Possible Clues:

• Duller journalist made to feel good?
• It pleased the editor that he was told he was less rotund
• Praise somewhat dishonestly
• Dejected, the gutless leftie must be made to feel good
• A less swelling editor is pleased about it
• Gratified, in recent days, to be apprehended by US cop
• Fellow wanting coffee and wine given servile attention
• Blandished
• Female over coffee looking embarrassed to be buttered up
• Sweet-talked female, embarrassed accepting coffee