have Ended]
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/09/20030907-1.html Presidential Address to the Nation on America's Actions in the War on Terrorism]
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/09/20030923-4.html Address to the UN General Assembly]
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2003/12/20031214-3.html Presidential Address to the Nation on the Capture of Saddam Hussein]
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/01/20040120-7.html 2004 State of the Union Address]
*[http://msnbc.msn.com/id/4179618/ "Meet the Press with Tim Russert" interview with President George W. Bush] (The Oval Office, February 7, 2004)
*[http://www.rte.ie/news/2004/0624/primetime.html Bush Interview by RTÉ News (Irish TV)] – June 25, 2004 – Real player video feeds
*[http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2004&m=June&x=200406251637031CJsamohT0.963833&t=livefeeds/wf-latest.html Bush Interview by RTÉ News (Irish TV)] – June 25, 2004 – transcript
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2004/09/20040902-2.html 2004 GOP Convention Nomination Acceptance Speech] (September 2, 2004)
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/01/20050120-1.html Second Inaugural Address]
*[http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2005/02/print/20050202-11.html 2005 State of the Union Address]
==Notes=Ludlow===
[[Image:LudlowSparrow.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Ludlow]]
{{anb|oil_and_baseball}} The White House (2005). [http://www.whitehouse.gov/president/gwbbio.html Biography of President George W. Bush]. Retrieved June 21, 2005. ''"Owner, oil and gas business"'' ''"Partner, Texas Rangers Baseball Team"''
'''Ludlow''' is a young [[sparrow]] who appeared during the last two seasons, and who sounded somewhat like [[Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy|Augie Doggy]]. Being young and impressionable, he believes that Garfield is his friend, and as a result, Garfield cannot bring himself to eat him. Ludlow's dad distrusts cats, and therefore is aggressive to Garfield. He was voiced by [[Don Messick]]. His cartoons were [[Sweet Tweet Treat]] and [[Catch as Cats Can't]].
===The Singing Ants===
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[[Image:SingingAnts.jpg|180px|thumb|right|The Singing Ants]]
{{succession box | before = [[Ann Richards]] | title = [[List of Governors of Texas|Governor of Texas]] | years = 1995–2000 | after = [[Rick Perry]]}}
'''The Singing Ants''' are a group of [[black ants]] who showed up to ruin Jon's picnic in the season five episode "The Picnic Panic". They are referred to as the Singing Ants because they make their appearance announcing what they do, which is to steal food from picnics, by way of song ("we're the ants who ruin your dinner"). The ants proved to be so popular with viewers that two seasons later, the ants reappeared in the aptly-titled "Another Ant Episode". This time, though, they were red ants, and they had come to steal all the food in Jon's house. At the end of their second episode, Jon's house was destroyed by the exterminator, Mr. Leo Crater's robot. The ants sang "We'll be back after you rebuild here, cause by then it'll be time for a Third Ant Episode". But because of the show's cancellation, there never was a third one. They also made a cameo in "A Vacation From His Senses". The Ants are perhaps the only antagonistic characters whom Garfield cannot succeed in outsmarting.
{{succession box | before = [[Bob Dole]] | title=[[United States Republican Party|Republican Party]] [[President of the United States|Presidential]] [[:Category:U.S. Republican Party presidential nominees|candidate]]| years=[[U.S. presidential election, 2000|2000]] (won), [[U.S. presidential election, 2004|2004]] (won)| after=—}}
{{incumbent succession box| before=[[Bill Clinton]]| title=[[President of the United States]]| start=[[January 20]], [[2001]]| }}
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===Ichabod Cricket===
{{USpresidents | before=[[Bill Clinton|Clinton]] | after='''Incumbent'''| years=[[2001]]-}}
[[Image:Ichabodcricket.jpg|180px|thumb|right|Ichabod]]|
'''Ichabod Cricket''' served as Garfield's conscience in the ''Garfield and Friends'' episode, "A Matter of Conscience", based on [[Pinocchio (1940 film)|Pinocchio]]. Throughout the episode Garfield was annoyed by the cricket, and at the end of the episode Garfield squahed him. Garfield said the cricket was in the original book, but not in the Disney film (referencing the fact that Jiminy Cricket was not in the book, but was in the Disney film). Later after Ichabod left Garfield, he went on to make sound effects (he did cricket chirps). He showed up in the next episode, "Half-Baked Alaska", as [[Jon Arbuckle|Jon's]] conscience. He told Jon to dump [[salad]] on his head, spill [[lasagna]] on the fat guy's (Jon's boss) lap, and hit the cartoonist in the face with a cake. The end of the episode features Garfield, Jon, and Odie chasing the cricket, because he told Jon to give him all his money.
===Esmeralda===
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'''Esmeralda''' is a clumsy [[fairy godmother]] that grants wishes to [[cats]] and dogs. Appering in the episode, “[[The Fairy Dogmother]]”, she granted Odie’s wish to go to the Hound Dog Harvest. Later she appered on the episode, “Dogmother II”, when Garfield wished he could get revenge on Rootie the Dog. She forgot what Garfield wished for, so she granted whatever anyone in the Arbuckle house wanted. For example, Jon sings “I wish I were in Dixieland, hooray, hooray”, and he was, only to find himself without anything but a shower cap on. He is arrested and he wished he was back home, and he was, in his bed. Later, Esmeralda’s boss told her she did a good job on the wish Garfield wanted, so right before Garfield is going to drop a 1956 [[Studebaker]] on Rootie, nothing happens, making Rootie chase him. These two episodes were called A Garfield [[Fairy Tale]].
===A Large Bully Cat===
[[Category:Presidents of the U.S.|Bush, George W.]]
'''A Large Bully Cat''' is shown on several episodes of Garfield and Friends. This cat is often with a female cat that Garfield falls in love with, and the cat often beats Garfield up. Some examples are Bonzo from Beach Blanket Bonzo and Brick from The Idol of Id and The Perils of Penelope.
[[Category:U.S. Republican Party presidential nominees|Bush, George W.]]
[[Category:Governors of Texas|Bush, George W.]]
[[Category:Baseball executives|Bush, George W.]]
[[Category:Bush family|Bush, George W.]]
[[Category:Aviators|Bush, George W.]]
[[Category:Methodists|Bush, George W.]]
[[Category:Bonesmen|Bush, George W.]]
[[Category:People from Connecticut|Bush, George W.]]
[[Category:1946 births|Bush, George W.]]
[[Category:Texas politicians|Bush, George W.]]
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[[Category:Children of U.S. Presidents|Bush, George W.]]
[[Category:Current national leaders|Bush, George W.]]
[[Category:People from Texas|Bush, George W.]]
[[Category:Christian people|Bush, George W.]]
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