It's funny that the article rather explicitly rejects such theories of malfeasance/corruption/etc. and, instead, points to cognitive effects interacting with the decision-making process as a plausible cause that is compatible with assumptions of good faith and competence.
So, arguably, the only person confident of being in possession of the truth is the one with the ready-made cynical quote.
People don’t have to be acting in bad faith for their biases to shine through. It’s quite possible for authority to be acting in good faith and lack the insight to see some break through.
So, arguably, the only person confident of being in possession of the truth is the one with the ready-made cynical quote.