The hearing surrounding the Twitter Files has begun and Democrats are officially on the defensive. You know they’re feeling the heat because Democrats arrived at the conclusion long ago that the best defense is a good offense, and the more personal the attack the closer you are to the truth.

Virgin Islands Democrat Rep. Stacey Plaskett isn’t doing anything to hide her disdain for Twitter CEO Elon Musk and the reporters that he handed all of this information. Journalists Matt Taibbi and Michael Shellenberger, two of the reporters who have been steadily releasing the Twitter files that have damaged the Democrats and the federal government’s reputation by confirming that they were colluding to silence Americans that disagreed with them, were put in the hot seat before Plaskett.

Plaskett began by first throwing the reputation and credentials of both journalists into question by referring to them as “so-called journalists.”

Rep. Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) refers to @mtaibbi and @ShellenbergerMD as "so-called journalists." pic.twitter.com/Pq8qtCPgoe

— Greg Price (@greg_price11) March 9, 2023

It’s a dirty move and an unnecessary slap in the face to Taibbi and Shellenberger. The idea behind it is simple; make them both angry and give the idea to the public who inevitably watches this exchange that the duo isn’t the stand-up, honest, and forthright reporters that they actually are. Plaskett’s words reek of false narrative driving, but also there seems to be something personal there.

Luckily, when Taibbi responded, he put Plaskett’s “so-called journalist” narrative in the garbage then set that garbage on fire. He secured his credentials by making it clear who he is, what his accomplishments are, and how he’s been recognized. It was a lesson in reality that is nothing short of embarrassing for Plaskett, who now looks both ignorant and childish.

“Ranking member Plaskett, I’m not a so-called journalist,” said Taibbi. “I’ve won the National Magazine Award, the I.F. Stone Award for Independent Journalism, and I’ve written 10 books including four New York Times bestsellers.”

Even worse for Plaskett, every word from Taibbi was delivered with a smile.

As Taibbi spoke, Plaskett made a show of ignoring Taibbi by talking to her aides, further signaling disrespect. Regardless, the very calm and professional clap-back landed on Plaskett’s narrative like a ton of bricks.

To Democrats, “journalist” means: one who mindlessly and loyally endorses DNC talking points. @mtaibbi‘s response to some random member of Congress who called him a “so-called journalist”: pic.twitter.com/tjIN8rSOin https://t.co/b77Ffndg1g

— Glenn Greenwald (@ggreenwald) March 9, 2023

Plaskett’s attack made one thing clear about this hearing. The Democrats aren’t interested in playing fair or exposing the truth. They’ve weaponized the hearing to discredit both of these men and Musk in hopes that it will save their own reputations.

It’s too little, too late for that now, and these personal attacks only make Democrats look even more desperate. Even a throwaway insult can expose a lot, and Plaskett just gave the game away.