Trump’s Epstein ‘mess’: Bob Woodward on 47’s 'appalling' sexist old boys club, bankers

Investigative Journalism & Evidence - The importance of firsthand sources, documents, and contemporaneous notes in journalism for validity [5] - Awareness by multiple people, including Donald Trump, of Jeffrey Epstein's actions, indicating a degree of participation [6] - Assessing denials and lawsuits from politicians, highlighting the use of lawsuits for leverage [7][9] - Praising in-depth reporting, such as the New York Times' investigation into JP Morgan's alleged involvement in Epstein's crimes [10][11] - The necessity of dogged reporting, emphasizing firsthand witnesses and the luxury of time for thorough investigation [12][13] Political Landscape & Retribution - Trump's agenda of retribution and vengeance against those who have investigated or crossed him [13] - Comparison between Nixon and Trump, noting Nixon's warning against hate versus Trump's apparent embrace of it [13][14] - Trump's relationship with Putin, characterized by mutual respect and potential naivete regarding manipulation [13] - Concerns about the Republican effort to rewrite the history of the January 6 attack [15] Media & Journalism - The importance of caution and responsibility in journalism, especially in live TV news and the internet age [16] - The danger of "demon pomposity" and the need for restraint in journalism [17][18] - Worries about billionaire control and sway in the media industry, but highlighting the importance of independent editors [19] - Real journalism must be tough and independent, emphasizing time, skepticism, and great editors [21]