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William Jefferson Clinton
President William Jefferson Clinton has always possessed great vision for what the nation could be—what
is needed to make the United States an even greater country in which to live. He is also a great communicator,
being able to reach the American people and draw upon their support for his ideas. President Clinton talks
to the "average American," convincing them that the ideals and plans presented are actually
their dreams and will help them all. This speech was delivered in the deepening shadows of official misconduct
charges. The Senate impeachment trial of President Clinton began days before this speech, and many Republicans
demanded that the president not deliver his address. When he did, a number of Republicans refused to attend,
and many others sat stonily and refused to acknowledge the president by applause or even by standing.
Faced with the trial and a potential loss of influence on Capitol Hill and coupled with a bitterly hostile
and partisan Republican majority in the House of Representatives, we can only speculate how many of the
proposals in this speech will be considered, much less enacted.
The speech and the ideas presented were a huge hit with the American people. Approval ratings for the
president soared to the 70% the day after the speech. Considering this response, Americans should closely
examine the State of the Union Address. According to President Clinton, what should be the priorities
for the government to act upon? Most of the issues presented in the address had been introduced into and
subsequently buried by the 105th Congress over the last two years. How many of these issues or proposals
affect you or someone you know? Do you agree with the president’s priorities? How do these priorities
differ from those of President Reagan in 1981?
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