The cloud of doubt that surrounds political figures tends to remain and never dissipate or be clarified.
From Bob Woodward
I gave my word that this source would not be identified unless he changed his mind. He has not.
A reporter's ability to keep the bond of confidentiality often enables him to learn the hidden or secret aspects of government.
Way before Watergate, senior administration officials hid behind anonymity.
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.
Using these unnamed sources, if done properly, carefully and fairly, provides more accountability in government.
I recently read some of the transcripts of Nixon's Watergate tapes, and they spent hours trying to figure out who was leaking and providing information to Carl and myself.
It was accountability that Nixon feared.
Deep Throat was a very unfortunate name given to the source by the managing editor of The Washington Post.
Even now there is no evidence that anyone involved in the Nixon operation was going to threaten us.
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