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FOIA Number:
2006-0469-F (2)
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the William J. Clinton
Presidential Library Staff.
Collection/Record Group:
Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting
Series/Staff Member:
Michael Waldman
Subseries:
14458
OA/ID Number:
FolderlD:
Folder Title:
KS: MW [Michael Waldman] SOTU [State ofthe Union] Memos
Stack:
Row:
Section:
Shelf:
S
92
4
5
Position:
�Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
001. memo
Michael Waldman to the President; RE: State ofthe Union Meeting (4
pages)
12/07/1997
P5
002. memo
Jordan Tamagni to Erskine Bowles, et al.; RE: State of the Union
Logistics (4 pages)
01/20/1998
P5
003. memo
Michael Waldman to the President; RE: State of the Union Meeting
[duplicate of 001 ] (4 pages)
12/07/1997
P5
004. memo
Michael Waldman to the President; RE: State ofthe Union Meeting
[duplicate of 001 ] (4 pages)
12/07/1997
P5
005. memo
Michael Waldman to Sylvia Mathews; RE: State of the Union (2
pages)
11/18/1997
P5
006. memo
Michael Waldman, Ann Lewis to Sylvia Mathews; RE: State of the
Union Planning Process (3 pages)
10/22/1997
P5
007. memo
Michael Waldman, Ann Lewis to Sylvia Mathews; RE: State ofthe
Union Planning Process (3 pages)
10/22/1997
P5
008. memo
Michael Waldman to the President; RE: Strategic Plan (2 pages)
09/02/1997
P5
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Speechwriting
Michael Waldman
OA/Box Number:
14458
FOLDER TITLE:
KS: MW [Michael Waldman] SOTU [State ofthe Union] Memos
2006-0469-F
db3333
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act -144 II.S.C. 2204<a)|
Erccdom of Information Act -15 U.S.C. 552(b)|
PI National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) ofthe I'RA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA|
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) ofthe PRA|
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA|
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) ofthe PRA|
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA)
b(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIAj
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) of the FOIA]
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute 1(b)(3) ofthe FOIA|
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information |(b)(4) ofthe FOIAJ
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) ofthe FOIA)
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes 1(b)(7) ofthe FOIA)
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) ofthe FOIAj
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells 1(b)(9) of the FOIAj
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 II.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
001. memo
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
Michael Waldman to the President; RE: State of the Union Meeting (4
pages)
12/07/1997
RESTRICTION
P5
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Speechwriting
Michael Waldman
OA/Box Number:
14458
FOLDER TITLE:
KS: MW [Michael Waldman] SOTU [State ofthe Union] Memos
2006-0469-F
db3333
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act -144 II.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - |5 U.S.C. 552(b)|
Pl National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) ofthe PRA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA)
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) of the PRA)
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) ofthe PRA]
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA]
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) ofthe PRA|
b(l) National security classified information |(b)(l) ofthe FOIA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) of the FOIA)
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute 1(b)(3) ofthe FOIA)
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information 1(b)(4) ofthe FOIAj
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) of the FOIAj
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes 1(b)(7) ofthe FOIAj
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) ofthe FOIAj
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells 1(b)(9) ofthe FOIAj
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRIM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�THE WHITE HOUSE
WAS H IN GTO N
January 20. 1998
MEMORANDUM FOR
ERSKINE BOWLES
SYLVIA MATHEWS
ANN LEWIS
STEPHANIE STREETT
CAPRIC1A MARSHALL
VIRGINIA APUZZO
COLONEL SIMMONS
CC
AMY WEISS TOBE
JENNIFER PALMIERI
MIKE MALONE
LAURA SCHWARTZ
KIMWIDDESS
PEGGY SUNTUM
THROUGH:
MICHAEL WALDMAN
FROM:
JORDAN TAMAGNI
SUBJECT:
STATE OF THE UNION LOGISTICS
I. STATE OF THE UNION SPEECH PREPARATION AND REHEARSAL
As in years past, the President will use the Family Theater for final State ofthe Union
speech preparation meetings and rehearsals This year, we may also use the Map Room, and
possibly the Laurel Lounge at Camp David, for these meetings. As you already know, this
involves equipping the sites with computers, a teleprompter. and a video camera and monitor to
enable the President to read through his speech on a teleprompter, and make final changes to his
remarks, assisted by Michael Waldman and other Senior Staff members
The Chief of Staffs Office provides the manifest for these meetings, and attendance is
hiuhly restricted
�To make best use ofthe President's time during final speech preparation -- and to make
sure that we minimize potential snags in the process -- the Office of Speechwriting will vvork
closely with the Social Office, the Usher's Office, WHCA, and the Office of Administration 1
have outlined below the most imponant elements of this process.
