Quick story about the mechanics of speechwriting on September 11, 2001.

On that day I was working as a research assistant in the White House speechwriting office. Later in the week, President Bush was to re-dedicate the Old Executive Office Building as the Eisenhower Executive Office Building. Given the building’s history – it once housed elements of the Departments of War and of State – Secretaries Rumsfeld and Powell were slated to speak at the ceremony in addition to the president.

Standard operating procedure when the president and members of the Cabinet were speaking at the same event was for our office to get a look at the secretaries’ remarks to make sure there weren’t any conflicts or too much overlap – no need to subject the audience to multiple speeches saying the exact same thing.

September 11th was the day Rumsfeld’s and Powell’s speeches were due to our office.

Just after 9am – post-New York attacks, pre-Pentagon attack – I sent one of the most unintentionally understated emails of my government career. It was to the secretaries’ speechwriters and went something like this: “Hey, I’m sure things will be a little crazy in your offices today. Feel free to send us the EEOB dedication speeches tomorrow if that’s easier.”

I’m quite the guy, aren’t I?

Imagine my surprise when I got to work the next day and had Secretary Rumsfeld’s remarks in my inbox. Speechwriters never rest!

The event, of course, was delayed for many months.