Historical clue formulations

• "Thanks, I ___ that" — 2020-07-28
• Requisite — 2017-01-14
• Necessary — 2012-02-21
• Compulsory — 2010-09-17
• Like fourth-down yardage — 2009-06-14
• Obligatory — 2009-01-25
• Indispensable — 2008-12-02
• Vital — 2007-05-05
• Like fourth-down yardage — 2007-04-27
• Vital — 2004-07-10
• Essential — 2004-04-05
• Essential — 2004-03-26
• Had to have — 2004-02-02
• Had to have — 2003-07-08
• Vital — 2002-10-17
• Not optional — 2001-08-17
• Not optional — 2001-05-13
• Had to have — 2000-08-15
• Like yardage on a fourth down — 1999-11-13
• Had to have — 1997-04-16
• Something nice to feel — 1997-01-24
• Not optional — 1995-07-20
• Had a lack — 1994-12-06
• In demand — 1994-12-03
• Lacked — 1994-08-02