Woodward's Close Ties

Bagnews Note

Out of hundreds of possible file photos the NYT could have chosen to accompany an update on Bob Woodward, (Post Editor Foresees Possibility of Naming Leak Source - link) why pick this one? The image, taken in April, shows Woodward helping Ben Bradlee, the former Post executive editor, with his tie.

Besides the touching portrait of a long time relationship, I'm wondering if the photo editors were struck by other associations. For example, does the picture help explain Woodward's belief he could hide his involvement in the Plame affair by virtue of his membership in the old boys club? And/or, does the picture say something about Washington journalists and the problem of boundaries? I recognize the other person in the shot is a good friend and long time colleague. Given the incestuous relationship exposed by the scandal between the administration and the press, is it that far-fetched to visualize Woodward (essentially, the White House biographer) in the same pose with Colin Powell or even Dick Cheney?

Reflective of the insularity and self-importance of the Washington media elite, I was interested in Bradlee's comment in the article's last paragraph regarding Woodward's secret role in the C.I.A. leak.

"We're so interested in our own selves, especially in these two papers in this city," Mr. Bradlee said in an interview. "Outside the Beltway I feel this story has very minor interest."
This comment is troubling for a couple of reasons. Perhaps the Beltway has been extended a good ways, because this story is drawing plenty of interest here in California. On a much more serious note, however, I hope Bradlee isn't suggesting that the significance of this story is somehow related to the degree of interest it attracts. If that's the case, why should anybody have persisted in drawing attention to the Administration's pre-war sales job years before the public started to take notice?

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