President Joe Biden's lawyer, Bob Bauer, will publish a memoir titled "The Unraveling: Reflections on Politics without Ethics and Democracy in Crisis" on June 18. Bauer, aged 72, played key roles in the past three Democratic administrations, including serving as White House counsel during Bill Clinton's impeachment and as chief counsel for Barack Obama's campaigns. He also represented Biden during a special counsel investigation.
The memoir is expected to provide an insider's view of Biden's 2020 campaign, during which Bauer was a crucial player in the legal disputes with then-President Donald Trump. Notably, presidential historian Jon Meacham wrote the book's forward.
"The Unraveling" is a memoir and analysis combined, with a primary focus on the moral decay of the American political class. It emphasizes the necessity of restoring political ethics to renew American democracy. Bauer questions the boundary between authoritarian politics and undermining democracy itself.
Reflecting on his 46-year career, he explores political missteps, his own decisions, and significant efforts to protect democracy, especially during the 2020 and upcoming 2024 elections. The book addresses challenges like combating disinformation on social media platforms like Meta.
Colleagues and friends widely regard Bauer as a brilliant, cautious, and unflappable lawyer known for his integrity. Almost 12 former colleagues commended Bauer's collaborative spirit and legal prowess. He is recognized for his capability to deliver candid advice to influential individuals, regardless of their receptiveness. Former associates attribute this trait to his direct communication style and composed demeanor, even in challenging circumstances.
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Kathy Ruemmler, a former White House counsel, and Ben Ginsberg, an experienced Republican election lawyer, attested to Bauer's exceptional expertise in handling high-stakes legal issues. Valerie Jarrett, a prominent Obama adviser, commended Bauer's courage and unwavering determination, highlighting his role as a trusted messenger to Obama for delicate and personal matters.
Currently, Bauer is closely involved with Biden's re-election campaign. Given his marriage to top White House aide Anita Dunn, his forthcoming book is not expected to be a sensational tell-all but a thoughtful analysis of the political landscape.
Bauer is one of the few individuals who Obama and Biden trusted deeply. He has been a personal attorney to both and was acknowledged in Biden's 2017 memoir. His close working relationship with his wife, Dunn, a senior White House adviser, is marked by mutual respect, even when they disagree professionally.
Aside from his crucial role in Biden's election campaign, Bauer was critical in facilitating the bipartisan reform of the Electoral Count Act. This 19th-century law, which Trump attempted to exploit on January 6, was amended to prevent future presidents from manipulating it.
Biden's selection of Bauer was anticipated due to his long-standing advisory role and his leadership during Biden's 2020 campaign, particularly in handling complex challenges like sexual assault accusations and Election Day uncertainties. Bauer's skill in cutting through conspiracy theories and sound judgment secured Biden's steadfast trust.
As one of the most impactful Democratic lawyers of the 21st century, Bauer's memoir is expected to garner considerable interest from supporters and critics, providing profound insights into the ethical and democratic issues confronting American politics today.
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