Advertising an Agenda? Examining the Consistency between Campaign Issue Emphasis and Presidential Issue Priorities, 1980-2001

Presidential candidates often make issue appeals during their campaigns, but question exists as to whether the actions of presidents are consistent with their messages as candidates. Examining presidential documents and direct communications between candidates and voters allows an exploration of the degree to which presidential priorities reflect issues emphasized in campaigns. This analysis is followed by a discussion of the effects of electoral dynamics on the consistency between campaign messages and presidential agendas.