From The New Yorker · Bob Woodward · · 1m 40s
The Danger of Getting Too Close to a Source
A journalist and White House insider reveal the risks of overreliance on a trusted source.
In brief
A journalist and White House insider reveal the risks of overreliance on a trusted source. Bob Woodward and Dick Darman's close friendship led to a public conflict over economic reporting that ended their friendship. Originally reported by The New Yorker.
Woodward meets Darman
Woodward first met Darman in 1973 during Watergate, a time Darman was Elliot Richardson's top aide.
Darman's role in White House
Darman served as Reagan's staff secretary and later became Bush's director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Darman as Woodward's source
Darman provided Woodward with confidential information on White House decision-making for over 20 years.
Reagan shooting incident
In 1981, Reagan was shot by John Hinckley, Jr., and Darman revealed the FBI took his nuclear code card.
Darman's political ambitions
Darman considered running for president in 1996, claiming he could present an economic plan better than Bush.
Economic policy conflict
Darman and Woodward clashed over Woodward's planned economic series on Bush's policies before the 1992 election.
Publication of economic series
Woodward published a four-part series on Bush's economic policies in October 1992, months before the election.
Political fallout
Bush lost the 1992 election to Clinton after Woodward's series exposed economic policy failures.
Ending the friendship
Woodward and Darman's friendship ended after Woodward published the economic series, despite their long history.
Darman's death
Darman died in January 2008, months after Woodward last saw him in intensive care.
Long-term impact
Woodward learned from Darman's death that close friendships with sources can lead to professional and personal consequences.
What it means
Bob Woodward and Dick Darman's close friendship led to a public conflict over economic reporting that ended their friendship.
