McCain has to create the backlash basically by proclaiming “an honorable man has been dishonored”. He needs to trade on his honest reputation and make them pay for assailing it, before they ruin it.
I understand that. But while McCain initiates it, the assumption is that the public becomes the backlash against the media. I’m just saying that I doubt the NYTimes is worried. Conservatives already don’t trust them. Liberals don’t care so long as the newspaper remains devoted to their causes. The liberals will probably give the story writers an award. That’s how they operate.