Carl Bernstein

Pulitzer Prize-Winning Investigative Journalist | Bestselling Author | Political Analyst
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Few journalists have had the impact on history and their craft as Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter Carl Bernstein. From uncovering the Watergate scandal with Bob Woodward to writing about national and international affairs for half a century, Bernstein’s books, reporting and commentary have revealed the hidden workings of government and politics around the world.

Bernstein’s important on-air reporting and commentary on Donald Trump for CNN has been widely recognized for continuing the kind of work he and Bob Woodward pioneered during the Nixon presidency.  
 
In 1973, Woodward and Bernstein were awarded the Pulitzer Prize for their Watergate coverage at the Washington Post, leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon and setting new standards for investigative journalism. The pair went on to write two classic best-sellers: All the President’s Men (also a movie starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman); and The Final Days, chronicling the end of the Nixon presidency.
 
Bernstein’s recently released book, Chasing History: A Kid in the Newsroom, became an instant New York Times bestseller, receiving extraordinary attention and praise in reviews throughout the United States and Europe. In it, Bernstein recounts his earliest days in journalism at the Washington Evening Star newspaper, where he began his career during the Kennedy era as a 16-year-old copyboy. The roots of his Watergate reporting can be seen in this remarkable apprenticeship as a teenage reporter in the nation’s capital.

Bernstein’s other best-selling books demonstrate his unique range as a journalist:  Loyalties: A Son’s Memoir, about his family’s experiences in the McCarthy era; His Holiness: Pope John Paul II and The History of Our Time – a biography of Pope John Paul II – that revealed the Pope’s pivotal role in the fall of communism; and A Woman in Charge: The Life of Hillary Rodham Clinton, acclaimed as the definitive biography on the subject.

His magazine articles have appeared in TIME, USA Today, Rolling Stone and New Republic. From 1999-2001, Bernstein served as editor and executive vice president of Voter.com, a pioneering website that Forbes named the best political site on the internet. He has worked as Washington bureau chief and correspondent for ABC News; and, while at the Washington Post, was also a part-time rock critic.

Topics

The Past, Present, and Future of Democracy: Reflections from Watergate’s 50th Anniversary

How would the Watergate scandal be received today? In 1974, it was ultimately the power of the free and open press, led by Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward’s dogged coverage in the Washington Post ,that preserved democracy and held those in power accountable. Fifty years later, journalism is under attack: misinformation runs rampant, facts are up for debate and discarded if they don’t fit a certain narrative, and the media and journalists are labeled as enemies. With that pillar of democracy under attack, how would a Watergate play out today? In this talk, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Carl Bernstein analyzes the erosion of public trust and the ongoing threats to democracy at home and abroad. Drawing from his unparalleled expertise and experience in breaking the Watergate story, Bernstein offers insight into strengthening democratic principles for the future, highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability, and civic engagement.

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An Evening with Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward

Join journalism legends Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward for an evening of historical reflection and storytelling. These two trailblazers, famous for their dogged reporting that unveiled the Watergate scandal and held the powerful accountable, will share behind-the-scenes accounts from their storied careers and consider the lasting impact of their work. Settle in with these American icons of the free press for enlightening discussions of the pursuit of truth and the state of democracy today.

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Videos

Conversation from the LBJ Library
Carl Bernstein
Bernstein says sources suggest concerns about Biden have been growing for a year
Carl Bernstein
Journalist Carl Bernstein talks "A ha" moment during Watergate
Carl Bernstein
Carl Bernstein: "It's about the best version of the truth"
Carl Bernstein
Reporters Bob Woodward & Carl Bernstein discuss the 50th anniversary of Watergate
Carl Bernstein
The story behind "All the President's Men"
Carl Bernstein
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Carl Bernstein on the legacy newspaper business
Carl Bernstein
Carl Bernstein and David Shipley in conversation at the New Orleans Book Festival
Carl Bernstein

Articles

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Legendary journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein on journalism today
NBC Miami
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No democracy without journalism — a lesson from Woodward and Bernstein
University Press
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Woodward and Bernstein talk implications of Trump's 2024 presidential run and Florida politics
WLRN
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Bob Woodard and Carl Bernstein on Trump, Watergate at 50, and Our Democracy
Washington Monthly
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Woodward and Bernstein: Watergate reporters warn of the limitations of AI
BBC

Podcasts

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