    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [January 28, 2000]
    [Page 149]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Resignation of Senior Adviser to the President for
    Policy and Strategy Douglas B. Sosnik
    January 28, 2000

        It is hard to believe that in just a few weeks Doug Sosnik will be
    leaving the White House. As happy as I am for Doug and his wife,
    Fabiana, that he is taking on an exciting new
    challenge with the National Basketball Association, I am not looking
    forward to his departure, because he has been such an important part of
    virtually everything we have worked on over the past 6 years.
        Doug has that increasingly rare attribute--a ``passion for
    anonymity''--and a self-deprecating style that has made him perhaps the
    least known, most influential person in our community.
        What is known about Doug is certainly true: He has been an
    invaluable source of policy and political advice for me and my staff, a
    wise and steady counselor, and a reliable yet not too successful player
    of hearts.
        What is not so well known about Doug is his sense of history and of
    the moment; his humor and skill at bringing people together, cutting
    through the clutter and getting things done; his desire to mentor young
    and new staff members, many of whom have Doug to thank not only for
    helping them join this administration but for helping them succeed as
    well.
        An expert in the combative world of politics, Doug represents what
    is best about politics--a recognition that the root of the word is
    ``people'' and doing good things for people is what it's all about.
        He would never say it about himself but, to borrow a phrase from his
    new life, I hope that more people coming into careers in public service
    will ``be like Doug.''