I don't understand on what you base this accusation / whataboutism. The Economist is widely considered a very balanced (though opinionated), high quality source

I don't understand on what you base this accusation / whataboutism. The Economist is widely considered a very balanced (though opinionated), high quality source of news and coverage. FWIW throughout its coverage it is very careful to disclose any potential conflict of interest, as also in the book list (for example where a recommended book is written by a current or former writer for the Economist or published by an affiliated company). For myself, and I guess many readers of HN, the Economist's annual book list is one of the best sources available for learning about new books. No wonder this made it to the front page.