What do you guys think of Bob Woodward?

[Rick Lee]

I've read most of his books and loved them all. As much as I disagree with judging historical events only months or a few years after they took place, you can't deny that Woodward has amazing access and research that would be impossible to get decades later, when a lot of the characters are dead or remember things differently.

He has another book coming out next week that's supposed to be pretty harsh on Bush wrt Iraq. His first two on G.W. Bush were pretty friendly toward Bush. The fact that the latest two were/are hard on Bush makes me wonder which version is correct. For this lastest book, Bush didn't give Woodward any face time, but has given him many hours of interviews in the past. IIRC, Woodward's only book on Bush 41, The Commanders, was not real kind to Bush, but Bush also didn't give him an interview. It's pretty clear from all his books that Cheney and Powell give him all the time he wants. Anyway, I'll read his latest book. But I just can't figure out the guy's agenda. It's not just reporting, as he offers plenty of commentary. But he contradicts his commentary in other books.

Sort of reminds me of when, during Nixon's visit to China, Zhou Enlai was asked by a reporter on his views on the French Revolution. Zhou replied that it was really too soon to tell.

[Rick Lee]

I guess the silence explains some of the BDS here.

[the]

Originally Posted by Rick Lee

His first two on G.W. Bush were pretty friendly toward Bush.

I read State of Denial. It didn't seem very friendly towards Bush.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by the

I read State of Denial. It didn't seem very friendly towards Bush.

I think that was the third one. I think Plan of Attack and Bush at War were the first two. Loved some of the Rumsfeld stories. What a ballbreaker to work for.

[scottmandue]

What is this "reading" and "books" you speak of? These words are not known to my people.

[Mule]

Still remember his work with deep throat. Self aggrandizing reporter.

[jackobleep32]

Woodward crossed the line many years ago between reporter of the facts, and entertainer. Nothing wrong with that, but you have to recognize that when reading his books.

[Rick Lee]

I just heard that Bush did, in fact, give Woodward two interviews for this latest book. Wow. That he did that after State of Denial says something. I guess Bush doesn't hold grudges.

[dd74]

Or Bush doesn't read.

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by dd74

Or Bush doesn't read.

Well, I'm sure he got a free copy of the audio book.

Did you read the Time story about Bob Geldof accompanying Bush to Africa? Bob handed Bush a copy of his book and Bush asked him, "Who'd you get to write that for you?" Geldof, without missing a beat, replied, "Who will you get to read it for you?"

Actually, if you read Woodward's stuff, he comments on Bush's reading and the man does consume some good books at a pretty good pace for the kind of job he has.

[varmint]

anyone remember a book called veil? somehow wooward got an exclusive interview with former C.I.A. director bill casey on his death bed. despite casey being surrounded by C.I.A. guards, hospital staff, and family members who swear they never saw him. and despite casey being in a coma.

[stevepaa]

books on tape

[Rick Lee]

Originally Posted by varmint

anyone remember a book called veil? somehow wooward got an exclusive interview with former C.I.A. director bill casey on his death bed. despite casey being surrounded by C.I.A. guards, hospital staff, and family members who swear they never saw him. and despite casey being in a coma.

Yes. Isn't that when folks started calling him "Mortuary Bob"? I have Veil somewhere, but packed it up before I read it and now I can't find it. While the story with Casey is kinda fishy, I have to wonder how he could have gotten away with such antics with anyone else who was still alive to refute his claims.