What the NYT needs to be challenged on is who gave the orders to start the spying on a Republican candidate. It is incredible to suggest it was hatched and executed by a few rogue agents. OK, NYT, prove it - the citizens have a right to see it all.
If it were truly a rogue event, and if BHO had a scintilla of courage and decency, he would be demanding right now a full and complete investigation, and call on his people to fully cooperate. Not only is his personal and his administration’s reputation at risk, but more importantly he would be concerned of the serious damage / corruption to our federal institutions. There is a reason he has not spoken up in this manner.
They aren't going down that road unless it is by screaming and kicking. I've seen enough news accounts and blog sleuthing to speculate it was run directly from the WH. Comey didn't decided to bypass LL and BO to clear Hillary and go after Trump on his own.