I absolutely agree there is a distinction in general. However, I don't think that distinction applies to the Twitter posts of a blue-checkmark journalist. The news outlets themselves are heavily involved in Twitter, and Attiah prominently advertises her Washington Post affiliation on her Twitter account.
> Notable
Your account must represent or otherwise be associated with a prominently recognized individual or brand, in line with the notability criteria described below.
> News organizations and journalists: Any official accounts of qualifying news organizations, as well individual accounts of journalists employed by qualifying organizations may be verified, if the account is public (does not have protected Tweets) and refers directly to the name and official URL of the qualifying organization and otherwise meets the criteria laid out in this policy
> While I agree there is a distinction, I don't think that distinction applies to the Twitter posts of a journalist.
We can disagree on this, but it's absolutely a question of current debate and not something that is settled. Some journalists believe themselves to have freedom on Twitter that they do not have in their columns. Some have been fired for assuming as such. Others have not.
Her affiliation with a prominent media company is why she has a blue checkmark: https://help.twitter.com/en/managing-your-account/about-twit...
> Notable Your account must represent or otherwise be associated with a prominently recognized individual or brand, in line with the notability criteria described below.
> News organizations and journalists: Any official accounts of qualifying news organizations, as well individual accounts of journalists employed by qualifying organizations may be verified, if the account is public (does not have protected Tweets) and refers directly to the name and official URL of the qualifying organization and otherwise meets the criteria laid out in this policy