1 understand that much, if not all, of this has already been accomplished by your respective
offices In that event, this memo will serve as a check list
A. Family Theater:
I.
Use of the Family Theater: The Social Office must approve use ofthe Family
Theater, after consulting with the Ushers' Office to make sure that no other use
was planned for the dates in question (1/23 Friday AM through 1/27 Tuesday PM;
exact times to follow) In the event that other activities have been planned and
cannot be accommodated in any other way (for instance, if a member ofthe First
Family wants to watch a movie), the Social Office must approve the use of the
Map Room for speech prep; WHCA will be responsible for moving all equipment,
including computers.
2
Equipping the Family Theater
a.
Computers: The Office of Administration needs to approve requisition of
the following computer and other equipment:
— Two desktop computers (preferably Gateway 2000s)
— One printer (HP4 plus or better) (with a backup on site, if not installed)
-- Four dry ink printer cartridges
-- one or two long tables
— five chairs of proper height to use computer equipment on long table(s)
The Office of Administration will work with the Usher's Office and WHCA
to install this equipment without altering the Family Theater's
configuration.
The Office of Speechwriting will supply paper, bond paper, and other
office supplies.
b.
Video Equipment: WHCA will install a video camera and monitor, as
well as blank video tapes
c.
Copiers: Copiers will not be installed in the Family Theater. Instead,
existing copiers in the East Wing offices of Legislative Affairs will be used
�To that end, after hours access to Legislative Affairs must be arranged by
the Office of Speechwriting.
d
Stenography: The Press Office needs to approve use ofthe Stenographers
Office staff to transcribe the President's comments in State ofthe Union
speech preparation and rehearsal. If desired, WHCA will arrange for a
secure audio feed to the OEOB so the Stenographers can simultaneously
transcribe the President's Comments.
Security in the Family Theater: When not in use by the President and Senior
Staff, the Family Theater will remain locked Access will be granted by the Ushers'
Office to a limited list of staff members (to be provided)
Maintaining the Family Theater: The Office of Speechwriting is primarily
responsible for maintaining the Family Theater while it is being used for State of
the Union preparation WHCA and the Office of Administration are responsible
for removing equipment and helping the Ushers Office return the room to its
original condition.
B. CAMP DAVID
In the event that the President and Mrs. Clinton travel to Camp David for the weekend,
the Laurel Lodge needs to be equipped in the same way as the Family Theater. The Office
of Speechwriting. the Office of Administration, and WHCA will have the same
responsibilities for accomplishing this (e.g., approvals, requisitions and installation of
equipment) The Camp David staff must be informed and appropriate steps taken to
obtain proper permissions. The only outstanding issue is whether traveling staff will
include representatives ofthe Stenographers Office, to transcribe the President's
comments. WHCA could arrange for an audio feed directly to the OEOB, but such a feed
would not be secure
II.
DELIVERY OF THE STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
Once it is completed, the text ofthe President's State ofthe Union address is transferred
from a standard computer with Word Perfect 6 1 to a teleprompter with a very different program.
