For the Record.(George W. Bush gains a 64% favorable rating, early in his administration)(this and other items are presented)(Brief Article)

President Bush's favorable rating, according to Gallup: 64 percent. Bill Clinton's: 51 percent. . . . "Hail to the Chief" doesn't play for Bush during first weeks of presidency, at Bush's request. White House official calls it "example of humility and decency and fairness," in Washington Post. "I think it'll just be played at fewer occasions, rather than more occasions," says press secretary Ari Fleischer. "He likes the song a whole lot, as a matter of fact. He worked hard to get it played." . . . Bush to Rep. Barney Frank (D., Mass.), following appearance at House Democrat retreat, according to Washington Post: "Thanks for not asking a question." . . . Bush tells Oklahoma governor Frank Keating (R.) that he finished runner-up in VP selection process, according to Keating spokesman Dan Mahoney. . . . Bush delays decision on banning federal stem-cell and fetal-tissue research. . . . "The personal attacks were very difficult," says Florida secretary of state Katherine Harris, in New York Times. "But following the law was very simple." . . . Less than one hour after shooting incident outside White House, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D., N.Y.) issues press release demanding "handgun licensing and registration" hearings, reports Roll Call. Explains Nadler spokesman Eric Schmeltzer: "You need to jump on it quickly to make sure the political point is made in the stories."

DNC chief Terry McAuliffe, on Meet the Press: "I feel pretty safe saying, making a Shermanesque statement here, that Hillary Rodham Clinton will not run for president in 2004." . . . More McAuliffe: Gore "will probably run. . . . He certainly has a right to argue that he should be the front-runner." . . . Sen. Evan Bayh (D., Ind.), now at helm of Democratic Leadership Council, holds more than $2 million in hand. . . . Bayh votes in favor of confirming interior secretary Gale Norton in committee, but against her on the Senate floor. . . . "We're licking our wounds and regrouping" in wake of failing to capture House, says Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D., N.D.), in Washington Post. . . . "If the Democrats lose more than a dozen seats through redistricting, you could see a rash of retirements," says Rep. James P. Moran (D., Va.). . . . Democrats worry decision by Rep. Timothy J. Roemer (D., Ind.) to retire is first in wave of House Democrats who won't seek re-election in 2002. . . . Rep. David Obey (D., Wisc.) on tax cuts: "I do not believe there is a prayer of stopping this."

In Cato Institute/Zogby poll, 70 percent favor "allowing workers to invest a portion of Social Security payroll taxes in personal retirement accounts similar to IRAs." . . . McLaughlin and Associates poll: 70 percent support missile-defense system. . . . Sen. John McCain (R., Ariz.) reconsiders his opposition to nuclear test-ban treaty. . . . In Newark ...