Wonder if Microsoft leaked that on purpose to try to scare FTC off suing to block if they intend to do so, they have to know that they'd lose in court and waste everyone's time and money, Microsoft doesn't yet know what they're doing but with the rumours that they may sue to block (and Phil liking that article about how it would harm consumers if the deal was blocked, Lol). It would not surprise me if Microsoft were feeling a bit nervous.
Stick this article out and FTC now knows Microsoft's position, they wouldn't exactly say it publicly now when nobody knows what FTC's decision will be, but they could leak their intentions if it were to be blocked in a scenario. Don't imagine they'd ring up FTC either and be like "hey, we heard you might sue to block from Politico, see you in court" 
That meeting with the CMA in December to hash out and debate will be critical, Microsoft better get its best lawyers on that as the CMA is arguably the regulator that they most need to prevent escalating to a block.
Essay Pro