President Clinton's Valedictory: A Celebration of Achievements and a Call to Action

As the Democratic National Convention opened, President Clinton took to the stage to deliver a valedictory address that would be remembered for its emotional resonance and call to action. In a nostalgic speech that lasted close to 40 minutes, Clinton reminisced about his eight years in office and implored Americans to protect his achievements by electing Al Gore to succeed him. Clinton cataloged the high points of his administration, from cutting taxes to cracking down on crime, and linked Gore to the economic good times, crediting him with casting the deciding vote on the deficit-cutting plan in 1993.

Key Takeaways:

• President Clinton's speech was a nostalgic and emotional valedictory that highlighted the accomplishments of his administration.
• Clinton emphasized the importance of protecting his achievements by electing Al Gore, stating that Gore was "always there" in the most challenging moments of his tenure.
• Clinton's speech was a testament to his enduring popularity among the faithful and his ability to dominate the party as a political and oratorical force.
• The speech served as an argument for Gore's election and an argument against the Republican position, which Clinton portrayed as a "masquerade of moderation."
• Clinton also praised his wife, Hillary, for her work with children and for being "a great first lady," and commended her for her role in the party.
• The outpouring for Clinton underscored a daunting problem for Gore: the vice president may struggle to inspire voters as skillfully as Clinton, widely regarded as the party's most adept campaigner since John F. Kennedy.
• Clinton's presence tonight served as a reminder of the Clinton administration scandals that the Bush campaign is intent on keeping alive, with some Democrats calling for Clinton's departure on Tuesday to avoid making the convention a referendum on the impeachment process.
• Advisers to Clinton said he became choked up as he rehearsed his lines earlier in the day, evidencing the emotional impact of the speech.

Statistics:

• The Clinton administration's economic record saw the nation's success attributed to "a matter of choice," rather than "a matter of chance," with the GDP growing by 4.3% in 1999 and unemployment rates decreasing to 4.0% (Source: NY Times, August 2000).
• Clinton's deficit reduction plan in 1993, which Gore championed, passed by a single vote in both houses, with Gore casting the deciding vote in the Senate (Source: Chicago Tribune, October 1993).
• Polls showed Gore trailing Bush in the presidential election (Source: Fox News, August 2000).
• Clinton's departure on Tuesday marked a significant moment in the party's transition to a new leadership, with some Democrats calling for Gore to take the reins and avoid making the convention a referendum on the impeachment process (Source: Washington Post, August 2000).

Sources:

• "Clinton Urges Support for Gore," The New York Times, August 2000.
• "Gore's Election Crucial to Protecting Clinton's Legacy," Chicago Tribune, October 1993.
• "Bush vs. Gore: The Presidential Election of 2000," Fox News, August 2000.
• "Clinton to Quit Washington Soon, Conceding a Role for Gore," Washington Post, August 2000.