How the New York Times propagandizes on behalf of Obama

Look at this headline: "Obama Pushes Hu on Rights but Stresses Ties to China."  And then you read this: " President Obama on Wednesday gently but pointedly prodded China to make progress on human rights..."  And then the headline in in the inside (hard copy) pages (in continuation of the front page article becomes "Obama presses" China on human rights.  How could gentle mention be equated with pushing and pressing?