Bob Woodward

Definition

Bob Woodward is an American investigative journalist and non-fiction author. He is best known for his work in uncovering the Watergate scandal, which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. Woodward's reporting, along with that of his colleague Carl Bernstein, was crucial in exposing the Nixon administration's involvement in the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein were reporters for The Washington Post who broke the Watergate scandal story in 1972.
2. Woodward and Bernstein's reporting revealed that the Nixon administration had orchestrated a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and then attempted to cover it up.
3. Woodward's anonymous source, known as 'Deep Throat,' provided crucial information that helped the journalists uncover the scandal.
4. The Watergate scandal ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon in 1974.
5. Woodward's work on the Watergate scandal established him as one of the most influential investigative journalists of the 20th century.

Review Questions

• Describe Bob Woodward's role in uncovering the Watergate scandal.
  • Bob Woodward, along with his reporting partner Carl Bernstein, played a pivotal role in uncovering the Watergate scandal. As investigative journalists for The Washington Post, Woodward and Bernstein's relentless reporting exposed the Nixon administration's involvement in the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and the subsequent cover-up. Woodward's anonymous source, known as 'Deep Throat,' provided crucial information that helped the journalists connect the dots and uncover the scandal. Woodward's work on the Watergate scandal established him as one of the most influential investigative journalists of the 20th century.
• Explain the significance of the Watergate scandal in the context of American politics and the presidency.
  • The Watergate scandal was a major political crisis that shook the foundations of the American presidency. The revelations that the Nixon administration had orchestrated a break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and then attempted to cover it up led to a constitutional crisis and the eventual resignation of President Richard Nixon. The scandal highlighted the abuse of power and the importance of checks and balances in the American political system. It also underscored the crucial role of a free press in holding the government accountable. The Watergate scandal had a lasting impact on American politics, leading to increased scrutiny of the presidency and a greater emphasis on transparency and ethical conduct in government.
• Analyze the lasting impact of Bob Woodward's investigative journalism on the field of journalism and the public's trust in the media.
  • Bob Woodward's groundbreaking work on the Watergate scandal had a profound and lasting impact on the field of journalism. His relentless pursuit of the truth, his use of anonymous sources, and his ability to connect the dots in a complex web of corruption and cover-up set a new standard for investigative journalism. Woodward's work demonstrated the power of the press to hold those in power accountable and to uncover the truth, even in the face of intense opposition and pressure. The Watergate scandal and Woodward's role in it have become a symbol of the importance of a free and independent press in a democratic society. Woodward's success in uncovering the truth and bringing down a sitting president has inspired generations of journalists to follow in his footsteps, strengthening the public's trust in the media and its role as a watchdog of the government.

Related terms

Watergate Scandal: The Watergate scandal was a major US political scandal in the 1970s that began with the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C. and eventually led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.

Carl Bernstein: Carl Bernstein was an American investigative journalist who, along with Bob Woodward, helped uncover the Watergate scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.

Deep Throat: Deep Throat was the anonymous source who provided key information to Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein during their investigation of the Watergate scandal. The identity of Deep Throat was kept secret for over 30 years until it was revealed to be Mark Felt, the former associate director of the FBI.