But Mr. Bush still has not faced the issue straight on.

Mr. Bush faced additional considerations that had nothing to do with the last several weeks, these officials said.

Mr. Bush is also facing some pressure from his party's right wing.

But in the next day or two, Mr. Bush faces a difficult choice.

Mr. Bush also faces a potential contradiction between his own goals.

Mr. Bush faced direct but not hostile questions in the interviews.

Mr. Bush faces the most delicate political dilemma of his career.

Mr. Bush is facing challenges from the very conservatives who were once his base.

Mr. Bush has faced rising budget deficits almost from the moment he took office in 2001.

Mr. Bush faces his own conflicts on the gun issue.