Kenneth Duberstein facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ken Duberstein
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg) |
|
| 13th White House Chief of Staff | |
| In office July 1, 1988 – January 20, 1989 |
|
| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Deputy | M. B. Oglesby |
| Preceded by | Howard Baker |
| Succeeded by | John H. Sununu |
| White House Deputy Chief of Staff | |
| In office February 27, 1987 – July 1, 1988 |
|
| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Michael Deaver |
| Succeeded by | M. B. Oglesby |
| White House Director of Legislative Affairs | |
| In office January 1982 – December 1983 |
|
| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Max Friedersdorf |
| Succeeded by | M. B. Oglesby |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 21, 1944 New York City, U.S. |
| Died | March 2, 2022 (aged 77) Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouses |
|
| Children | 4 |
| Education | Franklin & Marshall College (BA) American University (MA) |
Kenneth Marc Duberstein (born April 21, 1944 – died March 2, 2022) was an American political advisor. He worked for U.S. President Ronald Reagan as his White House Chief of Staff from 1988 to 1989. This was a very important job, helping the President manage his daily work and staff.
Contents
Early Life and School
Ken Duberstein was born in Brooklyn, New York. His family was Jewish. His mom, Jewel, was a teacher, and his dad, Aaron, helped raise money for the Boy Scouts.
He went to Poly Prep Country Day School. Then he studied at Franklin and Marshall College, where he earned a degree in 1965. He also got a master's degree from American University in 1966. Later, Franklin and Marshall College gave him an honorary law degree.
Working in Government
Duberstein started his career in public service on Capitol Hill. This is where the U.S. Congress meets. He worked as an intern for Senator Jacob K. Javits.
He also held other government jobs. He was a Deputy Under Secretary of Labor during President Gerald Ford's time. He also worked at the General Services Administration, which helps manage government buildings and supplies.
Working for President Reagan
During President Reagan's eight years in office, Duberstein worked at the White House twice. First, from 1981 to 1983, he helped the President with laws. His biggest success then was helping pass a major tax bill in 1982. This bill was part of Reagan's economic plan. Duberstein was known for working with both political parties to get things done.
His second time at the White House was for two years. First, he was the Deputy Chief of Staff. Then, for the last six months of Reagan's presidency, he became the White House Chief of Staff. This happened when President Reagan's popularity was low. Duberstein was known for his energy and hard work. He helped President Reagan give a speech to the country that improved his public image.
Many people believe Ken Duberstein was the first Jewish person to hold the job of White House Chief of Staff.
Between his White House jobs, he worked for a group called the Committee for Economic Development. He also worked as a lobbyist for a company called Timmons & Company. A lobbyist tries to influence government decisions on behalf of a group or company.
Later Career and Influence
In 1989, President Reagan gave Duberstein the Presidential Citizens Medal. This award is given to American citizens who have done great things for their country.
Duberstein was also involved with the U.S. Olympic Committee. He led their Ethics Committee. He also appeared on TV shows to talk about politics. He even worked as a consultant for the TV show The West Wing, which was about the White House.
In 2013, Duberstein supported same-sex marriage in a big court case. He signed a special legal paper to show his support. The court later decided to allow same-sex marriage in California.
Being a Lobbyist
After working in the White House, Duberstein became a very successful lobbyist. He started his own company, The Duberstein Group Inc., in 1987. His company helped businesses work with the government. Some of his clients included big companies like Amazon, BP, and MLB.
He was known for being very private about his work. This made people curious about what he did for his clients.
Helping Students
In 2020, Duberstein created a special fund at his old college, Franklin and Marshall. This fund helps students get unpaid internships in public service in Washington, D.C. He was also on the college's Board of Trustees for many years. A part of a building at the college is even named after him. He also helped students at Harvard Kennedy School.
Advising Important People
Duberstein was an advisor to many important people. He helped Colin Powell, a famous general and politician, when Powell thought about running for president. Duberstein also helped guide Supreme Court Justices David Souter and Clarence Thomas through their confirmation process. This is when the Senate approves a President's choice for a high-level job. He also advised other top government officials.
Serving on Boards
Duberstein was on the boards of directors for many large companies. These included Boeing, ConocoPhillips, and The St. Paul Companies. He also served on the boards of the American Stock Exchange and Fannie Mae. Being on these boards meant he helped guide these companies and organizations.
His Personality
Ken Duberstein was known as a friendly person from Brooklyn. He was very well-connected in Washington, D.C. He was often seen at parties and on TV talk shows. He enjoyed working with people and was good at talking to the press. He was very well-liked by journalists because he often shared information with them. People said he loved being Ken Duberstein.
His Political Ideas
Duberstein was a moderate Republican. This means he was generally conservative with money matters but had more open-minded social views.
In 2008, he supported Barack Obama for president, even though Obama was a Democrat. This was a big deal because Duberstein was a Republican. He famously commented on the choice of Sarah Palin as a vice-presidential candidate, saying it was like McDonald's interviewing people three times for a job.
Personal Life and Passing
Ken Duberstein was married three times. He had one daughter from his first marriage and three children from his second. His third marriage was to Jacqueline Fain, a former TV producer. They were married for 18 years until his death.
He had kidney disease and received a kidney transplant in 2014 from his son. After a long illness, Ken Duberstein passed away on March 2, 2022, at the age of 77, in Washington, D.C.
Images for kids
-
Duberstein with President Reagan watching the Tax Bill vote with staff in the White House, August 19, 1982.
