Sonoma Speaker Series: In Conversation with CARL BERNSTEIN

In the early 1970s, CARL BERNSTEIN and Bob Woodward broke the Watergate story for The Washington Post, leading to the resignation of President Richard Nixon and setting the standard for modern investigative reporting, for which they and The Post were awarded the Pulitzer Prize. With Woodward, Bernstein wrote two classic best-sellers: All the President’s Men (also a movie starring Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman), about their coverage of the Watergate story; and The Final Days, about the denouement of the Nixon presidency.

In 1974, it was ultimately the power of the free and open press, led by Bernstein and Woodward’s dogged coverage in the Washington Post, that preserved democracy and held those in power accountable.

Fifty years later, journalism is under attack: misinformation runs rampant, facts are up for debate and discarded if they don’t fit a certain narrative, and the media and journalists are labeled as enemies. With that pillar of democracy under attack, how would a ‘Watergate’ play out today?

In this interview, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Carl Bernstein analyzes the erosion of public trust and the ongoing threats to democracy at home and abroad. Drawing from his unparalleled expertise and experience in breaking the Watergate story, Bernstein offers insight into strengthening democratic principles for the future, highlighting the importance of transparency, accountability, and civic engagement.

Bernstein will be in conversation with Sonoma Speaker Series Board Member, Laura Zimmerman. Readers Books will have signed copies of his books on sale in the lobby before and after the speaker presentation.

Host or Publisher Sonoma Speaker Series