This process has caused near-disasters in the past, as happened last year when the transfer erased
all the carriage returns in the President's text, forcing us to go through every line ofthe address to
replace them only moments before the President began his speech.
To minimize the risk of such a problem, 1 met with representatives of WHCA, who have
upgraded their software since last year We tested the transfer procedure with a Word Perfect file
and encountered no difficulties. However, to further rule out the possibility of a transfer problem,
we will follow the plan laid out below.
�A. Surveying the Site
I will travel to the Capitol on Monday with a representative from WHCA to survey the
site, specifically, the Staff Hold, the President's Hold, the route from the hold to the
House Floor, and the teleprompter site. WHCA is responsible for setting up the Staff
Hold with a laptop computer loaded with identical software as that used by the Office of
Speechwriting in preparing the President's remarks [Word Perfect 6.1 for Windows], and
a printer [HP Laser Jet 4 Plus or better]. As in previous years, the teleprompter will be set
up in the Speaker's Lounge.
B. Transporting the President's Remarks to the Capitol
On the evening ofthe State ofthe Union address, 1 will travel to the Capitol in advance of
the President's motorcade with the final version ofthe address on disk (two copies,
original and back-up) to make sure that it is properly transferred and reads properly.
Michael Waldman, who will travel in the motorcade to the Capitol, will bring with him any
last minute changes to President's remarks (made in the Family Theater after 1 leave the
White House, or in the President's limousine on his way to the Capitol).
Please don't hesitate to call me at 65701 to discuss any element of this outline 1 look
forward to working to make this year's State ofthe Union address the most problem-free yet
�THE WHITE H O U S E
WASH INGTON
January 16, 1998
MEMORANDUM FOR CIRCULATION
FROM:
MICHAEL WALDMAN
SUBJECT:
DRAFT #2 - STATE OF THE UNION
Attached is a second draft ofthe State ofthe Union.
It is far too long — principally, the result of being more 'thematic' and 'explanatory' than
usual. At its current length, it would stretch 72 minutes. Overnight, we will work to cut it down
to one hour or less.
1 have attached an outline ofthe policies contained in the speech as it currently stands.
�THE WHITE HOUSE
WASH I NGTON
December 15, 1997
MEMORANDUM TO
THE PRESIDENT
FROM
RAHM EMANUEL
SIDNEY BLUMENTHAL
MICHAEL WALDMAN
PAUL BEGALA
SUBJECT
INTELLECTUALS DINNER
In preparation for the State of the Union, we have attached a suggested list of wide-ranging
intellectuals for a small dinner to be held at the White House on January 7th. The dinner is
intended to provide you the opportunity to hear a broad range of views that relate to the larger
issues to be addressed in the State of the Union speech on January 27th.
The suggested size of the dinner is 10 to 12 guests. Based on the suggested list, please check or
circle the individuals you would like to invite.
cc
The First Lady
Erskine Bowles
Melanne Verveer
Capricia Marshall
�Suggested List for the January 7th Intellectuals Dinner
(In no particular order)
Daniel Yergin
Pulitzer Prize winning author and historian; heads an international consulting business on the
energy industry; has just finished a book on the new economy.
Richard Rorty
One of the leading living American philosophers, a proponent of pragmatism; at the University of
Virginia; has just completed a book on why the American left should abandon its abstractions and
become practical.
Michael Sandel
The leading communitarian political philosopher; Harvard University; most recently author of
Democracy's Discontent, on the past and future of progressivism; has begun writing a book on
markets and democracy; writes frequently for The Atlantic and writes a column for
The New Republic.
Ethan Kapstein
Expert on workers and the international economy; believes in a new social compact and free
trade; former director of studies at the Council of Foreign Relations; professor at the
University of Minnesota.
Samuel Beer
Grand old man of political philosophy; Harvard emeritus; leading proponent of the national idea;
author, most recently, of To Make a Nation: The Rediscovery of American Federalism, expert in
trans-Atlantic political links (has even written about the world after Blair).
