The Unraveling by Bob Bauer is a deeply thoughtful book that includes reflections on his decades-long career in politics and gives insight into the ways we can work to strengthen our democracy. It couldn't be a more timely read.

President Barack Obama

Bob Bauer brings a unique combination of practical, on-the-ground expertise and deep intellectual rigor to the complex intersection of politics and ethics-a topic never more important, but seemingly never more hopeless, than today. In this sober, and sobering, update to The Unraveling, Bauer charts the dangerous new reality, in Donald Trump's second term, of 'a politics devoid of ethical as well as legal constraints.' He poses the unsettling question of whether private entities-from law firms to media organizations to educational institutions-will summon the fortitude to stand up to relentless, and lawless, bullying. Bauer's real-time assessment, including the performance of my own former employer, The Washington Post, is far from comforting-and the stakes are nothing less than 'the vibrancy and durability of American democracy.'

Ruth Marcus, contributor to The New Yorker

A man of the arena, Bob Bauer is remarkably candid about his own role in defining and in deploying the law of politics-or, sometimes, the politics of the law-in recent decades. In these pages he takes honest account of the conflicts and compromises of an inherently complex sphere of life.

Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian

Bob is one of the few people who has had a front seat to history through two Presidents and a first hand knowledge of the weight and responsibilities that sit on their shoulders. Through engaging storytelling and candor about his own experiences, Bob reminds us of the responsibility every public servant has to weigh ethics and morality in decision making not just in the age of Trump but well beyond.

Jen Psaki, Former White House press secretary, Host of Inside with Jen Psaki on MSNBC

Too many foxholes over too many years with Bob Bauer. His good advice is only rivaled by his good collegiality. Eager to dive into the Unraveling.

David Plouffe

With wit, insight, self-awareness, and humility, Bob Bauer reflects on his life as a leading political lawyer, making an urgent plea for a renewed commitment to political ethics. A must-read warning about how our existential politics has led to norm collapse, and how to bring us back from the brink.

Richard L. Hasen, author of A Real Right to Vote and Election Meltdown