The aides also say Mr. Bush hopes to take the initiative early on foreign policy.

Mr. Bush had undoubtedly hoped by this point to have some positive news to convey about the war on terrorism, at home or abroad.

Mr. Bush had hoped the President could avoid vetoing a bill with such strong support among workers.

Mr. Bush, who has already rejected public money, hopes to amass at least $170 million.

No doubt Mr. Bush hopes he, too, will seem the more reasonable choice this fall.

Once more, Mr. Bush is hoping the people will be with him.

Mr. Bush had hoped to comply by next year.

Mr. Bush hopes that as more retirees choose these plans, fewer will be left without drug coverage.

But Mr. Bush may have also been hoping that the situation would resolve itself.

It is hard not to conclude that Mr. Bush was hoping to avoid a big fight.