Bob Woodward quotes

The central dilemma in journalism is that you don't know what you don't know. (Bob Woodward)
I think journalism gets measured by the quality of information it presents, not the drama or the pyrotechnics associated with us. View quote
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. View quote
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. View quote
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. View quote
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. View quote
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. View quote
Bob Woodward
Lawyers didn't seriously get involved in the Watergate stories until quite late, when we realized we were on to something. View quote
Bob Woodward
Good work is always done in defiance of management. View quote
Bob Woodward
In Haig's presence, Kissinger referred pointedly to military men as "dumb, stupid animals to be used" as pawns for foreign policy. View quote
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)
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. View quote
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. View quote
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. View quote
Bob Woodward
A reporter's ability to keep the bond of confidentiality often enables him to learn the hidden or secret aspects of government. View quote
Bob Woodward
I give lectures for money, but all the money goes to charity. So, I make no money from it. View quote
Bob Woodward
I don't think it's useful for somebody to argue with reviews. View quote
Bob Woodward
The cloud of doubt that surrounds political figures tends to remain and never dissipate or be clarified. View quote
Bob Woodward
Suppose Watergate had not been uncovered? I'd still be on the City Desk. View quote
Bob Woodward
Because of Watergate in part, I am kind of a magnet for calls and information and suggestions. View quote
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)
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. View quote
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. View quote
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. View quote
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. View quote
Bob Woodward