Lawyers didn't seriously get involved in the Watergate stories until quite late, when we realized we were on to something.
Many people have their reputations as reporters and analysts because they are on television, batting around conventional wisdom. A lot of these people have never reported a story.
It would seem that the Watergate story from beginning to end could be used as a primer on the American political system.
It would be absurd for me or any other editor to review the authenticity or accuracy of stories that are nominated for prizes.
Reporters may believe they control the story, but the story always controls the reporters.