The Man Who Ran Washington

1. Baker's Early Life Shaped His Pragmatic Approach

The world that Jimmy was born into had been shaped, to a remarkable degree, by his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather before him.

Privilege and Duty. James Addison Baker III was born into a prominent Texas family of lawyers and bankers, instilling in him a sense of duty and discipline. His upbringing emphasized the importance of preparation and hard work, values that would later define his career.

• His family's history in law and business provided him with a deep understanding of power structures and how to navigate them.
• His father's strict expectations and emphasis on preparation shaped his approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

Texas Roots, Global Vision. Baker's Texas background instilled in him a pragmatic, results-oriented approach to problem-solving. He was raised in a conservative environment that valued limited government and free enterprise.

• His early exposure to the oil and gas industry gave him a practical understanding of economics and business.
• His family's aversion to politics, stemming from their experiences during the Civil War, initially kept him away from public service.

Accidental Politician. Despite his privileged background, Baker's entry into politics was largely accidental, driven by personal tragedy and a desire to support his friend George H.W. Bush. This unexpected path would lead him to become one of the most influential unelected officials in American history.

2. Friendship with George H.W. Bush: A Lifelong Partnership

DELEGATE HUNTER, campaign manager, White House chief of staff, treasury secretary, and secretary of state, James Addison Baker III played a leading role in some of the most critical junctures in modern American history.

Tennis Court Diplomacy. The friendship between Baker and Bush, forged on the tennis courts of the Houston Country Club, became a defining force in American politics. Their shared love of competition and their complementary skills created a powerful partnership.

• Their contrasting personalities – Bush the affable connector, Baker the shrewd strategist – made them an effective team.
• Their shared experiences on the campaign trail and in government deepened their bond and fostered a deep level of trust.

A Symbiotic Relationship. Baker's political acumen and organizational skills proved invaluable to Bush's career, helping him navigate the complex world of Washington politics. In turn, Bush provided Baker with opportunities for public service and a platform to exercise his talents.

• Baker managed Bush's campaigns, served as his chief of staff, and later as his secretary of state.
• Bush's loyalty and support were crucial to Baker's success, providing him with access to power and influence.

Beyond Politics. Their friendship transcended politics, built on shared values, mutual respect, and a genuine affection for each other's families. This personal connection allowed them to navigate difficult situations and maintain a strong working relationship even when they disagreed.

3. From Corporate Law to Political Fixer: An Accidental Ascent

The man who would dominate Washington turned out to be an accidental political savant.

A Reluctant Lawyer. Baker's early career as a corporate lawyer in Houston provided him with valuable skills in negotiation, deal-making, and problem-solving. However, he found the work unfulfilling and yearned for something more meaningful.

• His legal training instilled in him a meticulous attention to detail and a strategic approach to challenges.
• His experience in the business world gave him a practical understanding of economics and finance.

Watergate's Opportunity. The Watergate scandal decimated the Republican Party, creating an opportunity for new leaders to emerge. Baker, with his clean reputation and his connection to Bush, was well-positioned to fill the void.

• His lack of prior political experience proved to be an asset, allowing him to approach problems with a fresh perspective.
• His ability to connect with people from different backgrounds and political persuasions made him an effective negotiator and consensus builder.

The Rise of the Miracle Man. Baker's success in managing Gerald Ford's campaign against Ronald Reagan earned him a reputation as a political "miracle man." This reputation would propel him to the highest levels of American politics.

4. Tragedy Strikes: Mary Stuart's Death and Baker's Transformation

God came today.

A Devastating Loss. The death of Baker's first wife, Mary Stuart, from cancer was a profound turning point in his life. It forced him to confront his own mortality and to re-evaluate his priorities.

• Her death left him a single father to four young sons, a challenge that tested his strength and resilience.
• The tragedy also deepened his empathy and compassion, making him more attuned to the suffering of others.

A New Purpose. Mary Stuart's death spurred Baker to seek a more meaningful life beyond the confines of corporate law. He found purpose in public service, dedicating himself to helping his friend George Bush achieve his political goals.

• He channeled his grief into action, throwing himself into the world of politics with a newfound passion.
• He became a surrogate father to his sons, instilling in them the values of hard work, integrity, and service to others.

