The failure of the system to deal quickly was attributable to Nixon's lying, stonewalling and refusal to come clean. So it took 26 months for the final truth to be known.

Certainly! Here’s an explanation with bolded keywords related to the quote:

Bob Woodward’s quote discusses the delay in uncovering the truth during the Watergate scandal, attributing the slow progress to President Nixon’s lying, stonewalling, and refusal to come clean. These actions obstructed the investigation and prolonged the process, causing the system to fail in dealing with the issue swiftly. As a result, it took an extended period of 26 months before the full facts were finally revealed.

The origin of this quote comes from Woodward’s role as an investigative journalist during the Watergate scandal, where he, along with Carl Bernstein, played a crucial part in exposing the corruption and cover-up within the Nixon administration. His statement reflects the frustration and challenges faced by the media, legal system, and public in holding powerful figures accountable when deception is involved.

This quote highlights the dangers of dishonesty and obstruction in governance and legal processes. It underscores how such tactics can delay justice and undermine public trust, prolonging crises and complicating efforts to restore transparency and accountability.

In essence, Bob Woodward’s statement serves as a reminder of the critical importance of truthfulness and cooperation in maintaining a functioning democratic system. It shows how failures at the highest levels can obstruct justice and emphasizes the need for vigilance in protecting the integrity of institutions.