Robert O. Boorstin
Policy advisorUnited States
Robert O. Boorstin is an American policy advisor who served in senior communications and foreign-policy roles during the Clinton administration and later worked in public policy at Google. He also helped establish the Center for American Progress. [2]
Career and work
Boorstin has worked across government, journalism, technology and public policy. During the Clinton administration, he served in senior communications and foreign-policy roles, including as President Bill Clinton’s national-security speechwriter and as an adviser in the Treasury and State departments. [2]
After leaving government, he helped establish the Center for American Progress and ran its national-security program. He later spent more than seven years as a director of public policy at Google. Earlier in his career, he worked as a reporter for The New York Times. [2]
What has been publicly discussed
Sources and other resourcesExpand to view the sources used in this profile and resources to learn more.
Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
Harvard Business Review“Managing a Manic-Depressive” Boorstin’s first-person account of his diagnosis, professional disclosure and experience working while living with manic depression.
Stimson CenterRobert O. Boorstin Professional biography covering his journalism, Clinton administration, Center for American Progress and Google roles.
Los Angeles Times“Mental Health May Be Part of Reform, Tipper Gore Says” Covers his two delusional episodes, hospitalization, lithium use and health-policy advocacy.
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The Boston Globe, preserved by the Clinton Presidential Library“Clinton aide eases stigma of mental health care” Contemporary profile covering his 1988 manic episode, McLean hospitalization, medication, therapy, subsequent period without another episode and insurance advocacy.
The New Yorker“Anatomy of Melancholy” Includes Boorstin reflecting on manic depression, recurrence and the fear of losing control of his mind.
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Recommended books and other resources about Robert O. Boorstin and their experiences.
- “Creative Tension”The Washington Post
Feature about mental illness and creativity that includes Boorstin discussing his psychiatric history and public disclosure.
- “Mental Illness Panel”Charlie Rose
Discussion featuring Boorstin on mental illness, stigma and society’s response to psychiatric conditions.
- “Workplace Mental Health with Bob Boorstin”Care for Your Mind
Later interview about disclosure, workplace discrimination and mental-health advocacy.