"The big question is, why is the New York Times printing stories that may prove immensely damaging to their politics? It's totally out of character."
Good question. Track the MSM on a timeline marked by 11/2004. By 11/2004, everthning they said was a lie. Since then, they have much more truth. They are building credibility so they can lie more effectively in 2006, 2008.
Totally in character for the NY Slimes. When not bashing Bush, return to bashing the FBI, CIA or military, and Clinton gets a pass. News also makes $$.