SPIKE - Department of Journalism - University of Illinois

Although the list of finalists was based on fact, there was need for some interpretation when a copy of an unedited version of the manuscript of "All The President's Men" was lent to students. They compared the early version with the published book, looking for any hints to the identity of Throat.

One possible clue was a line that had been deleted in the final version: "Significantly, he was perhaps the only person in the government in a position to possibly understand the whole scheme and not be a potential conspirator himself." A note in the margin asked, "Bob, too close to id of throat here?"

To the student investigators, it underscored the finding that most of the finalists were speechwriters or press relations people. They would be present at crucial times but having no staffs would be insulated from giving orders.

Among other hints in the manuscript was a margin note suggesting possible description of Throat in connection with White House social friends and parties in the Georgetown section of the city, which could have fit all seven, but was mentioned by students as a reason for emphasis on Buchanan as a Washington insider. As a native of the city, he also was thought likely to have known of the trucker's bar where Woodward and Throat met.

But the goal of the student investigators is to uncover facts rather than speculate, so the class will press on.