Ronald Reagan had taken office pledging to minimize the federal role in schools and abolish the Education Department.

President Bush came into office pledging to make them a top foreign policy priority, but has found it hard to live up to his commitment.

Faced with a deep economic slump, Mrs. Whitman took office pledging to slash not only taxes but regulations that stood in the way of business.

Although he came into office pledging to conduct a new kind of preventive diplomacy, there is still a day-to-day approach to decision-making.

Bill Clinton came into office pledging to take action against global warming.

So the Administration that took office pledging to end discrimination now takes pride in strengthening the legal ground for retaining the discrimination.

The Clinton Administration came into office pledging to be a "full partner" in the talks.

President Kim, for instance, came into office pledging to pare down the industrial conglomerates but has been unsuccessful.

Mr. Berlusconi came to office pledging to get the Government back to running Italy.

Bush administration officials came to office pledging to avoid the protracted legal battles that plagued the Clinton administration's relationship with Congress.