Carl Bernstein: From Copyboy to Watergate and Beyond

Carl Bernstein, born on February 14, 1944, is a renowned American investigative journalist and author whose career has significantly impacted the field of journalism. Starting as a copyboy at age 16, he rose to prominence for his role in uncovering the Watergate scandal alongside Bob Woodward, which led to President Richard Nixon's resignation. Bernstein's journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of truth and his dedication to holding those in power accountable.

Early Life and Education

Carl Milton Bernstein was born in Washington, D.C., to Sylvia and Alfred Bernstein, who were activists fighting for civil rights. His parents' activism and left-leaning views, including their affiliation with the Communist Party in the 1940s, shaped his early life and instilled in him a sense of social justice. The FBI even kept a file on the family. Bernstein himself attended legally segregated public schools in D.C. until sixth grade.

Despite his later success, Bernstein admits he "was a terrible student." "The last time I got decent grades was in fifth grade," he said. "I’m good at doing things I want to do. I’m not good at doing things other people want me to do." He attended the University of Maryland but dropped out. A photo of his F-riddled college transcript is included in his book, Chasing History.

Early Career at The Washington Star

Bernstein's journalism career began at the age of 16 as a copyboy for The Washington Evening Star in 1960. He became a reporter at 19. This formative period, from 1960 to 1965, is chronicled in his memoir, Chasing History: A Kid in the Newsroom. He describes learning his trade from talented mentors and covering major events such as John F. Kennedy's inauguration and the Civil Rights movement. "Pretty much everything I know, certainly about reporting and journalism, and also about life, I learned at the Star," says Bernstein. He calls his time at the Star "like no other in my life, even Watergate."

During his time at the Star, Bernstein witnessed the intersection of print and TV news while covering President Kennedy’s assassination. He notes that, unlike social media, the video element of TV news enhanced the coverage.

The Washington Post and the Watergate Scandal

In 1966, Bernstein joined The Washington Post as a reporter. His career reached a turning point in June 1972 when he was teamed up with Bob Woodward to cover a break-in at the Watergate office complex. What initially seemed like a minor crime soon evolved into a major political scandal.

Bernstein and Woodward meticulously followed the clues, uncovering secret bank accounts and illegal activities linked to the Nixon administration. Bernstein was among the first to suspect President Nixon's involvement. Their reporting revealed the depth of the scandal, leading to government investigations and, ultimately, Nixon's resignation in 1974.

In 1973, Bernstein and the Post were awarded the Pulitzer Prize.

"All the President's Men"

In 1974, Bernstein and Woodward published All the President’s Men, a detailed account of their Watergate investigation. The book became a #1 national bestseller. In 1976, it was adapted into a popular movie, with Dustin Hoffman playing Carl Bernstein and Robert Redford portraying Bob Woodward.

Post-Watergate Career

After leaving The Washington Post in 1977, Bernstein continued his career in journalism, exploring the use and abuse of power in various domains. He joined broadcast news, working at ABC, CBS, and CNN as a political commentator. He investigated the secret cooperation between the CIA and American media during the Cold War.

Bernstein has also authored several best-selling books, including:

The Final Days (1976), co-authored with Bob Woodward, about the end of the Nixon presidency.
Loyalties: A Son’s Memoir (1989), a memoir of his family’s experience in the McCarthy era.
His Holiness: John Paul II and the History of Our Time (1996), co-authored with Marco Politi, detailing Pope John Paul II’s role in the fall of communism.
A Woman In Charge: The Life of Hillary Rodham Clinton (2007), a biography of Hillary Rodham Clinton.
Chasing History: A Kid in the Newsroom (2022), a memoir of his early years in journalism.

In addition to his books, Bernstein has written articles for Time, USA Today, Rolling Stone, and The New Republic. He often appears on television to discuss current events, providing commentary and analysis on political and media issues.

Personal Life

Carl Bernstein has been married three times. His second wife was the writer and director Nora Ephron, with whom he had two sons. Their marriage ended in divorce, and Ephron later wrote the novel Heartburn, inspired by events from their relationship.

During his marriage to Ephron, Bernstein had a much-publicized extramarital relationship with Margaret Jay, daughter of British Prime Minister James Callaghan.

Working with Bob Woodward

Although they worked closely together, Bernstein and Woodward had very different personalities and backgrounds. Woodward, raised in a traditional Republican household, was known for being quiet and focused. Bernstein, on the other hand, came from a Communist Jewish family and was known for being a "big thinker" and a talented writer.

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Woodward's strength was in investigation, while Bernstein excelled in writing and connecting the dots. Their different styles made them a perfect team, with Woodward digging up the facts and Bernstein shaping them into a powerful story. Alicia Shepard said, "Carl was the big thinker, and Woodward was the one that [made] sure it got done…"

Bernstein's Views on Journalism and the Media

Bernstein is a strong advocate for vibrant journalism and the pursuit of truth. He believes that the missing ingredient in national life, especially in Washington and in journalism, is the common good. He argues that Washington exists largely in a partisan, ideological cocoon, hindering meaningful progress.

Bernstein emphasizes the importance of pursuing "the best obtainable version of the truth." However, he notes that in modern America, many people are not interested in the truth but rather in ideological and partisan ammunition to reinforce their existing beliefs. He reminds audiences that each individual has a responsibility to weigh messages before jumping to conclusions.

Bernstein has also criticized modern journalism for its sensationalism and celebration of gossip over real news. He believes that social media, while offering immediacy, is often unedited and un-curated, prioritizing self-expression over accurate news coverage.

Legacy and Impact

Carl Bernstein's career has had a profound impact on journalism and American society. His work on the Watergate scandal set new standards for investigative reporting and demonstrated the importance of a free press in holding those in power accountable.

Bernstein's dedication to uncovering the truth has inspired countless journalists around the world. His books, articles, and commentary continue to inform and engage audiences, providing valuable insights into the inner workings of government, politics, and the media.

Quotes

"Vibrant journalism is being done every day in newspapers, online, in magazines, in television."
"The missing ingredient too often in our national life today -- especially in Washington, including in our journalism, especially in our politics -- is the common good."
"My simple concept for reporting, from the very beginning, has been to pursue the best obtainable version of the truth …."
"We are experiencing, much too often, the opposite … Increasingly we live in an age when people reading the web and newspapers and watching the 'news' are not interested in the best obtainable or available version of the truth or anything approaching it. They're looking increasingly for ideological and partisan ammunition to reinforce what they already believe and think they know. Real existing facts instead become unimportant."
"Secrecy is the enemy."
"Perfectionism is a character defect I have. I sometimes don’t let myself be satisfied.”
“Pretty much everything I know, certainly about reporting and journalism, and also about life, I learned at the Star.”
"I was a terrible student,”

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