1. Giving them the resources and time:
* Funding: The Post provided generous financial support, allowing them to travel extensively, hire research assistants, and pursue every lead.
* Time: They were given ample time to work on the story, even when it didn't produce immediate results. This freedom allowed them to dig deeper and uncover more evidence.
* Staff: They were provided with support staff, including researchers and librarians, who helped them gather information.
2. Protection and encouragement:
* Editorial support: The Post's editors, particularly Ben Bradlee, provided unwavering editorial support. They defended Woodward and Bernstein against criticism and pressure from the Nixon administration.
* Shielding them: They protected the reporters from intimidation and threats, which were common during their investigation.
3. Allowing them to break big stories:
* Trust and autonomy: The Post trusted Woodward and Bernstein's instincts, allowing them to publish their findings without excessive oversight. This freedom allowed them to break major stories that contributed to the eventual resignation of President Nixon.
* Publishing their findings: The Post published their stories prominently, providing the investigation with significant exposure and public attention.
4. Supporting their work during a time of intense pressure:
* Standing by them: The Post stood by Woodward and Bernstein even when the investigation was met with fierce opposition and threats from the Nixon administration.
* Giving them a platform: They provided them with a platform to share their findings with the world, which ultimately played a key role in exposing the truth about Watergate.
The Post's support was crucial to Woodward and Bernstein's success in exposing Watergate. Without the publisher and editors' faith, resources, and unwavering commitment, the story might never have come to light. This support is a testament to the importance of investigative journalism and the crucial role that news organizations play in holding power accountable.