JOUR 3321 Response Discussion: “All the President’s Men”

“All the President’s Men” is considered a classic in how investigative journalists tackled corruption in government and won. In the film, you see reporters and doggedly pursue tips and then confirm them. As you watch the rest of the movie, please consider these questions:

1. Which of the two journalists do you believe was the stronger reporter? Why? 2. Which of the two was the most ethical reporter? Why? 3. What was the role of Washington Post editor Ben Bradlee? 4. Which of Bob Woodward’s professional characteristics would you most like to have? 5. Which of Carl Bernstein’s professional characteristics would you most like to have? 6. In the film, did either of the reporters appear to cut corners or bend ethics to get information? If so, do you agree with their choices? 7. Do you believe the playing field has changed for investigative reporters? In what way(s)? 8. What was the most valuable “journalistic lesson” that you took away from the film?

‘All the President’s Men’ Matt Slovick, WashingtonPost.com staff Impartiality aside, no film blends the elements of journalism and Washington intrigue more compellingly than “All the President’s Men,” the story of two Washington Post reporters who helped take down the No. 1 resident on Pennsylvania Avenue, transforming both politics and journalism. The Post won a Pulitzer for its Watergate coverage.

Nixon resigned Aug. 19, 1974. After two years of mounting evidence against the President and his staff – including former staff members testifying against them in a Senate investigation – officials learned that Nixon had a tape recording system in his offices and had recorded many conversations, some revealing he had obstructed justice and attempted to

cover up the break-in. The recorded conversation later became Watergate Casualties/Convictions known as the Smoking Gun. . 1 presidential resignation After a series of court battles, the Supreme Court . 1 vice-presidential resignation unanimously ruled in United States v. Nixon that the president . 40 government officials indicted or jailed had to hand over the tapes; he ultimately complied (with the . (legal council) fired, jailed famous 18 minutes missing). . Watergate Seven convictions/imprisoned: Facing impeachment in the House of Representatives and Mitchell, Haldeman, Erlichman, Colson, Strachan likely conviction in the Senate, Nixon resigned, the only U.S. . Howard Hunt and G. Gordon Liddy (White House staff who planned break-in), jailed. president to resign from office. Successor issued a . Attorney Dwight Chapin, convicted, prison controversial pardon for any crimes Nixon may have committed while in office.