[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 5 (Monday, February 7, 2000)]
[Page 184]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.''

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