According to their official website, the American Issues Project (AIP) was "founded to champion the conservative values that have made the United States of America a blessed nation: smaller government, a strong and ready national defense, lower taxes, and a government that encourages entrepreneurship and new job creation in America."Official Site: About AIP

In August 2008, the American Issues Project spent nearly $3 million to produce a "Know Enough" advertisement highlighting the link between Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama and former radical group member Bill Ayers.Washington Post: Group to Spend $2.8 Million on Anti-Obama Ad (August 21, 2008) In response, the Obama campaign sought a criminal investigation into the AIP.UPI.com: Obama Asks Justice Probe of 'Issues' Ads (August 25, 2008)