Bob Woodward

Bob Woodward gained international attention when he and Carl Bernstein uncovered the Watergate scandal in 1973.

Since then, he’s worked to shine a light on the inner–workings of secret government. Woodward’s factual, non–partisan revelations to readers and speech audiences provide a view of Washington they’ll never get elsewhere. Woodward has written about the last ten U.S. presidents and chronicled how the power of the presidency has evolved. He is author of 22 bestselling books – 16 went to #1 – more than any contemporary nonfiction writer. His 21st book, Peril (co–authored with acclaimed reporter Robert Costa), was a deep dive into a critical time in American history – the transition between the Presidencies of Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

His latest work, The Trump Tapes, is an audio book containing the complete recordings of his 20 interviews with Donald Trump over four years. He’s taken this never–before step to give the public a chance to hear for themselves the words of the president and key advisers. In his speeches, Woodward looks at the expanding powers of the presidency and the important lessons that can be learned from the presidents he’s covered. He can also assess the role of the media and how well it is (or isn’t) doing its job.

Audiences will be awe–struck by insights from this living journalistic legend. Currently associate editor for The Washington Post where he’s worked since 1971, Bob Woodward has won nearly every American journalism award including two Pulitzers.

Former CIA director and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates wished he’d recruited Woodward into the CIA, “He has an extraordinary ability to get otherwise responsible adults to spill [their] guts to him…his ability to get people to talk about stuff they shouldn’t be talking about is just extraordinary and may be unique.” Therein lays the genius talent of Bob Woodward.

Bob Woodward | Investigative Journalist

No one else in political investigative journalism has the clout, respect, and reputation of Woodward. He has a way of getting insiders to open up in ways that reveal an intimate yet sweeping portrayal of Washington and the political infighting, how we fight wars, the price of politics, how presidents lead, the homeland security efforts, and so much more.

His work is meticulous and draws on internal memos, classified documents, meeting notes and hundreds of hours of recorded interviews with most of the key players, including the president. This is why Fear: Trump in the White House sold more than 1.1 million copies in its first week in September 2018 – breaking the 94–year first–week sales record of its publisher Simon & Schuster – and nearly 2 million copies in hardback, ebook and audio in the first four months.

In October 2022, Bob Woodward did something he’d never done before; he released the complete recordings of his 20 interviews with Donald Trump in audiobook form titled, The Trump Tapes. The audiobook is unique in that the listener gets the opportunity to hear his lengthy and raw interviews as well as exclusive commentary during some of the interviews – to provide vital context or clarification. The Trump Tapes is considered by Simon and Schuster “…as historically important as the Frost/Nixon interviews.”

As a speaker, Woodward pulls the curtain back on Washington and its leaders to captivate audiences with stories that are sometimes surprising, at times shocking, and always fascinating. He blends stories that are both up to the minute and from the past (to provide historical context). Woodward speaks as he writes – crisp and concise – and helps people get behind the spin to understand what’s really going on in the halls of power in an age of 24–hour news, social media, and snarky politics. 

Professionally, Bob Woodward is currently associate editor for The Washington Post where he’s worked since 1971. He has won nearly every American journalism award, and the Post won the 1973 Pulitzer Prize for his work with Carl Bernstein on the Watergate scandal. In addition, Woodward was the main reporter for the Post’s articles on the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks that won the National Affairs Pulitzer Prize in 2002.

The online learning portal, MasterClass, released “Bob Woodward Teaches Investigative Journalism.” In it, Woodward reveals the lessons he’s learned during his career, teaching students what truth means, how to uncover it, and how to build a story with it.

Bob Woodward was born on March 26, 1943, in Illinois. He graduated from Yale University in 1965 and served five years as a communications officer in the U.S. Navy before beginning his journalism career at the Montgomery County Sentinel (Maryland), where he was a reporter for one year before joining the Post.

Bob Woodward’s illustrious career as an investigative journalist and prolific author has left an indelible mark on American journalism and the world at large. His unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those in power accountable has been the cornerstone of his work for nearly five decades.

Woodward’s Watergate reporting with Carl Bernstein for The Washington Post remains one of the most significant moments in American journalism history. Their tenacious pursuit of the truth ultimately led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon, underscoring the vital role of a free press in a democratic society.

Beyond Watergate, Bob Woodward body of work includes a multitude of books that provide deep insights into the inner workings of the American presidency. His unparalleled access to high-ranking officials and his meticulous research have allowed him to deliver a comprehensive and often sobering view of the political landscape. From “All the President’s Men” to “Fear: Trump in the White House,” Woodward’s books have provided invaluable context and analysis for those seeking to understand the complexities of American politics.

Woodward’s dedication to journalistic ethics and principles has earned him the trust of his sources and the respect of his peers. He is a living embodiment of the Fourth Estate’s watchdog role, reminding us all of the critical importance of holding those in power accountable, no matter their political affiliation.

In a rapidly changing media landscape, Bob Woodward continued commitment to investigative journalism serves as a beacon of integrity and a reminder that, in a world inundated with information, there is still a profound need for in-depth, fact-based reporting. His legacy is not just a collection of groundbreaking stories but a testament to the enduring relevance and impact of journalism in a democratic society.

As we reflect on Bob Woodward’s remarkable career, we are reminded that journalism is not just a profession; it is a vocation—a calling to seek the truth, speak truth to power, and provide the public with the information they need to make informed decisions. Woodward’s dedication to these principles has made him a living legend in the world of journalism, and his work will continue to inspire future generations of journalists to uphold the highest standards of integrity, ethics, and accountability.

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