Euphemism watch: “leading academics,” “top professors,” “leading scholars”

Background: My exchange with a “leading academic.”

From the UK’s Daily Mail:

The 9/11 terrorist attack on America which left almost 3,000 people dead was an “inside job”, according to a group of leading academics.

Around 75 top professors and leading scientists believe the attacks were puppeteered by war mongers in the White House to justify the invasion and the occupation of oil-rich Arab countries.

A “top professor” and a “leading scientist.”