A Second Chance at Love. Baker found love again with Susan Winston, a close friend of Mary Stuart's, who helped him navigate the challenges of raising a blended family. Their marriage provided him with stability and support as he embarked on his career in Washington.

5. The Reagan White House: Mastering the Art of Power

WASHINGTON LOVES the ones who grease its gears. But history only remembers the ones who shift them.

Chief of Staff as Co-President. As Ronald Reagan's chief of staff, Baker became one of the most powerful unelected officials in American history. He controlled access to the president, managed the White House staff, and shaped the administration's agenda.

• He was a master of bureaucratic maneuvering, skillfully navigating the complex power dynamics of the White House.
• He understood the importance of message control and worked to ensure that the administration spoke with a unified voice.

The Pragmatist in an Ideological White House. Baker's pragmatic approach often clashed with the more ideological members of Reagan's team. He believed in finding practical solutions to problems, even if it meant compromising on conservative principles.

• He was instrumental in pushing through Reagan's tax cuts, but also recognized the need for fiscal responsibility.
• He was a strong advocate for bipartisanship, working with Democrats to achieve common goals.

The Velvet Hammer. Baker's ability to get things done while maintaining a sense of civility earned him the nickname "the Velvet Hammer." He was a tough negotiator, but he also knew how to build consensus and forge lasting relationships.

6. Navigating the End of the Cold War: A Diplomatic Tightrope

Through it all, he was the archetype of a style of American politics and governance that today seems lost, an approach focused on compromise over confrontation, deal-making over disagreement and pragmatism over purity.

Secretary of State in a Time of Change. As secretary of state under President George H.W. Bush, Baker played a central role in managing the end of the Cold War and shaping the new world order. He was a key architect of American foreign policy during a period of unprecedented change.

• He skillfully negotiated with Soviet leaders, helping to bring about the peaceful reunification of Germany.
• He assembled a broad international coalition to confront Saddam Hussein's aggression in Kuwait.

The Two Plus Four Formula. Baker's innovative approach to diplomacy, exemplified by the "Two Plus Four" talks on German reunification, involved bringing together key players to find common ground and build consensus. This approach would become a hallmark of his diplomatic style.

A New World Order. Baker helped to shape a new American approach to a reordered world, one focused on cooperation, multilateralism, and the promotion of democracy and free markets. He was a strong believer in American leadership, but also recognized the importance of working with allies to achieve shared goals.

7. The Gulf War and the New World Order: A Moment of American Leadership

He negotiated with Democrats at home and Soviets abroad, assembled the coalition that won the Gulf War and brokered the reunification of Germany in the heart of Europe.

Building a Coalition. Baker's diplomatic skills were put to the test as he assembled a broad international coalition to confront Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait. He skillfully navigated complex relationships with Arab states, European allies, and the Soviet Union to forge a united front against aggression.

• He secured the support of key Arab states, including Egypt and Saudi Arabia, by emphasizing the importance of upholding international law and protecting regional stability.
• He persuaded the Soviet Union to join the coalition, marking a historic moment of cooperation between the former Cold War adversaries.

Desert Diplomacy. Baker's tireless shuttle diplomacy in the Middle East and around the world helped to build support for military action against Iraq. He skillfully managed competing interests and competing agendas to maintain the coalition's unity.

A New World Order. The successful liberation of Kuwait was seen as a triumph for American leadership and a validation of the "New World Order" that Bush and Baker envisioned. However, the decision not to remove Saddam Hussein from power would have long-term consequences for the region.

8. From Power Broker to Elder Statesman: A Legacy of Pragmatism

He was truly the Man Who Ran Washington back when Washington still ran the world.

A Figure of Bipartisan Nostalgia. In the years following his time in office, Baker's reputation only grew as Washington became increasingly gridlocked and dysfunctional. He became a figure of surprisingly bipartisan nostalgia for a different time and a different sort of leadership.

The Velvet Hammer. Baker's ability to get things done while maintaining a sense of civility and respect earned him the admiration of both Republicans and Democrats. He was a master of the art of the deal, always seeking to find common ground and build consensus.

A Complex Legacy. Baker's legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a hard-edged partisan who nonetheless believed in bipartisanship. He was a shrewd political operator who also believed in public service. He was a master of the levers of power who used his influence to shape the world.

Last updated: March 3, 2025