[M T]

Hypothetically:
Reporter: "Should I say 'pushed back'  or 'options were debated'?" 
Editor:  "Do you ever want to advance your career?  How many clicks will those get?"

There are some inflammatory words that the NYT used that are seemingly not direct quotes. 
I presume the editor or reporter chose them for a reason. 
I don't think any of us will ever know whether that was for commercial or political or other reasons.

[M T]

Hypothetically:
Reporter: "Should I say 'pushed back'  or 'options were debated'?" 
Editor:  "Do you ever want to advance your career?  How many clicks will those get?"

There are some inflammatory words that the NYT used that are seemingly not direct quotes. 
I presume the editor or reporter chose them for a reason. 
I don't think any of us will ever know whether that was for commercial or political or other reasons.