In 1972 two relatively unknown reporters, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein of the Washington Post, began to cover what was described by one person as “a third rate burglary.”

On June 17, 1972, five men were arrested for breaking into the Watergate Hotel, where the Democratic National Committee had its headquarters. They were attempting to place a wiretap in the party offices. Even though it was an election year, the story didn’t seem to have much traction, because President Richard Nixon had such a large lead over anyone who might oppose him.

Yet with diligence, hard work, and some luck Woodward and Bernstein discovered that what seemed to be a vague connection with the Committee to Reelect the President, had turned into a breathtaking story of political intrigue, corruption, and obstruct…