Bob Woodward Quotes & Sayings

Bob and I [Carl Bernstein]embraced and held each other briefly. There was a whole lifetime of emotions and journalism in this moment. — Bob Woodward

But then, of course, there are always unanswered questions. Those questions lead to more questions, with the circularity of the endless inquest, keeping people like me in business. We can and should always poke at the questions of motivation. And we will. There never is a final draft of history. — Bob Woodward

The failure of the system to deal quickly was attributable to Nixon's lying, stonewalling and refusal to come clean. So it took 26 months for the final truth to be known. — Bob Woodward

If you interviewed 1,000 politicians and asked about whether the media's too soft or too hard, about 999 would say too hard. — Bob Woodward

Clinton feels a profound alienation from the Washington culture here, and I happen to agree with him. — Bob Woodward

When you practice reporting for as long as I have, you keep yourself at a distance from True Believers. Either conservatives or liberals or Democrats or Republicans. — Bob Woodward

Not a season passes without new disclosures showing Nixon's numerous attempts at criminal use of his presidential powers and in fact the scorn he held for the rule of law. — Bob Woodward

Nixon's attempts to order subversion of various departments was bound to come out in some form. — Bob Woodward

Almost everything about Afghanistan was troubling Mullen. As Obama was giving intense focus on the war, Mullen was feeling more personal responsibility. Afghanistan had been marked by 'incredible neglect,' he told some of his officers. 'It's almost like you're on a hunger strike and you're on the 50th day, and all of a sudden you're going to try to feed this person. Well, they're not going to eat very quickly. I mean, every organ in the body is collapsing. The under-resourcing of Afghanistan was much deeper and wider than even I thought. It wasn't just about troops. It was intellectually, it was strategically, it was physically, culturally. — Bob Woodward

I don't think it's useful for somebody to argue with reviews. — Bob Woodward

The central dilemma in journalism is that you don't know what you don't know. — Bob Woodward

After Nixon resigned in 1974, he engaged in a very aggressive war with history, attempting to wipe out the Watergate stain and memory. Happily, history won, largely because of Nixon's tapes. — Bob Woodward

For Carter, it was as if the ghosts of Watergate stalked the halls of the White House. As with most ghosts, he wasn't sure they existed, where they were or how to exorcise them. — Bob Woodward

If there's one thing that Trump does, he never quits. — Bob Woodward

I have written things that Republicans and Democrats and all kinds of figures have either hated or felt very uncomfortable about. Because in doing these long projects and books, you get close to the bone. And they're not calling me up and asking me for dinner. — Bob Woodward

The fact of the Watergate cover-up is not nearly as interesting as the step into making the cover-up. And when you understand the step, you understand that Richard Nixon lied. That he was a criminal. — Bob Woodward

I don't think there will ever be a permanent truce, but I believe the media needs to be more careful and be willing to count to 10 before rushing on the air or into print. — Bob Woodward

McChrystal had organized a jaw-dropping counterterrorism campaign inside Iraq, but the tactical successes did not translate into a strategic victory. This was why counterinsurgency - blanketing the population in safety and winning them over - was necessary. — Bob Woodward

I don't think voters give a hoot about the character of their political advisors, except to the extent that character reflects on the candidates. — Bob Woodward

I think journalism gets measured by the quality of information it presents, not the drama or the pyretechnics associated with us — Bob Woodward

I have gone on the air and announced my telephone number at the Washington Post. I go into the night, talking to people, looking for things. The great dreaded thing every reporter lives with is what you don't know. The source you didn't go to. The phone call you didn't return. — Bob Woodward

The source known as Deep Throat provided a kind of road map through the scandal. His one consistent message was that the Watergate burglary was just the tip of the iceberg. — Bob Woodward

Obama said, 'I welcome debate among my team, but I won't tolerate division. — Bob Woodward

Lawyers didn't seriously get involved in the Watergate stories until quite late, when we realized we were on to something. — Bob Woodward

