Many Democrats can’t get over the fact that they lost the election and have been trying to spread conspiracy theories about Trump to feel better about their loss. Unfortunately, many reporters believe these stories and ask congressmen about them as if they’re real.

For example, a Politico reported recently tried asking a congressman about a rumor being circulated involving President Donald Trump and former FBI Director James Comey. However, instead of indulging in her conspiracy theory, he allegedly just flipped her off and kept walking. Stunned, she raced to Twitter to complain.

Earlier this week, Rachel Bade, a reporter for Politico, accosted Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA) in a hallway while he was on his way to make a vote, which is what he was elected to do. Bade, who believes in the conspiracy theory that Trump colluded with Russia to win the 2016 election, tried to ask Issa about a news article claiming Trump asked Comey to stop investigating Michael Flynn, his former National Security Adviser, but he brushed her off. According to her, rather than answer her question, he allegedly raised his middle finger and kept walking, causing her to stagger.

As he walked away, she ripped her phone out of her pocket and went straight to Twitter, where she recounted the incident. “I just asked @DarrellIssa abt the Comey news and he flicked me off — literally gave me the middle finger — and kept walking. Said nothing,” she tweeted. Unsurprisingly, her tweet created a massive amount of outrage directed at Issa.

I just asked @DarrellIssa abt the Comey news and he flicked me off — literally gave me the middle finger — and kept walking. Said nothing — Rachael Bade (@rachaelmbade) May 16, 2017

Erica Warner, a congressional correspondent for the Associated Press, tried to corroborate the story. “I was there. Not in position to see the gesture but saw Issa turn to Rachel, her react. I believe @rachaelmbade,” she tweeted.

However, Issa claims their account of events is not accurate. On Twitter, he tweeted, “I respect @rachelmbade… I know she must have seen or heard something to believe this happened, but it didn’t.” In a follow-up tweet, he added, “on not answering @rachelmbade’s question, I have nothing against her, there’s just limited time to talk when we’re rushing to vote!”

I respect @rachaelmbade and worked with her for years. I know she must have seen or heard something to believe this happened, but it didn't — Darrell Issa (@DarrellIssa) May 16, 2017

If Issa didn’t actually flip her off, then this is an excellent example of how people on the left spread “fake news” about those they disagree with in order to ruin their reputation. If false, she should be held accountable for spreading lies and misinformation about politicians she disagrees with. At the very least, she should be fired for knowingly lying about a public official.

However, if he did actually flip her off, then he deserves an award. Republicans shouldn’t continue to tolerate the left’s absurd conspiracy theories. Flipping her off is his way of letting her know that he doesn’t take the conspiracy seriously. Hopefully, by ridiculing liberals in this way, they realize just how absurd some of their beliefs really are.

If true, Issa wouldn’t be the only Republican using ridicule to push back against the left. President Trump is doing the same. Just recently, while giving Politico reporters a tour of the White House, he mocked the Senate testimony of Sally Yates, the former Attorney General, and Eric Clapper, the former Director of National Intelligence. Specifically, he led the reporters to a TV in the dining room, pulled up saved footage of their interview, and played several clips of the duo.

In one clip, Clapper was asked if he knew of any evidence showing collusion between Trump and Russia. When he said that there wasn’t, Trump commented, “he was choking on that,” and stated, “is there any record at all of collusion? He was the head of the whole thing. He said no. That’s a big statement.”

In another clip, Trump showed the duo struggling to answer more questions. “Watch them start to choke like dogs,” he said excitedly, adding, “watch what happens. They are desperate for breath.” On screen, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) asked Clapper if he ever requested that the names of Trump, his associates, or members of Congress be unmasked. Instead of answering the question right away, he just sat there silently for several moments. “Ah, he’s choking. Ah, look,” Trump mocked. When Clapper eventually spoke, he admitted that he had, shocking many people seated behind him. “See the people in the back, people are gasping,” he pointed out, proving that he had been right about being surveilled.

Republicans should stop taking the conspiracy theories promoted by the left seriously. Addressing their absurd claims only makes them look more legitimate. Instead, ridiculous ideas need be met with ridicule. If someone tries to ask about a conspiracy theory, the best thing to do is simply dismiss them and redirect your attention to real issues.