NURS 6050 Week 1 Presidential Agendas Discussion

Discussion: Presidential Agendas

Regardless of political affiliation, every citizen has a stake in healthcare policy decisions. Hence, it is little wonder why healthcare items become such high-profile components of presidential agendas. It is also little wonder why they become such hotly debated agenda items.

Consider a topic that rises to the presidential level. How did each of the presidents (Trump, Obama, and Bush) handle the problem? What would you do differently?

To Prepare:

  • Review the Resources and reflect on the importance of agenda setting.
  • Consider how federal agendas promote healthcare issues and how these healthcare issues become agenda priorities.

By Day 3 of Week 1

  • Post your response to the discussion question: Consider a topic that rises to the presidential level. How did each of the presidents (Trump, Obama, and Bush) handle the problem? What would you do differently?

By Day 6 of Week 1

  • Respond to at least two of your colleagues* on two different days by expanding on their response and providing an example that supports their explanation or respectfully challenging their explanation and providing an example.

*Note: Throughout this program, your fellow students are referred to as colleagues.

Presidential Agendas Sample Paper

Presidents, government officials, and the public pay attention to a list of issues during administrative transitions and campaigns. Presidential agendas entail subjects of national and sometimes international interests.

According to Towner & Muñoz (2020), agenda-setting theory acknowledges the importance of the mainstream media in informing and crafting public agenda. In this sense, the incumbent president and aspiring presidential candidates leverage social media platforms to communicate potential policies and plans regarding matters of public attention. In the US, partisan politics and the need to convince voters prompt presidents to communicate agenda to gain popularity and obtain backing.

On the eve of a general election, citizens express hope with the incoming leaders concerning issues such as healthcare, economy, human rights, social security policies, housing, homeland security, and education. In turn, presidents leverage communication avenues to assure the public about their commitment to addressing these subjects. According to Towner & Muñoz (2020), political communication exists in an interrelated, interdependent hybrid social media system that allows citizens to participate in public agendas. 

In the current US political landscape, an incoming or sitting president utilizes conventional and contemporary communication platforms, including newspapers, TVs, and internet-based media to engage the public on civil rights, abortion rights, economy, healthcare, and other topics of concern. Such efforts enhance public trust and confidence in the ruling administrative regime.

References