I gave my word that this source would not be identified unless he changed his mind. He has not. — Bob Woodward

The legislator learns that when you talk a lot, you get in trouble. You have to listen a lot to make deals. — Bob Woodward

Deep Throat was a very unfortunate name given to the source by the managing editor of The Washington Post. — Bob Woodward

Any suggestion that I'm writing about political operatives because I'm interested in political operatives misses the entire point. — Bob Woodward

I'm not going to name some of my colleagues who are very well-known for their television presentation, but they wouldn't know new information or how to report a story if it came up and bit them. — Bob Woodward

K [Kissinger] called from New York all disturbed because he felt someone had been getting to the P [President] on Vietnam ... Henry's concerned that the P's looking for a way to bug out and he thinks that would be a disaster now. — Bob Woodward

Deep Throat's information, and in my view, courage, allowed the newspaper to use what he knew and suspected. — Bob Woodward

I recently did the David Letterman Show about my book. He was very serious and made no jokes and it caught me off guard a little bit. He was much more serious than some of the joke shows that journalists get on. — Bob Woodward

I have found people don't want to be told. That they can figure it out. — Bob Woodward

He was fighting hard to draw a line where politics could stop, where family loyalty could stop and his own personal morality and his own life could begin. It was hard to find that place — Bob Woodward

The cloud of doubt that surrounds political figures tends to remain and never dissipate or be clarified. — Bob Woodward

There is a garbage culture out there, where we pour garbage on people. Then the pollsters run around and take a poll and say, do you smell anything? — Bob Woodward

Nixon had some large achievements in foreign affairs. They will be remembered. But a president probably gets remembered for one thing, and Watergate will head the Nixon list, I suspect. — Bob Woodward

When you see how the President makes political or policy decisions, you see who he is. The essence of the Presidency is decision-making. — Bob Woodward

Today's internet bloggers and television's talking heads don't have that [a partnership]. No safety net. No brakes. No one there to question, doubt or inspire. No editor. [Carl Bernstein's A reporter's assessment] — Bob Woodward

There's hostility to lying, and there should be. — Bob Woodward

Newspapers that are truly independent, like The Washington Post, can still aggressively investigate anyone or anything with no holds barred. — Bob Woodward

They need to review this secret world. We have an incredibly powerful government that gets on automatic pilot. — Bob Woodward

It would seem that the Watergate story from beginning to end could be used as a primer on the American political system. — Bob Woodward

Watergate provides a model case study of the interaction and powers of each of the branches of government. It also is a morality play with a sad and dramatic ending. — Bob Woodward

The biggest rap on me is that I don't find a Watergate every couple of years. Well, Watergate was unique. It's not something Carl Bernstein, I, or the Washington Post caused. — Bob Woodward

Well, just because someone might be a source doesn't necessarily make them Deep Throat — Bob Woodward

Maybe that would be less crucial under Obama, Podesta thought, because Obama's approach was so intellectual. He compared Obama to Spock from Star Trek. The president-elect wanted to put his own ideas to work. He was unsentimental and capable of being ruthless. Podesta was not sure that Obama felt anything, especially in his gut. He intellectualized and then charted the path forward, essentially picking up the emotions of others and translating them into ideas. He had thus created a different kind of politics, seizing the moment of 2008 and driving it to a political victory. — Bob Woodward

I always am very aggressive and putting out much more than people would like, but that's the business I'm in. — Bob Woodward

Because of Watergate in part, I am kind of a magnet for calls and information and suggestions. — Bob Woodward

He (former President Gerald Ford) made it very clear that he did not agree with the reasons President Bush laid out for the war, namely the belief that there were weapons of mass destruction in Iraq or that there was some obligation that the United States or the president had to expand democracy. — Bob Woodward

Suppose Watergate had not been uncovered? I'd still be on the City Desk. — Bob Woodward

Good work is always done in defiance of management. — Bob Woodward

Certain political figures think when you call them and ask them for a comment; that you are somehow doing something that you shouldn't be doing. — Bob Woodward

