AGENDA
Beyond getting elected, Patrick J. Buchanan wants to make his conservative positions on the issues a high-profile part of the nation's political discourse.

Here's a look at his hot-button issues.

Free Trade
In addition to his firm opposition to the North American Free Trade Agreement, Buchanan rails away at unfair tariffs imposed by trading partners on U.S. exports. He feels that if a country will not lower its import duties on American goods, the United States should respond in kind and tax the daylights out of that country's imported goods. He has no qualms about pulling the United States out of the World Trade Organization if it objects or tries to interfere with U.S. trade practices.

Immigration
Buchanan wants to limit legal immigration to the United States to 250,000 people a year. His plan to eliminate illegal border crossings includes beefing up the U.S. Border Patrol and extending and reinforcing a "Buchanan Fence" along the southern border of the United States.

Abortion
A woman's right to choose is an issue that really gets Buchanan's blood boiling. He is adamant in his opposition to abortion, without exception, and would push for legislation. On his campaign Web site, he says, "I will use the 'Bully Pulpit' to fight the Culture of Death and appoint only pro-life judges to the Supreme Court."

Affirmative Action
Buchanan has said that, if elected president, he would sign "executive orders abolishing quotas, set-asides and affirmative action in government" on his first day in office.

Conventional Wisdom How realistic are Buchanan's chances? Pretty slim, say most seasoned political watchers. Even if he secures the Reform Party presidential nomination, Buchanan will have to wage an uphill fight against well-funded Republican and Democratic opponents. But he could still cause problems for the major parties. His firm conservative message could draw voters away from the Republican candidate, and his anti-trade positions might attract some votes from the labor sector, which traditionally supports Democrats. A strong economy may spell trouble for Buchanan's message. Tapping into the pool of disgruntled voters who have a hard time making ends meet is a bigger challenge today than it was the first time he ran for the Republican nomination.