Americans fully expect the president to ______.

During last fall’s unofficial pause on politics, Vice President Dick Cheney filled in for Bush at a fund-raiser for the Republican Governors Association. Neither stumped for losing GOP state candidates in the off-year elections in Viginia and New Jersey. That changed with the New Year. The poblic is now ready for politics to resume in full, said Republican strategist Rich Galen. Cooperetion of the two parties is what Americans want out of their President in a war setting. But with elections happening, Americans fully expect the President to fulfill his party obligations. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle declared open season when he gave an address last week blaming Bush’s tax cuts for looming budget deficits. The President’s disproof, in which he urged Decmocrats to unite be- hind him on the economy as they have on the war, made clear he will try to put to political use his record post Sep. 11 popularity as commander in chief. It’s a tricky balancing act, said independent pollster Andrew Kohut. "I don’t think voters are going to say his supporter campaigning is inappropriate, unless he uses his success as commander in chief to try to puch his political agenda. Then, he could suffer a criticism" Kohut said. Before Wednesday, Bush tended to politics more quietly. After a town meeting in Orlando on Dec. 4, he met privately with his brother’s political supporter. Reporters were similarly kept away when Bush greeted New Hampshire campaign contributors and volunteers dm4ng his visit to that state on Tuesday. Jouralists were allowed to cover Wednesday’s reception for Jab Bush, but dinner was off limits.