The 1997 State of the Union

“I come before you tonight with a challenge as great as any in our peacetime history, and a plan of action to meet that challenge, to prepare our people for the bold new world of the 21st century.” - President Clinton

Outline of the State of the Union Speech from January 28, 1997

This outline from January 28, 1997, shows which policy options were included in a draft for the 1997 State of the Union.

Speechwriter Jonathan Prince’s files contain drafts with President Clinton’s edits, outlines, suggestions from the Cabinet, and time tables for the 1997 State of the Union.

The files of Michael Waldman, Director of Speechwriting, contain drafts, memos, and outlines for the 1997 State of the Union.

Learn more about the 1997 State of the Union on YouTube and this transcript.