The reporter did no such thing. He never "characterized it as evidence the theory was gaining traction" He made no opinion whatsoever, as to whether or not this was happening. He simply reported that ClimateProgressBlog said it was gaining traction, and quoted what Perino said. The fact that you feel that the reporter believed the quote from Perino was evidence that the theory was gaining traction is irrevelant. Our duty is to report the facts, and let the reader decide; not to draw a conclusion, based on what we've read, and then report that.