FishbowlDC Interview with Keith Koffler
Say hello to Keith Koffler, editor of D.C.’s new unuathorized White House blog, White House Dossier, which can be viewed here. He has 15 years reporting experience working for Roll Call, National Journal and Congress Daily. His favorite swear word? I’m afraid it’s “Golly.” Koffler, this is f&$*#ng bullsh-t. You’ve gotta come up with a real cuss word next time, please. (On a more pleasant note, nice job on the carbonated beverage answer.)
If you were a carbonated beverage which would you be? Fanta Grape, because it has lots of flavor and color and makes people sick.
How often do you Google yourself? Once a month.
What’s the worst thing youÂ’ve ever said to an editor (or vice versa)? When a spinmeister pushed back in feigned fury on an accurate and justifiable story, an editor said to me: “I can see his point.” To my continuing regret, I caved.
Do you have a favorite word? Tie: Perspicacious and pulchritude. I don’t think I’ve used either in a story.
Who would you rather have dinner with – First Lady Michelle Obama or Bestselling Author and former V.P. candidate Sarah Palin? Sarah Palin, but mostly because I find her more pulchritudinous.
What’s the name of your cell phone ring?
Whatever my son sets it at. Right not it’s on “harp.”
What swear word do you use most often? Golly!
What word or phrase do you overuse? “I’m sorry.” I mean, I’m married, you know?
What TV show do you have to watch? “Curb Your Enthusiasm”
Where do you shop most often for your clothes? JoS. A. Bank’s
Who do you prefer for daytime talk, Dr. Phil, Oprah, Tyra or the women of The View? I haven’t really watched any of them, but Tyra is the most pulchritudinous.
Pick one: Leno, Letterman or Conan? Letterman
If you were trapped on a deserted island, which public official would you want to be trapped with and why? OMG, now that you make me think of it, they’re all so annoying. I guess [Sen.] John McCain, and don’t take that as a political statement. I’d need someone I could wisecrack with, and he lives for it. But [President] Obama would be the most interesting to talk to.
Who is your mentor? Don’t have one, unfortunately.
Find out what recently made Koffler lose his temper after the jump. (Don’t worry, his dog is okay)…
What’s the best advice you ever received in the course of your career? “Write what you know,” from my editor at a pub called New Fuels Report, Tom Harman. It’s amazing how often invoking that simple rule can stop you in your tracks.
What and where was your first job in journalism? New Fuels Report in Arlington, Va.
What’s your most embarrassing career moment? During a press conference, a man was speaking emotionally to a hushed audience about his allegation he had been mistreated by Cindy McCain. Suddenly my cell phone went off – loudly – with my “Dog Barking” ring.
Which one interview of your career did you enjoy most? I used to have a source who stuttered. These were always the best interviews because I could easily write everything down that he said.
Which one interview of your career did you enjoy least? I once had to interview the head of a trade association about a lie I had caught him making in a letter he had written. It was a great story but tough to talk to a man caught with his pants down.
What’s the biggest scoop you’ve ever had? Perhaps a private email I got a hold of written by a senior Bush White House aide outlining the political motivation behind Bush’s Social Security changes. It exposed the deeper, darker reasons behind the effort.
When and why did you last laugh so hard you had tears in your eyes? Watching the Saturday Night Live digital short “The Date” with Megan Fox and Will Forte.
When and why did you last lose your temper? When the dog decided to use my bed for a toilet. I threatened to send her to a Korean restaurant.
Which movie title best describes your journalism career? Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
Who would you want to play you in a movie? Matt Damon
Name jobs you’ve had outside of journalism.(Start as young as teenage years): Waiter, bartender, movie theater popcorn stand attendant, sporting goods salesman, bouncer.
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Nadine Cheung
Editor, The Job Post
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