Cass Sunstein
University of Chicago legal scholar; author of a new book. Free Markets and Democracy, arguing
for a new social compact; writes frequently for The Atlantic, The New Republic, The New York
Times.
Paul Rorner
Leading economist of the new economy; University of California at Berkeley, son of Roy Rorner.
John Morton Blum
Distinguished presidential historian, Yale University.
Benjamin Barber
Leading thinker on globalization and political culture; author of McWorId and Jihad, Rutgers
University.
�James Chace
Distinguished historian; just completed the definitive biography of Dean Acheson; editor of World
Policy Journal; devoting efforts to conceptualizing a new internationalist American model.
Stephen Holmes
University of Chicago political philosopher; author of many works, including Hie Anatomy of
Antiliberalism, a critic of both conservatism and communitarianism.
Paula Rayman
Director of the Radcliffe Public Policy Institute, probably the leading center for women scholars in
the nation.
Alan Brinkley
Columbia University history professor, widely quoted scholar of liberalism. Author of The End of
Reform: New Deal Liberalism in Recession and War and The New Federalist Papers.
Sherry Turkic
MIT professor, leading authority on the Internet and computers and how they affect human
relations. Books include The Second Self.
Or
Esther Dyson
Very influential newsletter editor and author on the Internet. Her current book is Release 2.0.
Dani Rodrik
Harvard economist, author of Has Globalization Gone Too Far?, a book recommended by Larry
Summers which the President has read and enjoyed.
William Ferris
Newly appointed chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities
Orlando Patterson
West-Indian-bom Harvard Professor, author of The Ordeal of Integration, a contrarian and very
well-reviewed new book that defends affirmative action but which argues that America is far too
obsessed with race and diversity
Bill Galston and Diane Blair have been involved in the previous dinners (Galston organized them
each year, and Diane did a political scientists' dinner). You may want to call her, at least, to get
ideas.
Michael Lind
Formerly with the National Review, has become disenchanted with conservatism. Author of
The Next American Nalion and a new book on Hamilton, he is a Hamiltonian (nationalist) who
favors a strong central government. An idiosyncratic thinker, but an interesting one
�Judith Rodin
President ofthe University of Pennsylvania. First female President of an Ivy League school.
Walter Dean Burnham
University of Texas political scientist who first popularized the notion of "Realignment." He
recently described the Clinton Presidency as a "finger in the dike" Presidency, passively holding
off the disastrous initiatives of the GOP. But a little time and attention could tum him around-he
is very influential with a variety of elite pundits.
William Julius Wilson
Harvard sociologist and expert on urban sociology.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
003. memo
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
Michael Waldman to the President; RE: State of the Union Meeting
[duplicate of 001 ] (4 pages)
12/07/1997
RESTRICTION
P5
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Speechwriting
Michael Waldman
OA/Box Number:
14458
FOLDER TITLE:
KS: MW [Michael Waldman] SOTU [State ofthe Union] Memos
2006-0469-F
db3333
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom oflnformation Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)l
Pl National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) of the PRA)
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) ofthe PRA)
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) ofthe PRA)
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information [(a)(4) ofthe PR\|
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) ofthe PRA|
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) ofthe PRA|
b(l) National security classified information [(b)(1) ofthe FOIA|
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) ofthe FOIA|
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute 1(b)(3) ofthe FOIA)
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets nr confidential or financial
information |(b)(4) ofthe FOIA)
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(b)(6) ofthe FOIA)
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes 1(b)(7)ofthe FOIA]
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) ofthe FOIA)
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells 1(b)(9) ofthe FOIA)
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
3^
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
004. memo
DATE
SUBJECT/TITLE
Michael Waldman to the President; RE: State of the Union Meeting
[duplicate of 001 ] (4 pages)
12/07/1997
RESTRICTION
P5
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Speechwriting
Michael Waldman
OA/Box Number:
14458
FOLDER TITLE:
KS: MW [Michael Waldman] SOTU [State ofthe Union] Memos
2006-0469-F
db3333
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - (44 U.S.C. 2204(a)l
Freedom ot Information Act - |S U.S.C. 5S2(b)|
Pl National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) ofthe PRA|
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) of the PRA)
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) ofthe PRA|
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) ofthe PRA]
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA|
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) of the PRA|
b(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) ofthe FOIA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) ofthe FOIA]
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute 1(b)(3) ofthe FOIA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information 1(b)(4) ofthe FOIA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA|
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes 1(b)(7) ofthe FOIA]
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions [(b)(8) ofthe F01A|
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIAj
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�November 18, 1997
MEMORANDUM FOR SYLVIA MATHEWS
FROM:
MICHAEL WALDMAN
SUBJECT:
STATE-OF-THE-UNION STEPS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THIS YEAR
Though the leaves are still falling off the trees, we are now getting closer than it seems to
the State-of-the-Union. As I mentioned, I believe there is a value in setting some deadlines and
markers along the way.
