Get It Done - by Ben Barnes & David Ritz (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

From one of the most influential officeholders in Texas and power brokers in Washington over the last seventy years, lifetime Democrat Ben Barnes, an intimate and unexpected look behind the corridors of power.

Ben Barnes started out as a whistleblower. He was only nineteen when he uncovered corruption in the Health Department in Austin, Texas, and testified against the culprits. He felt empowered--a guy like him could make a difference. Now at eighty-seven, despite his impressive career, he is trying to go more places and solve more problems than any other time in his life. Barnes is ready to share his decades of political experience and remind readers that there is a way to keep going and keep fighting, even in the golden years. The golden years are a fine time to get things done.

In Get It Done, Ben Barnes details never-before-heard stories of the most consequential politicians of the past several decades, including Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, John Connally, Hubert Humphrey, Ross Perot, Barbara Jordan, Nancy Pelosi, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump. He sheds new light on pivotal political events, including the Kennedy assassination, the Anwar Sadat assassination, the Vietnam War, and the Iranian hostage crisis. Further, Barnes offers actionable lessons to successfully face, combat, and thwart the consequences of the second Trump term.

Review Quotes

"Ben Barnes is a master of power and politics. For over 65 years, he has shown an uncanny ability to get things done. The 'premier protege' of LBJ, Barnes has dealt with every president from JFK through Trump--and, as Get it Done shows, he has the stories to prove it. Moreover, this timely and aptly titled book offers his wisdom on how we can change the 'suffocating political climate' and regain the 'moral heart' of our reeling nation. A must read."--Mark K. Updegrove, Chairman & CEO of the LBJ Foundation and author of Make Your Mark

"Ben Barnes' remarkable gift for storytelling is matched only by his gift for friendship. Get It Done is a worthy follow-up to Barn Burning Barn Building with revealing anecdotes that are as reflective as they are straight from the heart. Ben has lived an only-in-America story at the intersection of history from LBJ to today, and he spins the tales in a way that only a proud Texan could. Get It Done is proof that Ben still has a lot left to say and even more to offer."--John Kerry, U.S. Senator, Democratic Nominee for President, and former Secretary of State

"Few people have witnessed -- and shaped -- American public life the way Ben Barnes has. In this deeply personal and engaging book, he shares hard-earned lessons from a lifetime of leadership, service, and friendship. Part captivating memoir, part thoughtful guide, it is essential reading for everyone who cares about the future of this country."--Nanci Pelosi, U.S. House Speaker Emeritus

"I love and admire Ben Barnes and hope the whole world reads his story. It's a good one."--Willie Nelson

"When a gifted storyteller has a great story to tell, the result is magic. How lucky we are that Ben Barnes finally wrote his memoir, a rousing journey through eight decades of a life well-lived."--Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning author

About the Author

Ben Barnes was Speaker of the Texas House at the age of 26, and the youngest Lieutenant Governor in Texas history. He spent the next 70 years serving as a trusted consultant, lobbyist, and power broker. He serves at the CEO and Founder of the Ben Barnes Group. He lives in Austin, TX.