‘The Post’ chronicles the Washington Post’s 1971 decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, a classified study detailing the U.S. government’s involvement in the Vietnam War, a decision that risked the future of the newspaper and challenged the Nixon administration’s power. The film centers on publisher Katharine Graham’s difficult choice to stand against government pressure and join The New York Times in revealing the truth about a decades-long deception.
The Heart of the Story: A Publisher’s Choice
At its core, ‘The Post’ is a story about courage, truth, and the responsibility of the press in a democratic society. The plot unfolds as Katharine Graham, newly thrust into the role of publisher after her husband’s death, grapples with both internal insecurities and external pressures while facing a monumental decision.
The New York Times initially obtains the Pentagon Papers and begins publishing excerpts. However, the Nixon administration obtains a court injunction to cease publication, effectively silencing the Times. This is where the Washington Post, and Graham, enter the fray. Ben Bradlee, the Post’s ambitious and driven executive editor, is determined to acquire the Pentagon Papers for his own paper. When he succeeds, Graham must decide whether to publish them, knowing she could face government charges of espionage and jeopardize the Post’s upcoming IPO on the stock market.
The narrative tension intensifies as Graham weighs the advice of her business advisors, who counsel caution and financial security, against Bradlee’s passionate arguments for the public’s right to know. She also battles the internalized sexism of the era, fighting to be heard and respected in a predominantly male environment.
Ultimately, Graham chooses to publish. The Post’s decision, alongside the New York Times’ continued legal battle, leads to a landmark Supreme Court ruling upholding the freedom of the press and allowing the publication of the Pentagon Papers to continue. The film highlights the immense pressure and risk involved, underscoring the crucial role of a free press in holding power accountable.
Unpacking the Key Elements
The Pentagon Papers: A Hidden History
The Pentagon Papers themselves are a crucial element driving the plot. Officially titled “Report of the Office of the Secretary of Defense Vietnam Task Force,” they were a top-secret Department of Defense history of the United States’ political and military involvement in Vietnam from 1945 to 1967. The papers revealed that the government had systematically misled the public and Congress about the scale and nature of the war, including escalating involvement despite knowing the slim chances of success. This government deception is the ethical basis for the newspapers’ decision to publish.
Katharine Graham: A Woman Finding Her Voice
Katharine Graham’s personal journey is inextricably linked to the larger story. A woman unexpectedly placed at the helm of a major newspaper in a male-dominated industry, she is initially hesitant and uncertain. The film portrays her evolution from a socially conscious but relatively inexperienced publisher to a confident and decisive leader willing to risk everything for the truth. Her struggle for self-assurance and recognition adds a compelling human dimension to the historical events.
Ben Bradlee: The Editor with a Mission
Ben Bradlee, portrayed as a driven and tenacious editor, acts as a catalyst for Graham’s transformation. He relentlessly pushes for publication, representing the idealistic vision of a fearless press. His clash with Graham, fueled by differing perspectives and risk tolerances, creates significant dramatic tension.
The Legal Battle: A Fight for Freedom
The legal battle against the Nixon administration is a critical subplot. The government’s attempt to suppress publication through court injunctions highlights the government’s abuse of power and the potential for censorship. The Supreme Court’s ultimate ruling in favor of the press is a victory for the First Amendment and a cornerstone of American democracy.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into ‘The Post’
Here are some frequently asked questions about ‘The Post’ to further clarify its plot, historical context, and significance:
1. What was the historical context surrounding the Pentagon Papers?
The Pentagon Papers were leaked in 1971, at a time when the Vietnam War was deeply unpopular and divisive in the United States. Public trust in the government was eroding, and anti-war protests were widespread. The papers exposed the government’s long-standing obfuscation regarding the war’s true nature and its potential unwinnability, further fueling public dissent.
2. Who leaked the Pentagon Papers, and why?
Daniel Ellsberg, a former military analyst who had worked on the Pentagon Papers, leaked them to the New York Times. Ellsberg, initially a supporter of the war, became disillusioned after witnessing the extent of the government’s deception and the war’s devastating impact. He believed that the public had a right to know the truth about the war and its origins.
3. What specific information did the Pentagon Papers reveal?
The Pentagon Papers revealed a range of information, including:
- That the Johnson administration had systematically lied to the public and Congress about its intentions in Vietnam.
- That the U.S. government had secretly expanded the war into Laos and Cambodia without public knowledge.
- That policymakers were aware of the war’s bleak prospects long before the public was informed.
- That the U.S. had supported the overthrow of Ngo Dinh Diem’s government in South Vietnam.
4. How did the Nixon administration react to the publication of the Pentagon Papers?
The Nixon administration was furious about the publication of the Pentagon Papers and sought to suppress it through legal action. They argued that the publication posed a threat to national security and violated the Espionage Act. The administration’s efforts to silence the press were seen by many as an overreach of executive power and a violation of the First Amendment.
5. What was Katharine Graham’s background before becoming publisher of the Washington Post?
Katharine Graham inherited the Washington Post after her husband, Philip Graham, committed suicide in 1963. Prior to this, she had largely been a homemaker and socialite, playing a supportive role in her husband’s career. Her sudden and unexpected ascension to the position of publisher thrust her into the spotlight and forced her to learn the business quickly.
6. Why was the Washington Post’s IPO so crucial at the time?
The Washington Post was on the verge of going public (Initial Public Offering) on the stock market. This was a critical step for the newspaper’s financial stability and future growth. Publishing the Pentagon Papers risked alienating potential investors and jeopardizing the IPO, adding immense pressure to Graham’s decision.
7. What was the role of Ben Bagdikian in acquiring the Pentagon Papers for the Post?
Ben Bagdikian, then an assistant managing editor at the Washington Post, played a key role in obtaining the Pentagon Papers after the New York Times was legally blocked. He secretly met with Daniel Ellsberg and secured a copy of the documents, representing a crucial moment in the Post’s pursuit of the story.
8. What were the ethical considerations involved in publishing classified documents?
Publishing classified documents involves a complex ethical calculus. On one hand, there is the public’s right to know and the responsibility of the press to hold power accountable. On the other hand, there are concerns about national security and the potential for harm to individuals or ongoing operations. The film explores these conflicting considerations in detail.
9. What was the Supreme Court’s ruling in New York Times Co. v. United States?
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the New York Times and the Washington Post, allowing them to continue publishing the Pentagon Papers. The court held that the government had not met the high burden required to justify prior restraint of publication, meaning they could not prevent the newspapers from publishing the information. The ruling was a significant victory for the freedom of the press.
10. How did the publication of the Pentagon Papers impact the Vietnam War?
The publication of the Pentagon Papers further eroded public support for the Vietnam War and contributed to the growing anti-war movement. It revealed the extent to which the government had misled the public, leading to increased distrust and calls for an end to the conflict.
11. How does ‘The Post’ portray the relationship between the press and the government?
‘The Post’ portrays the relationship between the press and the government as inherently adversarial, particularly when it comes to issues of national security and transparency. The film highlights the importance of an independent press in holding the government accountable, even when it faces opposition and pressure.
12. What is the enduring relevance of ‘The Post’ today?
‘The Post’ remains relevant today because it addresses timeless themes of truth, courage, and the importance of a free press in a democratic society. In an era of increasing disinformation and attacks on journalism, the film serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role that the press plays in holding power accountable and informing the public. It underscores the responsibility of journalists to pursue the truth, even in the face of adversity, and the importance of protecting the First Amendment.