Bernstein has called his own reputation with regard to his Watergate reporting in question, by essentially advocating, a journalistic approach, where the end justifies the means.  

Where was Bernstein, advocating journalists to "follow the money", during the Clinton years, of illegal Asia fund raising, Whitewater, filegate; or Obama's legacy of Benghazi, Fast and Furious illegal sale of firearms, NSA Surveillance Controversy, to name just a few....  

A "malignant reporter" showing signs of advanced dementia, should not use his selective memory to advise anyone, least all journalists, whose loyalty should be to the truth.