November week 3 (11/16-22)
•
I will draft a themes memo for circulation to a small group (you, John, Rahm, Paul, Sid,
Bruce, Gene, Ron), for discussion.
•
I will continue to meet with the policy shop heads to get a better sense of the policies they
have in store.
November week 4 (11/23-29)
•
Preliminary State of the Union memo and first binder for the President - A memo should
go to the President for his Thanksgiving reading that a) describes the ongoing process; b)
sets forth proposed theme; and c) includes some reading (articles, essays, book chapters,
etc.) on some of the possible topics, including the new economy. This would be different
from, and prior to, the usual notebook we do for him of submissions by outsiders and
cabinet members. This binder would be prepared by speechwriting, with input from
others.
•
Policy councils should provide a preliminary memorandum on possible items for
inclusion, for limited staff consideration (not yet to the President)
•
Solicitation of contributions from outsiders, to be included in State-of-the-Union binder
(below). This raises a question of whether we look like we are casting about for ideas.
However, we do this every year, and while it always gets a little press, it's usually
harmless. McCurry can put out the names of some ofthe people whom we are sending us
material.
�December week 1 (11/31-12/1-6)
•
Budget briefing 12/1
A State-of-the-Union themes and overall policy meeting take place with the President (1
hour). For this meeting, the Policy Councils should provide a comprehensive menu of
possible items for inclusion, ranging from legislative initiatives to executive actions,
appointments, and bully pulpit items.
•
Work and Family" dinner has been proposed - Fm not particularly against this, but I
wonder why this topic, as opposed to "the new economy" or any other broader part of the
agenda has been chosen.
December week 2 (12/7-13)
•
Preparation of State-of-the-Union binder - This would be the binder we usually send that
includes contributions (memos, essays, draft language) from outside advisers, scholars,
writers. (I want to get this done earlier than usual this year because my 3 child is due
around Christmastime.)
rd
December week 3 (12/14-20)
December week 4 (12/21-27)
December week 5 (12-28-1/3)
�J P
(j) C^y U4. U £$9.
October 22, 1997
MEMORANDUM FOR SYLVIA MATHEWS
FROM:
ANN LEWIS
MICHAEL WALDMAN
SUBJECT:
STATE OF THE UNION PLANNING, ^OCESS
This State of the Union — the President's sixth/^comes at a critical time in the '"Tyt ^
• .
Presidency. It will be the President's first major statement of purpose to the country sincethe
completion of the balanced budget; it be an opportunity to frame the issues that can dominate the
~~
1998 elections; it will enable him to set large national goals - perhaps on a par with the 1993 f f Y / ^
economic plan, the budget, and the fight with tj/e GOP Congress that sequentially dominated the
/v^^S
political landscape over the past 5 years.
