In the 1960s, as war-raged in Vietnam, an inside operative leaked top secret documents

that shocked the American public, where his actions patriotic or treasonous.

American scandal is a podcast from Wondery that explores the darker stories that have

shaped the United States.

From the Unabomber to Bernie Madoff, these are stories that reveal the underbelly of America,

ruthless, secretive, and power-hungry.

In the new season, American scandal looks at the controversial decision made by a young

government official named Daniel Ellsberg to leak the Pentagon papers, the documents

that led Americans to demand an end to the catastrophic Vietnam War.

The Pentagon papers revealed that the government knew the Vietnam War could not be won, but

kept fighting anyway.

Once Ellsberg realized this terrible truth, he made the bold decision to leak the documents

and the consequences altered the course of American history.

You're about to hear a preview of American scandal, the Pentagon papers.

While you're listening, follow American scandal on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, or wherever

you get your podcasts.

It's October 4, 1969 in Los Angeles, California.

In an office on the west side of town, Daniel Ellsberg creeps through a silent corridor.

The night is late, and by now, the office is completely cleared out.

So Ellsberg moves carefully, stalking through the hall like a burglar.

He can't risk being seen by a security guard.

A moment later, Ellsberg turns a corner and arrives at a small, dark room.

...