A reporter's ability to keep the bond of confidentiality often enables him to learn the hidden or secret aspects of government.

Good work is always done in defiance of management.

Nixon's attempts to order subversion of various departments was bound to come out in some form.

Deep Throat was a very unfortunate name given to the source by the managing editor of The Washington Post.

Some newspapers have a hands-off policy on favored politicians. But it's generally very small newspapers or local TV stations.

Any suggestion that I'm writing about political operatives because I'm interested in political operatives misses the entire point.

If information is true, if it can be verified, and if it's really important, the newspaper needs to be willing to take the risk associated with using unidentified sources.