Richard Kleindienst graduated from Harvard Law School and began his career in public service, including a stint in the Arizona House of Representatives. He held leadership roles within the Arizona Republican Party and managed a significant presidential campaign. Kleindienst transitioned to the federal government, serving as Deputy Attorney General before being nominated as Attorney General. His tenure was marked by notable controversies, including his involvement in the Watergate scandal and subsequent legal repercussions.

Richard Kleindienst's political career is marked by a calculated approach to regional interests, evident in his handling of antitrust investigations and Watergate-related legal matters. His decision to halt an antitrust investigation against ITT in exchange for a political contribution suggests a willingness to prioritize corporate influence over legal impartiality. Kleindienst's refusal to disclose critical information during the Watergate scandal and subsequent legal troubles reveal a deeply entrenched commitment to protecting political allies at all costs. His disbarment and conviction for contempt of Congress further underscore a troubling disregard for ethical norms.