Carl Bernstein

All the President's Men by Carl Berstein and Bob Woodward is the story of how two reporters, working for the Washington Post newspaper in the 1970's, began the investigations known has Watergate which brought down the Nixon administration.

I followed the Woodward/Berstein coverage when it was actually happened, as well as the coverage by other newspaper writers at the time. I read the book when it came out. At that time I was in my early 20's and it was fascinating and shocking. I remember reading the book and thinking how amazing it was that these reporters were able to "follow the breadcrumbs" of information given them by sources. Back in the day, it was expected that stories came out. over days, not hours like they do. now in 2024. I was impressed by the careful consideration that was given to each line written. In the '70's we still believed in the government. This story blew the lid.

Fast forward to today, 2024. Journalism seems so different! Opinion, opinion, opinion.... where are the facts. Where is the tedious discussion between writers and bosses before information is put on the air?

For me this book holds up really well. Today it is a lesson in how journalism should be done. Carefully, multiple sources. Don't just repeat what another journalist says. When first published, this book showed us what happened behind the scenes during this period of time in our country. So it is a different book for a different time.

Everyone should read it, not just for the historic value, but also for the comparative value of how journalism has changed over time.… (more)

Even as a law student I found this boring. I get the importance. I get the shock of what happened. Maybe it's because I've done two projects on Watergate and this is just... Eh. Been there. Done that. Reporters breaking every rule they can to catch actual rulebreakers in the act. Whenever I come back to this story it just further convinces me to stay away from DC and to never become an investigative journalist. I mean that's really it for me. As a beginner's guide to Watergate, sure go for it. Be prepared for a bit of confusion but the 40th anniversary has some help in it and a good afterword.… (more)