

“All the President’s Men” vs. Trump’s Daily Insanity
Sep 30, 2025
Jonathan Cohn, a keen political commentator, sheds light on the enduring impact of "All the President's Men" on journalism. He discusses how the film serves as a foundational myth, illustrating the power of institutions in a polarized era. Cohn contrasts the Watergate scandal with today's constant political chaos, arguing that modern scandals fail to sway public opinion. The conversation explores the evolution of reporting techniques, the rise of whataboutism, and the urgent need for principled journalism in today’s landscape.
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Poster, Pride, And College Paper Memories
- Jonathan V. Last kept an All the President's Men poster since age 20 and displayed it during his college newspaper days.
- He treated himself like Ben Bradlee while editing and apologizes to reporters he bossed around then.
Founding Myth Of Modern Journalism
- Jonathan Cohn calls All the President's Men the founding myth of modern journalism and how the profession understands itself.
- The film shapes journalism's identity more than most real-world reporting examples.
Underdog Appeal That Drives Career Choice
- Jonathan V. Last describes being inspired by the movie's underdog narrative: reporters, the Post versus the Times, and local reporters beating national ones.
- That underdog energy drove his desire to pursue journalism.