I think the difference is that Woodward’s story on the origins of ‘the sequester’ isn’t ‘investigative journalism,’ as was Watergate or (theoretically) TANG. If you’re reference to ACORN meant to say O’Keefe, again, that was ‘investigative journalism.’
The National Enquirer and all other media kept the Lewinski story under wraps; it was Drudge who broke that story.
“Journalists,” their editors and publishers are, in the main, cowards afraid to confront power, especially if it’s a power that espouses their very same political philosophy.
So, Obama deserved a heads-up? Why? I think that’s unethical journalism because it gives the subject of the story an opportunity to spin the facts in advance of the story.