[lex24]

we don't know the details, but it seems to me that an anonymous source is different from anonymous sources. If the latter independently told the reporter the same thing, either multiple sources conspired to make up an identical story and pass it off as the truth, or they are truthfully reporting the same event. IIRC, that is how most of the Watergate stories were reported.

True. But we don’t know the “quality” of the sources.  Back in Watergate days, I believe there was a lot more “vetting” of the anonymous source(s). Cause they were much less likely to run a story “early”. Then “get it right” trumped (pun intended) “get it first”.  Not so today.  Further, Deep Throat was Mark Felt who was,at the time the 2nd Asso Director of the FBI.  He had direct knowledge from the FBI investigation.  Pretty strong source. 

I tend to go to Occams Razor when it comes to these.  Although, admittedly, that’s tough to do with Trump.  But even if he believes what he allegedly said, he gains nothing saying it. While he risks it getting out and damaging him.  I admit, I’m using logic with an illogical man.  But he is obviously self interested.  And he knows that leaks are commonplace. So why?  Conversely, as disgusting as his McCain comment was it served Trump’s purpose - mocking an enemy.  His favorite sport. And an enemy that many conservatives had soured on as a RINO.  So, another “reason”.

---

Update...

The Atlantic article was confirmed by a Fox News reporter who cited two sources:

[tweet]https://twitter.com/jengriffinfnc/status/1301975321495973889?s=21[/tweet]

BC

Heard that yesterday.  Doesn’t change anything.  He certainly may have said it.  The mans capable of saying damn near anything.  I’m just tired of the anonymous source barrage.  And frankly, there is a “boy that cried wolf” element.

[lex24]

we don't know the details, but it seems to me that an anonymous source is different from anonymous sources. If the latter independently told the reporter the same thing, either multiple sources conspired to make up an identical story and pass it off as the truth, or they are truthfully reporting the same event. IIRC, that is how most of the Watergate stories were reported.

True. But we don’t know the “quality” of the sources.  Back in Watergate days, I believe there was a lot more “vetting” of the anonymous source(s). Cause they were much less likely to run a story “early”. Then “get it right” trumped (pun intended) “get it first”.  Not so today.  Further, Deep Throat was Mark Felt who was,at the time the 2nd Asso Director of the FBI.  He had direct knowledge from the FBI investigation.  Pretty strong source. 

I tend to go to Occams Razor when it comes to these.  Although, admittedly, that’s tough to do with Trump.  But even if he believes what he allegedly said, he gains nothing saying it. While he risks it getting out and damaging him.  I admit, I’m using logic with an illogical man.  But he is obviously self interested.  And he knows that leaks are commonplace. So why?  Conversely, as disgusting as his McCain comment was it served Trump’s purpose - mocking an enemy.  His favorite sport. And an enemy that many conservatives had soured on as a RINO.  So, another “reason”.

---

Update...

The Atlantic article was confirmed by a Fox News reporter who cited two sources:

[tweet]https://twitter.com/jengriffinfnc/status/1301975321495973889?s=21[/tweet]

BC

Heard that yesterday.  Doesn’t change anything.  He certainly may have said it.  The mans capable of saying damn near anything.  I’m just tired of the anonymous source barrage.  And frankly, there is a “boy that cried wolf” element.