Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

In a system of shared powers, a chief legislator's ability to accomplish his goals is limited. One of the tools he has at his disposal is the power of rhetoric. Presidents enter office with many policy goals that, if successful, not only shape public policy, but also can aid their re-election and their desire to secure a positive legacy. Often times, one policy in particular, a pet project will be personally important to a president and will ultimately be placed on the agenda because of the attention given to it by the president. When Bill Clinton campaigned for office he …