(2014-0496-F) Speech Preparation

The materials in FOIA 2014-0496-F are a selective body of documents responsive to the topic of the FOIA. Researchers should consult the archivist about additional related materials. FOIA 2014-0496-F concerns audio tapes, transcripts and correspondence concerning taped conversations with President Clinton created for the use of White House speechwriters. Records include emailed correspondence concerning taped speech preparation meetings with the President of the United States and transcriptions of “speech prep” meetings. Emailed correspondence contains transcriptions of speech preparation for 1997 Inaugural Speech, 1997, State of the Union (SOTU), and an unidentified 1998 speech, 1999 SOTU, and 2000 SOTU. Responsive records also include three audio cassette tapes. The first of three audio cassettes in this collection is labeled: “1:24pm 457 F1.” This audio cassette contains a recording of President Clinton conversing with speechwriting advisers and practicing his upcoming 1998 State of the Union address. The second audio cassette is labeled: “SOTU 1/26/98.” This audio cassette contains a recording of President Clinton conversing with speechwriting advisers and practicing his upcoming 1998 State of the Union address. The third cassette is labeled on both sides of the cassette: Side A is labeled “SOTU 1/26/97 (Blank ?),” and Side B is labeled: “SOTU 1/26/98.” Side A contains a recording of a staffer, approximately 4 seconds in length, and the rest of the side is ambient noise. Side B contains a recording of President Clinton conversing with speechwriting advisers and practicing his upcoming 1998 State of the Union address. Though the records include transcriptions of audio tapes containing “speech prep” between the speech writing staff and the President, not all of the audio tapes are found in the archival collection at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) addressed this issue after releasing a transcribed audio recording of 1999 State of the Union “speech prep” meeting. NARA stated that “The creation of this particular audio tape, its use, and any transcription [aides] chose to make were all done by White House staff prior to the transfer of Clinton Presidential records to NARA, and as such we simply don’t know much more than what can be found by searching the holdings as our Archival staff has done.”