We can also expect that it will come at .a time when the very success ofthe President's
past year will give rise to chatter that the administration is "out of ideas." This is a far from
unique situation: even LBJ, in 1966, was seen as "out of ideas" because Medicare and Civil
Rights had passed the year before! So our overarching goal must be to surprise the Congress,
public and pundits with an aggressive policy agdnda that sets the national agenda. We have that
opportunity, but we have to start working at it now.
^ A
The most fundamental thing to recognize about this State-of-the-Union is that, far more
than any other given by this president during his term in office, we lack an obvious, mutually
agreed-upon set of major initiatives to discuss. Therefore, in a manner that is quite common for
second States-of-the-Union for second term presidencies, the most immediate initial goal must be
to develop and hone a set of policies for discussion and announcement.
I. DEVELOPING THEMES AND POLICIES
"Pillars" group. As discussed, you are planning to convene the pillars group to begin the
process of culling ideas for policy.
State-of-the-Union retreat. Even if you do convene the "pillars'" group, we recommend
that - very soon - a small group of relevant policy and communications staff leave the office, or
gather on a Saturday, for a focused discussion of the State of the Union. This will provide
feedback for the message, and just as important, give impetus to the policy development process.
It will follow upon the yeastiest discussions that occurred during the discussions ofthe "pillars."
�State of the Union themes memorandum. The attendees will have the opportunity to react
to a draft themes memorandum. This will then go to the President for an early reaction.
Internally, this process will involve us as well as Paul Begala, Sid Blumenthal. Rahm Emanuel
and others.
Policy development. The most critical next step is policy development. One approach
would be to designate one single individual to scour the agencies, academia, and work with the
policy councils. Or, alternately, Bruce Reed, Gene Sperling and Sandy Berger could form a
working group.
Outside advisors. Speechwriting will prepare for the President, as we have every other
year, a book - of previous speeches, submissions by outside advisors, and members ofthe
administration. This process has already begun: At your request, Michael has already begun
soliciting state ofthe union thematic suggestions - and policy suggestions - from a limited and
trusted group of outsiders. (They have been asked for thoughts on this State of the Union, but
also for thoughts on how it would mesh with what the President has done thus far, and should do
for the remained of his term.) We reccomend two scholars dinners, as were organized in years
past by Diane Blair (political scientists) and Bill Galston (general). These helped spur the
President's thinking — and draw in the involvement of many possible validators.
Public opinion research. As has been the case in other years, appropriate opinion
research will be conducted to help frame issues and assess the public mood and strategic setting.
Drafting. As in previous years, drafting will be done by Speechwriting, with the active
involvement of others inside and outside the White House (especially including Sid and Paul).
We should involve Bob Shrum early, his time permitting.
Roll-up and roll-out. The Communications Department, along with Cabinet Affairs, OPL,
and Political, will coordinate the effort during the week before and after the address that will
preview and then support his message.
II. SCHEDULE
Here is a recommended schedule for the State ofthe Union drafting and policy process. It
assumes a speech date in late January.
Oclober
Week 3 -
Gathering First "outside" memos (as part of pillars project)
Week 4 -
"Pillars" meeting
Very first cut of "themes" memo
State of the Union "retreat"
�November
Meeting with President - 1 hour - initial discussion ol"goals and themes
Policy development - canvassing agencies, advocates, experts
December
Weeks 1/2 -
Policy development continued
Two meetings with President 1 hour each — to discuss policy issues
End of the year interviews previewing themes
Week 3 -
Outline circulated
Week 4 -
Outline submitted to President
January
Week 1 -
Outline submitted
Academic dinners
Week 2 -
First draft in to President
Week 3
6 hours of speech prep needed
Week 4
State-of-the-Union
�THE WHITE H O U S E
WASH INGTON
October 22, 1997
MEMORANDUM FOR SYLVIA MATHEWS
FROM:
ANN LEWIS
MICHAEL WALDMAN
SUBJECT:
STATE OF THE UNION PLANNING PROCESS
This State of the Union -- the President's sixth - comes at a critical time in the
Presidency. It will be the President's first major statement of purpose to the country since the
completion of the balanced budget; it be an opportunity to frame the issues that can dominate the
1998 elections; it will enable him to set large national goals -- perhaps on a par with the 1993
economic plan, the budget, and the fight with the GOP Congress that sequentially dominated the
political landscape over the past 5 years.
