What are you trying to argue? Using the phrase "conspiracy theorist" literally is not super helpful - it has a specific meaning in the popular lexicon and media. Just because it's pedantically correct doesn't mean it wasn't used as a personal attack to imply that Mr. Hersh is insane.

If we're going to criticize his theory(and I don't believe it at all), the media should avoid personally attacking him. He's earned some respect as a journalist, it's not like he's on the level of Alex Jones, to be dismissed automatically.