It’s just one more example of them following the most basic rule of the new journalism: If they want it to be true (want it really, really bad) then they throw away their normal rules and publish it without a whole lot of checking.

Usually the technique is deployed against Republicans but I guess they are not particularly particular. Of course they then look like fools when they’re caught out and their lack of professional is displayed for all to see. In their moment of shame they promise to never do it again but they have proven they are like a meth addict who just can’t stop.