We can also expect that it will come at a time when the very success of the President's
past year will give rise to chatter that the administration is "out of ideas." This is a far from
unique situation: even LBJ, in 1966, was seen as "out of ideas" because Medicare and Civil
Rights had passed the year before! So our overarching goal must be to surprise the Congress,
public and pundits with an aggressive policy agenda that sets the national agenda. We have that
opportunity, but we have to start working at it now.
The most fundamental thing to recognize about this State-of-the-Union is that, far more
than any other given by this president during his term in office, we lack an obvious, mutually
agreed-upon set of major initiatives to discuss. Therefore, in a manner that is quite common for
second States-of-the-Union for second term presidencies, the most immediate initial goal must be
to develop and hone a set of policies for discussion and announcement.
I. DEVELOPING THEMES AND POLICIES
Pillars" group. As discussed, you are planning to convene the pillars group to begin the
process of culling ideas for policy.
culline
oolicv.
State-of-the-Union retreat. Even if you do convene the "pillars" group, we recommend
that - very soon - a small group of relevant policy and communications staff leave the office, or
gather on a Saturday, for a focused discussion of the State of the Union. This will provide
feedback for the message, and just as important, give impetus to the policy development process.
It will follow upon the yeastiest discussions that occurred during the discussions of the "pillars."
�State of the Union themes memorandum. The attendees will have the opportunity to react
to a draft themes memorandum. This will then go to the President for an early reaction.
Internally, this process will involve us as well as Paul Begala, Sid Blumenthal, Rahm Emanuel
and others.
Policy development. The most critical next step is policy development. One approach
would be to designate one single individual to scour the agencies, academia, and work with the
policy councils. Or, alternately, Bruce Reed, Gene Sperling and Sandy Berger could form a
working group.
Outside advisors. Speechwriting will prepare for the President, as we have every other
year, a book - of previous speeches, submissions by outside advisors, and members ofthe
administration. This process has already begun: At your request, Michael has already begun
soliciting state of the union thematic suggestions - and policy suggestions - from a limited and
trusted group of outsiders. (They have been asked for thoughts on this State of the Union, but
also for thoughts on how it would mesh with what the President has done thus far, and should do
for the remained of his term.) We reccomend two scholars dinners, as were organized in years
past by Diane Blair (political scientists) and Bill Galston (general). These helped spur the
President's thinking — and draw in the involvement of many possible validators.
Public opinion research. As has been the case in other years, appropriate opinion
research will be conducted to help frame issues and assess the public mood and strategic setting.
Drafting. As in previous years, drafting will be done by Speechwriting, with the active
involvement of others inside and outside the White House (especially including Sid and Paul).
We should involve Bob Shrum early, his time permitting.
Roll-up and roll-out. The Communications Department, along with Cabinet Affairs, OPL,
and Political, will coordinate the effort during the week before and after the address that will
preview and then support his message.
II. SCHEDULE
Here is a recommended schedule for the State of the Union drafting and policy process. It
assumes a speech date in late January.
