The greatest felony in the news business today is to be behind, or to miss a big story. So speed and quantity substitute for thoroughness and quality, for accuracy and context. – Carl Bernstein
The failures of the press have contributed immensely to the emergence of a talk-show nation, in which public discourse is reduced to ranting and raving and posturing. – Carl Bernstein
The lowest form of popular culture – lack of information, misinformation, disinformation, and a contempt for the truth or the reality of most peoples lives – has overrun real journalism. Today, ordinary Americans are being stuffed with garbage. – Carl Bernstein
The press and politicians. A delicate relationship. Too close, and danger ensues. Too far apart and democracy itself cannot function without the essential exchange of information. Creative leaks, a discreet lunch, interchange in the Lobby, the art of the unattributable telephone call, late at night. – Howard Brenton