You remember the old LBJ quote....
Indeed, one of LBJ’s favorite jokes is about a popular Texas sheriff running for re-election. His opponents have been trying unsuccessfully to think of a good campaign issue to use against him. Finally one man suggests spreading “a rumor that he —— pigs.” Another protests, “You know he doesn’t do that.” “I know,” says the first man, “but let’s make the sonofabitch deny it.”
Poor Ted. He’s damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t deny this story.
Ok, that story had me rolling.
But you are correct.
He also now has now left himself open for NE to up the stakes as no reporter breaking a big scoop wants the subject of it to dismiss their report. That’s a declaration of war on a guy with the pen.