Presidential Oral Histories

Speechwriters Oral History

Presidential Oral Histories |

Speechwriters Oral History

About this Interview

Job Title(s)

Hendrik Hertzberg: Speechwriter
Christopher Matthews: Speechwriter
Achsah Nesmith: Speechwriter
Gordon Stewart: Speechwriter

The Carter presidential speechwriters discuss the role of Carter in drafting speeches; the formalized speechwriting process; using communication strategy memos, speech plans, and multiple draft revisions; and the involvement of Cabinet members and senior advisors in the clearance process. The team reflects on the difficulties in unifying policy messages; addressing special interest groups; and the 1980 Democratic Convention and the "crisis of confidence" speech. They analyze Carter’s management style; his cautious approach to power; the impact of his communication style on public perception and policy; and Carter’s farewell address. The interview concludes with the influence of staff dynamics and the legacy of Carter’s leadership on Democratic Party strategies.

Participants
James Sterling Young, chair
Charles O. Jones
Donald Kettl
Kenneth Thompson
Jeff Tulis
Michael Grossman

Interview Date(s)

View all Jimmy Carter interviews

Transcript

This transcript may only be read by prior arrangement in hard copy at the Miller Center’s Scripps Library. Please Contact Us to access the interview at the Miller Center.