Opinion: Watergate journo calls Trump 'competitive'

Opinion: Watergate journo calls Trump 'competitive'

Amidst a cacophony of claims and commentary about Trump versus Clinton, one voice stands out: that of legendary Watergate journalist Carl Bernstein.

Mr Bernstein is the ultimate beacon of old-school journalism, and summed this up when he told me today: "I am really basically a reporter, I am not a crystal ball gazer".

It goes without saying Mr Bernstein's attitude is at odds with the pageantry of punditry on show here in America right now, where instantaneous calls are made on every utterance.

But Mr Bernstein still delivered a fascinating verdict, saying: "There is no question that as of right now is a very competitive race between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump".

By using the term "competitive" the 72-year-old Mr Bernstein is essentially saying that Trump could win - a big call given he has referred to Trump as America's first neo-fascist nominee".

Mr Bernstein and Bob Woodward broke the Watergate scandal at The Washington Post in the 1970s that led to the resignation of President Nixon. He is also the author of an extensive biography of Hillary Clinton.

Opinion: Watergate journo calls Trump 'competitive'

Bob Woodward, left, and Carl Bernstein in the Washington Post newsroom (Getty)

"Despite all the outrageous things Trump has said and has done Hillary Clinton has not been a strong candidate" Mr Bernstein said.

Mr Bernstein, now a commentator for CNN and writer for Vanity Fair, noted the polls, of which a number show Trump ahead, were "very close".

But he also cautioned that polls "are just a snapshot".

Mr Bernstein believed the Democratic National Convention was going well and there was "a lot riding" on Hillary's speech.

Mr Bernstein ended by saying: "We still got a 100 days to go. There is a lot to be learned".

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