NEW YORK (AP) — Robert B. Barnett, a prominent Washington attorney known for his influential role in the political and publishing sectors, has passed away at the age of 79. His executive assistant, Ashley Duffy, confirmed that he died on Thursday night, although further details about his passing have not yet been disclosed.
Barnett was a robust figure who had a strong presence marked by his distinctive tortoise shell glasses, antique cuff links, and a voice that conveyed both authority and approachability. He represented a unique era in which political affiliations did not hinder one’s ability to secure lucrative book deals across the aisle. A staunch Democrat, he participated in Jimmy Carter's 1976 campaign and aided Bill Clinton with various aspects of his campaigns, yet he was equally adept at negotiating contracts for Republican figures. He humorously remarked that if all his clients convened in one room, it would lead to “World War III.”
As a partner at the prestigious law firm Williams & Connolly, Barnett became a fixture as an intermediary between the elite in Washington, D.C., and New York publishers for over two decades. From the early 1990s until the conclusion of the Obama administration in 2017, he represented three former presidents and their spouses—Bill and Hillary Clinton, George W. and Laura Bush, and Barack and Michelle Obama—along with various prominent political figures such as Ted Kennedy, Mitch McConnell, Joe Biden, and Donald Rumsfeld, among others. His extensive client roster solidified his status in the industry, and he was often referred to as “the doorman to Washington’s revolving door,” representing numerous politicians exiting public office.
Barnett distinguished himself by billing clients hourly rather than taking a cut of royalties, a practice that excluded many average writers but was highly rewarding for high-profile clients who secured multi-million dollar contracts. Over a span of six consecutive presidential races from 1992 to 2012, a Barnett client was always elected, frequently defeating candidates not represented by him. Republican strategist Karl Rove commended Barnett in 2017, calling him one of the wisest advisors he had ever worked with.
Beyond politics, Barnett's clientele extended to notable media executives like Roger Ailes and Bob Woodward, music industry legends such as Elton John and Barbra Streisand, major business figures like Jack Welch and Phil Knight, and international leaders including former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. His literary reach was broad; he helped produce the bestselling political novel "The President Is Missing"—a collaboration between James Patterson and Bill Clinton—and represented several prominent journalists who covered the White House.
Barnett's streak of political success came to an end after 2016 when Donald Trump, a non-client, won the presidential election against Hillary Clinton. His influence began to wane as the landscape shifted, and he found himself increasingly challenged by newer agencies in the industry. When reflecting on his legacy in a 2012 interview with a British law firm, Barnett expressed a desire to be remembered as a loyal confidant, counselor, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His connection with political figures was evident; during 2012 debate preparations, President Obama remarked that Barnett epitomized conventional wisdom in the political landscape.
Originally from Waukegan, Illinois, Barnett graduated from Waukegan High School and later earned a degree in political science from the University of Wisconsin, followed by a law degree from the University of Chicago. His career began in Washington, D.C., during the early 1970s, where he clerked for Supreme Court Justice Byron White and served as an aide to Senator Walter Mondale. After joining Williams & Connolly in 1975 and becoming a partner in 1978, Barnett’s unexpected foray into publishing began when he helped Geraldine Ferraro secure a deal for her memoir after her 1984 vice presidential campaign.
Barnett’s familiarity with the political and publishing worlds allowed him to thrive as a negotiator, especially during significant moments in the careers of his clients. He maintained a close relationship with the Clintons, providing counsel during critical situations, including the aftermath of Vince Foster's death and the Monica Lewinsky scandal. His expertise was notably influential during the 2008 Democratic primary, where he seamlessly navigated the competing interests of his longtime client, Hillary Clinton, and newcomer Barack Obama, leading to significant book deals that helped propel both candidates' careers.