It was accountability that Nixon feared. — Bob Woodward

If information is true, if it can be verified, and if it's really important, the newspaper needs to be willing to take the risk associated with using unidentified sources. — Bob Woodward

Those who are in the orbit, but nonetheless on the edges, can often be the real discoverers. It was why at times, the journalist, the historian and even the novelist paints the fullest picture of an era — Bob Woodward

Some newspapers have a hands-off policy on favored politicians. But it's generally very small newspapers or local TV stations. — Bob Woodward

It would be absurd for me or any other editor to review the authenticity or accuracy of stories that are nominated for prizes. — Bob Woodward

I suspect there have been a number of conspiracies that never were described or leaked out. But I suspect none of the magnitude and sweep of Watergate. — Bob Woodward

Nixon's grand mistake was his failure to understand that Americans are forgiving, and if he had admitted error early and apologized to the country, he would have escaped. — Bob Woodward

There may yet be another Watergate book. I have thought a book about the aftermath of Watergate and its impact could be done, perhaps by me or someone else. — Bob Woodward

In Haig's presence, Kissinger referred pointedly to military men as "dumb, stupid animals to be used" as pawns for foreign policy. — Bob Woodward

I believe there's too little patience and context to many of the investigations I read or see on television. — Bob Woodward

Finally, the president added, 'The American people are idealists, but they also want their leaders to be realistic ... — Bob Woodward

I recently read some of the transcripts of Nixon's Watergate tapes, and they spent hours trying to figure out who was leaking and providing information to Carl and myself. — Bob Woodward

The fact he has some kind of bond with you is quite extraordinary", she [Deep Throat's daughter] said. "He doesn't remember Ed Miller and other FBI guys. He remembers J. Edgar Hoover".
Well, I thought, Hoover and me. — Bob Woodward

I think there are people out there who just kind of say, let's repot the plant. Let's give somebody else a chance. And it's not just anger or disappointment in their lives, it's the sense of, let's shake this up. And no one is shaking it up as much as Trump. — Bob Woodward

We're not going to have another Watergate in our lifetime. I'm sure. — Bob Woodward

I give lectures for money, but all the money goes to charity. So, I make no money from it. — Bob Woodward

Deep Throat did serve the public interest by providing the guidance and information to us. — Bob Woodward

I believe Watergate shows that the system did work. Particularly the Judiciary and the Congress, and ultimately an independent prosecutor working in the Executive Branch. — Bob Woodward

Finally, I will forever be grateful to W. Mark Felt. It was a tug-of-war at times, but he came through, providing the kind of guidance, information and understanding that were essential to the Watergate story. — Bob Woodward

I think people are smart enough to sort it out. They know when they're watching one of these food fight shows where journalists sit around and yell and scream at each other, versus serious issue reporting. — Bob Woodward

Another time Nixon asked Butterfield, "Are these goddamn cabinet members that we invite to the various social functions at the White House, do they get around and talk to people?" There were usually a handful of cabinet members at state dinners, receptions or the Sunday worship service. "That should be one of their duties," Nixon said. "Honestly, Mr. President," Butterfield replied, "no, they don't get around that much and I don't think they see making conversation with other guests is one of their duties." "Well," Nixon said, "who does? Who's the best?" "Oh, clearly the best is George Bush . . . I've heard him many times and I've watched him. 'Hi, I'm George Bush, our United Nations representative.' And he would chat with people." "Oh, yeah, Bush. He would be good at that." Nixon then went into a thoughtful repose and added, "God knows I could never do that. — Bob Woodward

Obama had campaigned against Bush's ideas and approaches. But, Donilon, for one, thought that Obama had perhaps underestimated the extent to which he had inherited George W. Bush's presidency - the apparatus, personnel and mind-set of war making. — Bob Woodward

Using these unnamed sources, if done properly, carefully and fairly, provides more accountability in government. — Bob Woodward

