Should the WAPost fire Bob Woodward?

[Wetzelbill]

Sure he's their mega-star and his name is synonymous with great investigative journalism, but a compelling case can be made for his dismissal.

He not only kept a secret about an important issue from the public, and his editors, but he went on tv and publicly downplayed the importance of the very issue he was keeping secrets about. He also has an ethics problem with regards to how that disclosing that information may have hurt his access to the president, which would in turn effect the writing of his next book about Bush. Also, was he holding his secret so he could personally benefit financially from it in his next book, as well? Tough to say, but it's fishy.

He was so bloated and full of himself in his condescending dismissals of the Fitzgerald investigation, I'm still stunned that he has made such an obvious ethics breach. The unmitigated gall of this man to go on tv and act like that when he knew very well that he was withholding information about the case himself.

He's ruined his credibility and hurt his legacy. His next book, sure to be another Bush ass kisser, will have the taint of a journalist who fancied himself part of the elite. Someone whose ego led him to become part of the insulated cocktail circuit, more of a court stenographer than an actual investigative journalist. Bob Woodward the man got caught up in being Bob Woodward the myth. Once a person crosses that line they start losing whatever integrity they once had. Somehow I think he might be able to weasel his way into turning a profit out of this. Guys like Woodward can fall in a pile of shit, but still come out smelling like a rose. I think that might happen for him. I hope it doesn't though. He's smarmy, smug and he deserves to have at least some of this backfire on him.

Should he be fired? Personally, I'm not sure. I am inclined to say yes, but that may be my emotions talking. I'm angry at this guy. Really angry. The trust of the fourth estate has hit a new low. I didn't think it would be one of the Watergate legends who would show us just how low it has gone.

[shraby]

1. I started to read his books about Bush and

couldn't even get a quarter through them. Couldn't believe he would write such puff pieces about this administration. He lost my respect right then, and this about Plame is icing on the cake. He's toast as far as I'm concerned and he should lose his job for it.

[liberalhistorian]

23. I totally agree. I don't know

what the hell has happened to his brain, but obviously something has. I'm really disgusted and disappointed with what he's turned into. I say boot his ass right out the door. And I never, ever thought I'd say that about him.

[Wetzelbill]

38. it's definitely shameful

I am really disappointed in him. I never realized just what a jerk Woodward can be. I recognized the ass kissing thing a few years ago, but this other thing is just vile. What makes it even worse for me is he was such an arrogant ass while he was dismissing the importance of the Plame case. Very condescending. Then come to find out he's part of it. I have no respect for the guy at all anymore.

[Kagemusha]

2. It's not gonna happen.

The executive editor and the "non-budsman" have both completely defended him at great length. They're happy with him and see nothing seriously wrong with what he did.

Which says it all.

[annabanana]

5. "non-budsman" - heh. . . . . . n/t

[Wetzelbill]

7. I saw that

it would take a lot for them to do so, I know that. He'd have to be caught stabbing somebody to death, I guess, lol.

[tularetom]

19. You're probably right but

the editorial muckety mucks and the publisher at the NYT defended Miller strongly at first until the reality of what she had done began to sink in. Maybe its not too much to hope for that Woodward will suffer the same fate.

[annabanana]

3. everything else aside...

Being involved in ANY WAY in the reporting or commenting on Fitzgerald's investigation is enough for the Post to show him the door, post haste.

[MADem]

4. I think they should allow him to resign (to spend more time w/family)

That way, the right doesn't get a shot at painting WAPO as a "liberal rag" and we won't have them waving the bloody shirt about it.

And the point will still be made.

[acmejack]

6. Yes, he has compromised his credibility.

The main asset a true journalist (such as Woodward once was) possesses.

[Skittles]

8. he would be fired from any other job for lying tor two f***ing years

and he is in the BUSINESS of CREDIBILITY

[tx_dem41]

11. Can you point out the instance(s) where he lied?

Sincere question.

