Bob Woodward - 2013

Bob Woodward

Renowned investigative reporter known for breaking the Watergate scandal

October 22, 2013

Mr. Woodward had a conversation with Ashley Cruseturner, McLennan history professor, about his experiences during Watergate and his political opinions.

Biography

Bob Woodward is best known for breaking the Watergate scandal with Carl Bernstein as young reporters in 1972. Their efforts helped The Washington Post win the Pulitzer Prize in 1973 and led to numerous government investigations, as well as the eventual resignation of President Richard Nixon.

Woodward and Bernstein chronicled their Watergate experience in a book, "All the President's Men," which was adapted for film. The 1976 movie became a classic, with Robert Redford starring as Woodward and Dustin Hoffman starring as Bernstein.

Woodward has worked for The Washington Post since 1971 and is an associate editor at the paper. Woodward was the lead reporter for the Post's articles on the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and those articles won the National Affairs Pulitzer Prize in 2002. He has been a recipient of nearly every other major American journalism award.

Woodward has authored or co-authored 17 national nonfiction bestsellers. Twelve have been No. 1 national bestsellers — more than any contemporary non-fiction author.

Woodward is frequently seen on television news shows as an expert on a variety of political subjects, especially those related to his books. He is also often asked to address various groups and lecture series, and his speaking fees are given to the Woodward Walsh Foundation, which donates to several charities.

Bob sitting with another individual Audience sitting and listening Bob standing next to a woman Large Audience sitting and listening Bob Woodward shaking hands with a woman Woodward standing

Woodward was born March 26, 1943, in Illinois. He attended Yale University on a Navy ROTC scholarship and studied history and English literature. After graduating with a Bachelor's of Arts in 1965, Woodward served five years as a communications officer in the U.S. Navy.

He started his journalism career at the Montgomery County (Maryland) Sentinel, where he was a reporter for one year before joining The Washington Post in 1971.