Press: Shifting to A Post-Bradlee Post

A cautious top man emerges at the Washington paper

In every dynasty, a moment comes when the painful, potentially disruptive question of succession must be faced. At the Washington Post, that question has loomed for some time over the tenure of executive editor Ben Bradlee. Bold and aggressive, Bradlee instilled a notable sharpness and drive into the paper after becoming executive editor in 1968. Under him, the Post at its best bristled with scoops -- especially during Watergate -- and was written with acerbic flair. It achieved national prominence with searching, provocative coverage that invigorated readers as much as it discomfited the White House and much of official Washington. But...

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