Wow. A rather egregious example of strange bedfellows, indeed, the Times’ position is difficult to fathom.
Several possibilities could be possible.
Maybe the Times wants to get the storm about such things over and to guide the narrative to other things, given that her potential base has about a microsecond of attention span.
Either they want to take her down early to clear the path for Liawatha, or they want to have Hilary's defense ready to go.
The Liberal opinion leaders want her out of this race. She is not genuinely Progressive enough for them, and they fear she’s a lousy candidate who runs a very high risk of implosion.
The Times’ position isn’t difficult to fathom at all. Hillary isn’t far enough left for them.