By DCist contributor Nicole Dubowitz

In 1972, Bob Woodward helped get Americans inside the Nixon Oval Office by breaking open the Watergate scandal. The veteran journalist gives the same fly-on-the-wall perspective in his new book, The Price of Politics (Simon & Schuster, September 2012). He will be speaking about the book on Monday, November 12 at 7 p.m. at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue.

The Price of Politics examines some of the momentous events that took place in Congress during President Obama’s first term. After 18 months of reporting, Woodward details leader-by-leader, daily and sometimes hourly accounts of the interactions that drove or stalled economic initiatives. Though we already know much of what eventually happened, the book reads like a suspenseful mystery novel unraveling the end result.

Called one of the best reporters of the 20th century, Woodward’s critical eye comes down hard on the president for not “working his will” during these dealings, as Woodward said in an interview. He investigates in a systematic, evenhanded, and slightly wonky way how the Administration and key policymakers attempted to negotiate away from fiscal disaster, too often to no avail.

Not every observation revolves around policy or politicking: One of Woodward’s anecdotes is about a meeting between President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio), during which Boehner smoked a cigarette and drank merlot, while the Obama chewed Nicorette and sipped iced tea. Boehner told Woodward this scenario was “all you need to know about the differences between the president and myself.” Obama reportedly thought of their nicotine affinity as a sign of the two men’s common ground.

Woodward’s 17th book is certainly not the first to address the current political clusterjam, but it reflects the skill and insight that comes with the Washington Post journalist’s 40-year career. The author is known for his knack for getting people to talk, and for providing an almost uncomfortably close look at Washington players. Learning about the dynamics that formed in Congress helps illuminate the debates behind the stimulus package, budget cuts, the national debt, and other issues.

Since he and Carl Bernstein uncovered Watergate as young Posties, Woodward has contributed to the public discourse as a respected member of a media acting as the fourth branch of government. Their story led to the release of the incriminating Nixon tapes, offering access to the then-President’s most private conversations. He has won six Pulitzer Prizes and almost every other national journalism honor. He spent the most time of any journalist interviewing President George W. Bush, and has been critiqued in the past for aspects of his involvement with that administration.

The Sixth and I Historic Synagogue will host Monday’s appearance by Woodward as he speaks with another Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Dana Priest. He will sign books afterward for attendees. Tickets are $12, or 2 tickets are free with the purchase of The Price of Politics.