When the Watergate scandal first caught the attention of the Washington Post, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein were handed the job of covering it. They were able to uncover connections between the burglars and the White House, but were running out of leads. During this time, they spotted a veiled reference to an organization in a grand jury testimony about the scandal which enabled Woodward to make contact with Deep Throat.
Deep Throat was a cryptic code-name that referred to the Deep Throat discussions that took place in the parking garage of apartment complex. Woodward would signal by moving plants or attaching a white flag to his balcony to indicate when to meet. At the meetings, Deep Throat, who knew everything that was going on behind the scenes, would provide the Post reporters with information and guidance on what to pursue.
Deep Throat was able to provide the Washington Post with a wealth of information that led to the downfall of the Nixon administration. For example, he informed them that the break-in had been orchestrated by the White House, providing the reporters with the necessary evidence to prove that the President had lied about the break-in. This information was taken into account during the Senate Watergate hearings, which ultimately led to Nixon’s resignation from the presidency.
Despite the fact that Deep Throat was reportedly motivated by a sense of duty to his country, his identity remained a mystery for years after the Watergate scandal was over. It was not until 2005, more than 30 years later, that it was revealed that Mark Felt was the man behind the code name. In an article in Vanity Fair, Felt explained that he had been motivated to speak out against the Nixon administration’s illegal activities.
Deep Throat’s role in the Watergate scandal was unprecedented in American history. It represented a moment when a well-placed individual within the government bureaucracy chose to reveal information that was not only damaging to the government, but to his own career, as well. Felt’s decision to speak out had far-reaching consequences, impacting not only the political fortunes of those in power but also the role of the media in government accountability.
In sum, Deep Throat was the mysterious source who played a vital role in exposing the Watergate scandal. Through his guidance, Woodward and Bernstein were able to gather evidence and uncover connections that ultimately led to the downfall of the Nixon administration. Although his identity remained a secret for decades, the significance of his contribution to American history cannot be overstated. Deep Throat’s willingness to speak out and take action demonstrates the power of dissent, and the consequences that can arise from speaking truth to power.