That reading doesn't require too much strain, I agree.
There's a queer, arch tone to the piece that I put down to AdNag going for a Milbank funny - with a side-order of taking the piss out of Bumiller.
But - I'd say writing up some other journo's phone call, even if Gore was in on it, wouldn't be worth the candle.
Apart from the Jayson Blair angle (If the Lay-Z-Boy don't fit, you must acquit), the scope for leaks from disgruntled Gore staffers - I think there's a difference between scribing a piece based on other hacks' research and leaving a call with a VIP (no cracks, please!) to a junior to take.
But - these things need to be parsed, and that's a parsing within the bounds of credibility, I'd say.
I would hope that you could find a better word than "queer" especially since the subject matter is an openly gay journalist. I am trying not to be offended here, but it is difficult.
I have, actually, no interest in AdNag's extracurricular activities, so had no information thereon.
No sly allusion there, just a good old English meaning.
