Robert O. Boorstin

Policy advisor

United States

Bipolar disorderSelf-disclosed [1]

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]

Last updated September 15, 2026

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

“The thought of being without your mind is a lot scarier than being without anything else.”
— Robert O. Boorstin [5]

The following sources contain information that supports the claims made in this profile.

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.
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.

Recommended books and other resources about Robert O. Boorstin and lived experience.

The Washington Post“Creative Tension”
Feature about mental illness and creativity that includes Boorstin discussing his psychiatric history and public disclosure.
Charlie Rose“Mental Illness Panel”
Discussion featuring Boorstin on mental illness, stigma and society’s response to psychiatric conditions.
Care for Your Mind“Workplace Mental Health with Bob Boorstin”
Later interview about disclosure, workplace discrimination and mental-health advocacy.

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