October
Week 3 -
Gathering first "outside" memos (as part of pillars project)
Week 4 -
"Pillars" meeting
Very first cut of "themes" memo
State of the Union "retreat"
�November
Meeting with President - 1 hour - initial discussion of goals and themes
Policy development - canvassing agencies, advocates, experts
December
Weeks 1/2 -
Policy development continued
Two meetings with President 1 hour each - to discuss policy issues
End of the year interviews previewing themes
Week 3 -
Outline circulated
Week 4 -
Outline submitted to President
January
Week 1 -
Outline submitted
Academic dinners
Week 2 -
First draft in to President
Week 3
6 hours of speech prep needed
Week 4
State-of-the-Union
�Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
AND TYPE
008. memo
SUBJEClTriTLE
DATE
Michael Waldman to the President; RE: Strategic Plan (2 pages)
09/02/1997
RESTRICTION
P5
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
Speechwriting
Michael Waldman
OA/Box Number: 14458
FOLDER TITLE:
KS: MW [Michael Waldman] SOTU [State ofthe Union] Memos
2006-0469-F
db3333
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act -15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI
P2
P3
P4
b(l) National security classified information 1(b)(1) of the FOIA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
an agency 1(b)(2) of the FOIA|
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute 1(b)(3) ofthe FOIA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
information |(b)(4) ofthe FOIA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy ((b)(6) of the FOIA]
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) ofthe FOIA|
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions 1(b)(8) ofthe FOIA]
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells 1(b)(9) ofthe FOIA]
National Security Classified Information 1(a)(1) ofthe PRA]
Relating to the appointment to Federal office 1(a)(2) ofthe PRA|
Release would violate a Federal statute 1(a)(3) ofthe PRA|
Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
financial information 1(a)(4) of the PRA)
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA)
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy 1(a)(6) ofthe PRA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
of gift.
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
2201(3).
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Michael Waldman
Description
An account of the resource
<p>Michael Waldman was Assistant to the President and Director of Speechwriting from 1995-1999. His responsibilities were writing and editing nearly 2,000 speeches, which included four State of the Union speeches and two Inaugural Addresses. From 1993 -1995 he served as Special Assistant to the President for Policy Coordination.</p>
<p>The collection generally consists of copies of speeches and speech drafts, talking points, memoranda, background material, correspondence, reports, handwritten notes, articles, clippings, and presidential schedules. A large volume of this collection was for the State of the Union speeches. Many of the speech drafts are heavily annotated with additions or deletions. There are a lot of articles and clippings in this collection.</p>
<p>Due to the size of this collection it has been divided into two segments. Use links below for access to the individual segments:<br /><a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=43&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=2006-0469-F+Segment+1">Segment One</a><br /><a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/browse?advanced%5B0%5D%5Belement_id%5D=43&advanced%5B0%5D%5Btype%5D=is+exactly&advanced%5B0%5D%5Bterms%5D=2006-0469-F+Segment+2">Segment Two</a></p>
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Michael Waldman
Office of Speechwriting
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
1993-1999
Identifier
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2006-0469-F
Extent
The size or duration of the resource.
Segment One contains 1071 folders in 72 boxes.
Segment Two contains 868 folders in 66 boxes.
Provenance
A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource.
Clinton Presidential Records: White House Staff and Office Files
Publisher
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William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Format
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Adobe Acrobat Document
Text
A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text.
Original Format
The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data
paper
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
KS: MW[Michael Waldman] SOTU [State of the Union] Memos
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Office of Speechwriting
Michael Waldman
Is Part Of
A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included.
Box 36
<a href="http://clinton.presidentiallibraries.us/items/show/36404"> Collection Finding Aid</a>
<a href="https://catalog.archives.gov/id/7763296">National Archives Catalog Description</a>
Identifier
An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context
2006-0469-F Segment 2
Provenance
A statement of any changes in ownership and custody of the resource since its creation that are significant for its authenticity, integrity, and interpretation. The statement may include a description of any changes successive custodians made to the resource.
White House Staff and Office Files
Publisher
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William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum
Format
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Adobe Acrobat Document
Medium
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Preservation-Reproduction-Reference
Date Created
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6/3/2015
Source
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7763296
42-t-7763296-20060469F-Seg2-036-007-2015