Journalism Quote by Carl Bernstein
““Woodward, a registered Republican, did not vote. He couldn't decide whether he was more uneasy with the disorganization and naïve idealism of McGovern's campaign or with Richard Nixon's conduct. And he believed that not voting enabled him to be more objective in reporting on Watergate - a vier Bernstein regarded as silly. Bernstein voted for McGovern, unenthusiastically and unhesitatingly, then bet in the office pool that Nixon would win with 54 percent. -- Carl Bernstein, Bob Woodward””
About This Quote
Source Book: All the President’s Men by Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, 1974
Bernstein claimed his non‑vote made him a neutral reporter, yet he still chose a side and bet on the election outcome.
In simple terms: He said not voting kept him objective, but he still acted on his political views.
Key Takeaway
Question your own claimed objectivity.
Themes
journalism
politics
ethics
Mood
skeptical
reflective
Type
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- election coverage
- investigative reporting
- personal bias
- media credibility
Key Concepts
bias
objectivity
conflict of interest
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you think abstaining from voting can truly make you more objective?
- How does personal bias affect reporting?
A Different Perspective
Objectivity is hard to maintain when personal stakes exist.
![“The reality is that the media are probably the most powerful of all our institutions today and they, or rather we [journalists], too often are squandering our power and ignoring our obligations. The consequence of our abdication of responsibility is the ugly spectacle of idiot culture!” quote by Carl Bernstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/86a/carl-bernstein-10988_abdication_the-reality-is-that-the-media-are-probab_59464.jpg)
