William Mark Felt Sr. was a key figure in the Watergate scandal, having served as the FBI’s second-in-command during the early 1970s. His role in helping Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein uncover the truth behind the scandal earned him the nickname “Deep Throat”, coined by Washington Post editor Howard Simons.
In this essay, we will explore why Felt was given this nickname and the implications of his actions.
Why Was William Mark Felt Sr Called Deep Throat?
Background of William Mark Felt Sr.
William Mark Felt Sr. was a former Deputy Associate Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He was born in Twin Falls, Idaho in 1913. Throughout his career, he had a reputation as a principled and dedicated professional who was involved in numerous high-profile cases.
Watergate Scandal
In 1972, Felt was caught up in one of the biggest political scandals in US history – the Watergate scandal. He was approached by Washington Post reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, who were investigating the scandal.
Felt agreed to provide them with information on a deep background basis, which meant he would neither confirm nor deny his involvement in the investigation.
Deep Throat
In order to protect his identity, Post editor Howard Simons tagged him as “Deep Throat”, after the widely known pornographic film Deep Throat. This moniker soon became synonymous with Felt and the mysterious informant in the Watergate scandal.
Information Provided
Felt provided Woodward and Bernstein with information about the Watergate cover-up, including details about a slush fund used by the Nixon administration to pay for the break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters.
He also provided information about the White House’s attempts to obstruct justice by concealing evidence of the break-in.
Legacy
Felt’s identity was eventually revealed in 2005, when he publicly admitted to being Deep Throat. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 95. His legacy as Deep Throat will forever be associated with the Watergate scandal, and his actions are credited with helping to bring about the eventual downfall of the Nixon administration.
To Recap
William Mark Felt Sr. was an important figure in the Watergate scandal, and his nickname “Deep Throat” is a testament to his role in helping to uncover the truth. His anonymity allowed him to provide information to Woodward and Bernstein without fear of retribution, and his actions played an integral part in ending the Nixon administration’s reign of corruption.
Felt’s courage in the face of such a daunting situation is an example of what can be achieved when one takes a stand against injustice.