[Skittles]

32. OK - so he helped defend the lying and disinformation of bush inc

FEEL BETTER NOW? :puke:

http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/html/20051119T150000-0500_92827_OBS_BREACHES_OF_TRUST_.asp

[tx_dem41]

34. So much for stating it was a sincere question.

I traveled this week and was out-of-the-loop when this revelation was made. Thanks for responding, though.

[Skittles]

35. sorry tx

I'm strung out over everything that is happening - I'm particularly upset over Congress game-playing while our soldiers and Iraqi civilians pay the price daily....I'm just so upset :(

[tx_dem41]

36. No problem.

I understand.

[0007]

25. Now Bob's in the bullshit business now and his attitude is, if you don't

like it you can bob up and kiss his ass.

He can take his CREDIBILITY shingle down.

[readmylips]

9. DeepThroat, maybe Woodward played a game on all of us....

I'm beginning to believe that Woodward kept his 30 year secret because he used Deep Throat to help get rid of Nixon while pumping up Bush Sr. for the throne. This woody guy is capable of anything..talk about power..

[randr]

10. Only if they really care about their credibility

Of course they could continue to emulate the repugs and hold no one accountable.

[rateyes]

12. Whether he loses his job or not...

I won't believe another damned word he writes. It will take a LOOONG time for him to regain his credibility with me.

[tsuki]

13. He should resign. He tried to squelch a story that he was involved

in to cover his ass.

[Wetzelbill]

15. I'd have to agree, it would be the right and honorable thing to do

but I don't think the arrogant prick cares about any of that, lol. :)

[tsuki]

16. After Watergate, the Conservatives vowed to take the WP down.

They have long memories, and they have done it.

[Wetzelbill]

14. this is just now in LBN "Ombudsman Rebukes Woodward"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1937759

[tx_dem41]

17. Well...so much for the "non-budsman" comment made upthread. n/t

[Wetzelbill]

41. yes but it still was funny though

:)

[AlCzervik]

18. It is a mutual use, use situation imo. Woodward uses the Post as cover

to collect info for his his books and the Posts uses his name as creditability.

[tularetom]

20. Well the post is getting screwed

Because his credibility has taken a big hit. I think someone there is beginning to realize that he is no longer an asset. And This ain't gonna do much for his access either - no more suckass books about bush.

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

21. Wait and see how it plays out

If the speculation in the below story is true, then I'd like to know more. It doesn't look good for Woodward, especially the part about speaking against Fitzgerald. Hard to imagine a scenario in which that would be justifiable given his involvement.

But still, to be fair, I'd like to know more.

"More from NewsHounds: Was Bob Woodward a Target in the Leak Conspiracy?"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=2260776#2260820

[IndianaGreen]

22. Yes, Woodward should be fired!

Unless the WaPo wants to end up in disgrace like the NY Times.

[stevedeshazer]

24. Hell yeah. He used outsider status to gain insider status. End of story.

Sellout. I'm not stunned at all, really.

[Wetzelbill]

26. not stunned that he did it

I'm stunned that it was so blatant.

[stevedeshazer]

28. Well, I'm stunned that he's getting away with it! n/t

[Wetzelbill]

29. same here

amazing isn't it?

[0007]

27. Yes, Bob Woodward should be fired. When everyone is saying;

[laugle]

30. Excellent analysis--what a difference 35 years makes.

Do you know the reason that led up to Woodward finally coming out on this?

Why did he end up testifying before Fitz? Did he just come out on his own?

[Wetzelbill]

37. I would suspect his name came up in the investigation

and he had to admit to it. Somebody had to rat him out, I'm sure.

[onehandle]

31. F*ck, yes! He and Judith Miller can go work for Newsmax.

But only because Fox News' standards are too high.

[occuserpens]

40. yes

[Arugula Latte]

33. Like Bush, Woodward will forever have an asterix by his name.

Formerly synonymous with bold investigative journalism, he will now go down as "the one who sold himself down the river."

[boston bean]

39. You better believe it

Fire him for lying by omission,the scum bucket.

[MasonJar]

42. Time for a new Woodward movie. Robert Redford will not want

to play him this time. Redford is a liberal environmentalist.