People like to pigeonhole and say, Well, I'm a Washington insider, and you know, that's quite silly. What does that even mean? — Bob Woodward

Getting up in the morning and having work you love is what makes life different for people. If you get into a position where you don't love what you're doing, get off it. — Bob Woodward

Watergate is not the sort of issue that changes the vote. I don't know anyone who has changed their vote because of it. — Bob Woodward

I think the problem in the Republican Party is really not money. I think they've got lots of it. I think it is theory of the case - why are we here, what is our message, how to connect to the real world. — Bob Woodward

Even now there is no evidence that anyone involved in the Nixon operation was going to threaten us. — Bob Woodward

I think that everyone is kind of confused about the information they get from the media and rightly so. I'm confused about the information I get from the media. — Bob Woodward

There are people who take rumors and embellish them in a way that can be devastating. And this pollution has to be eradicated by people in our business as best we can. — Bob Woodward

When you hear in the tape recordings Nixon's own voice saying, We have to stonewall, We have to lie to the Grand Jury, We have to pay burglars a million dollars, it's all too clear the horror of what went on. — Bob Woodward

Watergate is an immensely complicated scandal with a cast of characters as varied as a Tolstoy novel. — Bob Woodward

I deal with first-hand sources. And give the people, even John Sununu, the opportunity to respond to what I've been told by first-hand sources. — Bob Woodward

For those of you who were critical that nobody paid enough attention to the generals at the beginning of the war, has it occurred to you that you don't want to make that mistake at the end of the war?
Secretary Robert Gates — Bob Woodward

Reporters may believe they control the story, but the story always controls the reporters. — Bob Woodward

Rawhide Down is full of spectacular, original reporting. — Bob Woodward

He never really voice pure, raw outrage to me about Watergate or what it represented. The crimes and abuses were background music. Nixon was trying to subvert not only the law but the Bureau. So Watergate became Felt's instrument to reassert the Bureau's independence and thus its supremacy. In the end, the Bureau was damaged, seriously but not permanently, while Nixon lost much more, maybe everything - the presidency, power, and whatever moral authority he might have had. He was disgraced. But surviving and enduring his hidden life, in contrast and in his own way, Mark Felt won. — Bob Woodward

A reporter's ability to keep the bond of confidentiality often enables him to learn the hidden or secret aspects of government. — Bob Woodward

The Washington Times wrote a story questioning the authenticity of some of the suggestions made about me in Silent Coup. But as a believer in the First Amendment, I believe they have more than a right to air their views. — Bob Woodward

Clinton ... believes that the Washington Press Corps is so out of touch that it is absolutely inconceivable that reporters would understand the issues that people are really dealing with in their lives. — Bob Woodward

We need to police ourselves in the media. — Bob Woodward

When you're in the White House," Butterfield said, "everyone lies. You can sort of get feeling immune. — Bob Woodward

Once at Haldeman's 7:45 a.m. senior staff meeting, Moynihan grew so frustrated at the wandering discussion that he raised his clenched fist, brought it down hard on the table, and shouted, "Fuck!" There was immediate silence. Butterfield watched everyone turn to Rose Woods, the only woman at the meeting, in horror and embarrassment. — Bob Woodward

The number of illegal activities were so large that one was bound to come out and lead to the uncovering of the others. Nixon was too willing to use the power of government to settle scores and get even with enemies. — Bob Woodward

Many people have their reputations as reporters and analysts because they are on television, batting around conventional wisdom. A lot of these people have never reported a story. — Bob Woodward

Sometimes, the more you protect your force, the less secure you may be. Sometimes, the more force is used, the less effective it is. — Bob Woodward

The reporter had to set his or her own course, had to push back against editors at times, to roam and be free to explore, to defy the conventional wisdom if necessary. It meant the reporters, whatever they covered, had to find the bookkeepers and the Deep Throats if possible. At the same time, as we had just been reminded, reporters need editors. In the end we are collaborators and they make the final calls. — Bob Woodward