Summary of "President Clinton and the Egg Timer" by Mark Katz

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Moth
• Host/Author: The Moth
• Episode: Mark Katz: President Clinton and the Egg Timer
• Release Date: November 8, 2010

Introduction

In this captivating episode of The Moth, storyteller Mark Katz recounts his unique experience working as a humor speechwriter for President Bill Clinton. Through a blend of political intrigue, personal reflection, and moments of levity, Katz provides an insider's look into the challenges and unexpected moments that defined his collaboration with one of America's most charismatic presidents.

Setting the Scene

Jan 1995, Washington D.C.: Mark Katz describes himself as being in a hotel holding room, dressed in a tuxedo, awaiting a pivotal meeting with President Clinton. Clutching a draft of a humorous speech and an egg timer, Katz is under immense pressure to craft a speech that can help Clinton recover from political setbacks.

• Notable Quote:

  "I was doing deep breathing exercises because I knew at any moment through that door would walk the President of the United States."
  (03:30)

The Political Climate

At the time, President Clinton was grappling with the aftermath of the 1994 midterm elections, which saw significant Republican gains led by Newt Gingrich's "Contract with America." Clinton's popularity was waning, and there was a pressing need to reinvigorate his public image.

• Notable Quote:

  "They set out a plan to kind of get back on track, and part of that plan included the State of the Union address early in '95."
  (04:15)

Despite the ambitious agenda of the State of the Union address, the speech became infamous for its length—an hour and six minutes—leading to widespread criticism that overshadowed its content.

Crafting the Humorous Speech

Amidst the tension, Katz was tasked with creating a humorous counterpart to Clinton's overly long and serious official address. The goal was to use humor as a means of self-deprecation, allowing Clinton to connect with the audience and defuse the mounting criticism.

• Notable Quote:

  "The whole idea was that the President would walk up to the podium, set his egg timer to five minutes, and place it on the corner of the podium, unleashing a room full of laughter and applause."
  (06:45)

Katz envisioned the egg timer as a symbol of Clinton's acknowledgment of past missteps and his commitment to brevity and relevance in his speeches.

Tension and Rejection

When Clinton arrived for their meeting, it was evident that he was unhappy. The initial optimism Katz felt about the egg timer joke quickly dissipated as Clinton bluntly refused to incorporate it into his speech.

• Notable Quote:

  "You can put that egg timer away now."
  (09:10)

Confused and disheartened, Katz struggled to convey the importance of the joke, believing it was crucial for mitigating the negative reception of the State of the Union address.

Standing His Ground

Determined to uphold his creative vision, Katz attempted to persuade Clinton of the egg timer's significance. However, the conversation took a tense turn as Clinton forcefully removed the egg timer, symbolizing his rejection of self-directed humor at that moment.

• Notable Quote:

  "I've been making fun of you for two days. There's no way I'm doing it."
  (12:35)

Katz describes this exchange as one of the bravest moments of his life, highlighting the personal and professional risks involved in challenging a sitting president.

The Alfalfa Club Dinner

The narrative shifts to the Alfalfa Club Dinner, an event attended by Washington's elite, including former presidents, Supreme Court Justices, and senior military officials. Clinton's speech at this event was anticipated to be a moment of redemption and humor, but it initially fell flat.

Katz recounts how Clinton's speech was marred by attempts at humor that missed the mark, leading to an atmosphere of discomfort and unease among the attendees.

• Notable Quote:

  "He launched into a mean, mean, meandering diatribe of a speech."
  (15:20)

The Redemption with the Egg Timer

As the speech spiraled, Clinton reached into his pocket and produced the egg timer, finally delivering the genuine laugh that Katz had envisioned. This moment served as a lifeline, rescuing the speech from complete failure and demonstrating Clinton's ability to self-criticize and connect authentically with his audience.

• Notable Quote:

  "Maybe this will help."
  (19:45)

Clinton's use of the egg timer not only salvaged the evening but also served as a testament to the power of humility and humor in leadership.

Aftermath and Reflection

Following the dinner, Katz returned to his life as a freelance writer, contemplating the complexities of working behind the scenes in the political arena. Despite the initial rejection, he received a personal note from Clinton, expressing gratitude for his contribution.

• Notable Quote:

  "Dear Mark, thank you for your help with the Alfalfa Dinner. You're a funny man. The egg timer was great. Best, Bill Clinton."
  (20:10)

This acknowledgment underscored the profound impact of Katz's efforts and the enduring nature of their professional relationship.

Conclusion

Mark Katz's story is a compelling blend of politics, creativity, and personal courage. Through his experience with President Clinton, Katz illustrates the delicate balance required to infuse humor into high-stakes environments and the resilience needed to navigate professional challenges. The egg timer serves as a powerful metaphor for time management, self-awareness, and the importance of seizing pivotal moments to effect meaningful change.

About the Author: Mark Katz is an ex-political operative, recovering copywriter, and author of Clinton and Me: A Real Life Political Comedy. He currently operates the Soundbite Institute, a creative consultancy that leverages humor for strategic purposes. Additionally, Katz contributes to The Daily Beast, sharing insights from his extensive experience in political communications.

This episode not only provides an insider's glimpse into the workings of the White House but also offers valuable lessons on the role of humor and authenticity in leadership. Mark Katz's storytelling prowess ensures that listeners are both entertained and enlightened by his experiences.