On Monday’s edition of The Situation Room, Representative Jamie Raskin (D‑Md.) defended Delegate Stacey Plaskett (D‑V.I.) after revelations that Plaskett exchanged text messages with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 House oversight hearing. Raskin dismissed concerns by pointing out that Republicans frequently exchange text messages with Donald Trump—who is facing 34 felony charges.
Co‐host Pamela Brown asked whether the Democratic Party was losing the “moral high ground” by rallying behind Plaskett, given her documented communications with Epstein. Plaskett acknowledged the messages but declined to admit any error in judgment.
On the House floor, Raskin characterized the texts as an ill‑advised phone call from a constituent rather than a violation of rules. “She had not violated the Constitution, she had not violated federal law, and to my knowledge had not violated any rule of the House of Representatives,” Raskin said.
Brown pressed further: “And to be clear, she initiated the text chain that day…” She asked whether Democrats were undercutting their credibility in defending Plaskett.
Raskin replied: “Our Republican colleagues engage in text exchanges all the time with Donald Trump. So I don’t know exactly what she’s being charged with. The point is: she did not break our rules.”
The exchange raises key questions about consistency and standards in Congress:
- Whether communicating with a convicted sex offender during an active hearing constitutes an ethical violation.
- If allegations of misconduct are selectively enforced based on party affiliation.
- Whether deflecting criticism with political “whataboutery” undermines serious oversight.
As Epstein‑related documents continue to surface, the scrutiny on Plaskett’s exchanges grows. Raskin’s defense of his colleague may reassure many Democrats—but pundits and watchdogs on both sides are watching closely to see whether the party’s high‑minded stance on ethics and accountability holds up under real‑world tests.
