The Man Who Ran Washington: The Life and Times of James A. Baker III by Peter Baker, Susan Glasser

James A. Baker III, known affectionately as “the Man Who Ran Washington”, has been called one of the most successful political operatives in American politics. Peter Baker's book, "The Man Who Ran Washington: The Life and Times of James A. Baker III” man attempts to explore the extraordinary career and life of the longest-serving US Secretary of both the Treasury and State. Baker’s illustrious career, as well as contributions to society, are recounted in vivid detail.

Baker was born in 1930 in Houston, Texas. After serving in the US Marines, he earned a legal degree from the University of Texas and opened a practice. He soon became involved in the Republican party and was a welcomed addition to President Nixon’s White House staff in 1973. He then served as chief of staff for President Ford and eventually became the first person to hold two cabinet-level posts, under President Reagan and President George H. W. Bush.

Baker was known as a consensus-builder and political maverick. He was able to use his charm and political savvy to broker difficult deals such as an agreement amongst competing Middle Eastern nations and the creation of diplomatic ties between the United States and China. His success in government can be attributed to his remarkable talent for negotiation and his ability to identify and deal with problematic issues. Behind closed doors, Baker was known for his immense work ethic, his ability to think through complex issues and his absolute loyalty to his republicans superiors.

Baker helped shaped modern politics. He engineered the 1984 Republican Convention for Reagan and the 1988 Convention for Bush. Working with political advisors Diane Sawyer and Lee Atwater, he wrote the party’s platform and philosophy. Baker played a key role in the budget deals of the 1980s and the reduction in the federal budget deficit. Baker was influential in the formation of the NAFTA and was a driving force behind the nuclear arms reduction treaty with the Soviet Union.

The Man Who Ran Washington is a comprehensive look at James A. Baker III’s extraordinary career and life. Peter Baker admits that despite the decades of political experience, Baker remains something of a mystery. However, using his skill as a reporter, Baker succeeds in recounting the numerous maneuverings of Baker’s political career. He also acknowledges Baker’s essential role in American foreign policy and recounts some of the lesser-known achievements of Baker, such as working with arch-enemy Saddam Hussein to gain the release of Western hostages. Baker has, as usual, remained a consummate professional and private citizen who continues to work for the betterment of his country.

The Man Who Ran Washington is an important look at an influential yet largely unknown figure in American politics. Peter Baker reveals that James A. Baker III was an untiring political operator, highly skilled diplomat and an agent for change. Baker’s life and career serve as a reminder of the power of effective leadership and the importance of working for the common good.