When President Bill Clinton (1946-; see entry in volume 5) delivered his final State of the Union address on January 27, 2000, the United States was enjoying its longest ever period of sustained economic growth. Accordingly, his speech was upbeat about the state of the nation, and optimistic on future prospects.

The speech came less than a year after he survived an impeachment trial. That the president could speak boldly of the nation's well-being, and that he proposed more aggressive government programs, showed that the presidency had not been weakened by the impeachment ordeal. However, his speech did not inspire or rally Congress into swift action, either.

Clinton's final State of the Union address was important as a reflection of optimism expressed during a time of prosperity. He envisioned great achievements to come. That view contrasted with the state...