Friends and Fellow-Citizens.

Today's Marketing Cookie is about the finest example of a leader who remained steadfast and humble, even when others showered him with overwhelming praise and adulation.

Leaders from both parties agreed: he had been a good president. He had signed several important pieces of legislation into law and accomplished many good things for the country. His administration managed the government's challenging financial situation well, ensuring economic stability during tough times. When protests erupted over a new tax, he took swift action to restore peace. On the international front, he skillfully kept the country neutral during a major conflict, avoiding entanglements in foreign wars. He also negotiated key treaties that maintained peace and significantly boosted trade and economic expansion.

Many members of his cabinet, state governors, and members from both houses of Congress urged him to run for re-election. Among these voices was a brilliant and influential advisor, who sent him a private letter articulating the perils that could beset the country without his guiding hand. Despite the flattery and compliments, the president remained firm in his decision to step aside. Instead of being swayed, he asked his advisor to help draft his announcement not to seek re-election as a farewell letter to the American people.

They worked together on the speech in great secrecy, even as people continued to praise the president and likely expected him to accept a nomination for re-election. Draft after draft, the president insisted on making the speech shorter and simpler. They exchanged revisions for quite some time until the address conveyed exactly what he wanted the American people to hear.

Ten weeks before the election, the president’s farewell speech was finished and published for every American to read on September 19, 1796. Every word, perfected by the pen of Alexander Hamilton, artfully conveyed the message of our first president, George Washington, emphasizing democratic principles and the peaceful transfer of power. Although some wanted him to serve for life, or even become a monarch, no one better personifies today’s fortune as it says, “Keep your feet on the ground even though friends flatter you.”