An Aura of Mystery Still Hovers Around the Man Who Is Deep Throat: Deep Throat, a k a W. Mark Felt, a k a "the Secret Man" of Bob Woodward's new book, was the most famous anonymous source in modern American political history. [...]
"The Secret Man" provides an intriguing if not fully satisfying portrait of the real-life relationship between Mr. Woodward and Mr. Felt, and it reaffirms the vital role that confidential sources play in keeping the public informed. Deep Throat's identity remained a mystery for more than 30 years, and his repeated insistence on what Mr. Woodward calls in these pages "secrecy at all cost" suggests that today's media-bashing climate - when reporters' right to keep sources secret is under attack - could well inhibit sources like Mr. Felt from stepping forward. [...]
"It is critical that confidential sources feel they would be protected for life," Mr. Woodward writes near the end of this slight but provocative book. "There needed to be a model out there where people could come forward or speak when contacted, knowing they would be protected."
