(2006-0485-F Segment 1) Rev. Billy Graham - Evangelist

The materials in 2006-0485-F are a selective, not necessarily all inclusive, body of documents responsive to the topic of the FOIA. Researchers should consult the archivist about related materials. FOIA request 2006-0485-F contains records relating to correspondence, meetings, and phone calls between President Clinton and the Reverend Billy Graham. The two men were on friendly terms and wrote each other on a fairly regular basis throughout the 1990s. Clinton exhibited a considerable amount of concern about the steadily worsening physical condition of Graham and his wife, Ruth. The White House Office of Records Management (WHORM) Alpha File contains just a few records of interest. In a letter to Clinton, Graham congratulated him on winning re-election in 1996. The world renowned clergyman generally composed his correspondence with Clinton and other confidantes on a manual typewriter. The White House Office of Records Management (WHORM) Subject File contains material from several categories. There were many types of messages that passed between President Clinton and Graham. These missives are encompassed by a number of the subject categories and include annual birthday greetings from Clinton to Graham, get well wishes Clinton sent upon learning of the hospitalization of the Grahams, and encouragement Graham offered to Clinton in the matter of his pursuit of a national health care plan and other issues. On a more personal basis, Clinton and Graham exchanged letters that dealt with religious matters. Graham exhorted Clinton to be a “positive force” in “challenging times.” The President responded by thanking the iconic figure for the prayers he voiced during the turbulent years of his Administration. The White House Staff and Office Files contain printed materials and memos. The records of Floy McAfee in Public Liaison are comprised largely of background material in the form of photocopies of magazine and newspaper articles and booklets. These papers document the life of Billy Graham and have a wealth of information about the various international religious crusades he embarked on during his career. Providing only very basic details about phone calls and meetings involving Graham and Clinton, the Electronic Daily Diary is not, on the whole, a valuable tool for the researcher. The NSC Cable, Email, and Records Management Systems contain memos, letters, and talking points dealing with Graham and the countries of Japan, China, and North Korea. For instance, Graham was planning a Tokyo Crusade in Japan and wanted Clinton to supply letters of introduction to the Prime Minister and American Ambassador. These records show how this entire process played out.