IMO this is purely Elsbug covering his own ass. “If I can just make my act look like it was the same as this act.”
He’s seeking to cover his own ass with the righteous nature of this revelation. One was an act during war, and the other is an act of government abuse against it’s citizens.
IMO, these are two horses of a different color.
I don't disagree with that but it doesn't change that Ellsburg is consistent. There are plenty of libs who cheered Ellsburg and the NYT leakers during Bush's administration who are now saying this spying is no big deal and the leaker should be thrown in jail.