What happened to the all-conquering Republican majority that was poised to sweep all before it? Six months after winning triumphant victories in both presidential and congressional elections the party is in a curious state of disarray. Social Security reform is in trouble; Tom DeLay, the House majority leader, is fighting for his political life; John Bolton's nomination as ambassador to the United Nations is suddenly hanging in the balance; and Bill Frist, the Senate majority leader, is engaged in a dangerous confrontation over judicial appointments.

This surprise turnround is in part a consequence of President George W. Bush's bold decision to put Social Security reform at the top of the political agenda. The failure of his grassroots campaign to shift the polls in favour of reform has unnerved congressional Republicans. Many remember the way the party's opposition to the creation of Social Security was used to hammer an entire generation of Republicans in House and Senate races. Social Security reform is not dead, but it is foundering, and most Republican congressmen are keeping their distance from it. At the same time they have hit a series of road bumps. Of these, the allegations against Mr DeLay are probably the most serious. The House leader owes his colleagues and the American people a thorough explanation of his relationship with the disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, and of his fundraising practices. Regardless of whether he broke House rules, the affair and his attempt to contain it by neutering the House ethics committee cast grave doubts over his judgment.