The 1995 State of the Union
“Our New Covenant is a new set of understandings for how we can equip our people to meet the challenges of a new economy, how we can change the way our Government works to fit a different time, and, above all, how we can repair the damaged bonds in our society and come together behind our common purpose.” - President Clinton
This memo from Don Baer to the Chief of Staff outlines the main points of the 1995 State of the Union.
Don Baer was the Director of Speechwriting and Research and Chief Speechwriter for President Clinton from 1994 to 1995 before serving as the Director of Strategic Planning and Communications Assistant to the President from 1995 to 1997. Baer’s speechwriting files for the 1995 State of the Union include background articles, input, inserts, memos, outlines, suggestions from Cabinet Departments, and talking points.
Antony (“Tony”) Blinken served as the Chief Foreign Policy Speechwriter in the National Security Council’s Speechwriting Directorate from 1994 to 1998. Drafts and inserts from Blinken’s files on the 1995 State of the Union focus on foreign policy and global trade.
This staffing memo tracks White House staff’s comments for the 1995 State of the Union. The memo asks White House staff members to return their comments to Don Baer.
The files of Robert O. Boorstin, speechwriter at the National Security Council, also contain material for the 1995 State of the Union including background information and drafts focusing on topics such as campaign finance reform.
Carolyn Curiel was a speechwriter for President Bill Clinton in 1993 before being promoted to Special Assistant and Senior Presidential Speechwriter to President Clinton in 1995. Curiel’s records include an outline and talking points for the 1995 State of the Union.
Learn more about the 1995 State of the Union on YouTube and from this transcript.