As I wrap up Season One of “American Crisis: Can Journalism Save Democracy?” I’m especially delighted to offer all subscribers this conversation with Garrett Graff, the brilliant author of “Watergate: A New History.”

He really is the perfect person to cap off all we’ve been talking about because he’s a serious student of both the Watergate scandal and the events that preceded and followed Jan. 6, 2021. I was particularly struck by his observation that — while we know how Watergate ended — we don’t know, right now, if we’re at the beginning, middle or end of the Trump era.

Graff’s observations, knowledge and ability to synthesize opened my eyes and changed my mind about some aspects of this subject. I hope you’ll appreciate it as much as I did.

Please note: This newsletter will continue — only the audio portions are taking a break, with the possibility of a Season Two podcast that will be more focused on the looming presidential election. You’ll continue to receive my media-criticism posts, as well as some broader reporting and commentary. I’ll continue to look for, and respond to, your comments below each post.

A short bonus episode with Garrett Graff will drop on Friday. I’m making them both free to all.

As for the question we’ve been exploring — can journalism save democracy? — my answer at this point is “not all by itself.” In other words, journalism is necessary to sustaining democracy but not sufficient, as Graff explains so eloquently here.

Thanks for coming along for this ride, and please don’t go away. There’s much more to come!

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit margaretsullivan.substack.com/subscribe