Quotes of the day

SHOWOFF: “Sunset over the Gulf of Mexico in Boca Grande, FL, 2/28/2013″ — FNC’s Brit Hume.

Conventional wisdom

“So non threat to Woodward is a problem cuz jr reporter might not be able to stand as courageously agst non-threat as Woodward. #truth.” – TPM‘s Josh Marshall.

Angry Ass Convo Between Two Journos

The conversation is between The Weekly Standard’s John McCormack and BuzzFeed’s Andrew Kaczynski.

John McCormack: “Politico article on abortion issue includes two quotes–one from Planned Parenthood and one, for balance, from ACLU”

Andrew Kaczynski: “@McCormackJohn Lot of balance in those Weekly Standard Chuck Hagel stories.”

John McCormack: “@BuzzFeedAndrew Well, at least they’re more balanced than Buzzfeed’s articles on gay marriage. Also: We don’t pretend we’re not ideological.”

Menendez: No more hooker q’s for now

“No questions for Menendez about his controversy. Seems he’s reached a point where he can talk about other things.” — Politico‘s Ginger Gibson on Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.).

Producer is “all screwed up” when walking

“After living in London I never know which way to look for cars. Totally screwed me up.” — FNC Senate Producer Kara Rowland.

A little help from your friends

NYT‘s political correspondent Nick Confessore: “Packing and moving an apartment is like waiting for the Time-Warner guy, in hell, for infinity.”

NYT‘s Washington Bureau Chief David Leonhardt: “@nickconfessore Just wait until you’re simultaneously unpacking and waiting for the Time Warner guy.”

Goofball FLOTUS pool report

“FLOTUS pool report from @jestei ‘I am sorry I am unable to provide you with the lid, as FLOTUS has none. (Stock pots, maybe.)’” — NYT‘s Jonathan Weisman. A “lid” in pool reportese marks the conclusion of a day’s formal events.

Necessary Tweet of the Day

“I’m going to try stovetop smoking salmon tonight. (I decided I needed more alliterative cooking processes.)” — Slate and NYT‘s Farhad Majoo.

Uh oh. “Anyone else ever mean to send a text and send a Tweet instead just by force of habit? Dangerous.” — Politico‘s Ben White.

See who made our FishbowlDC Fan Club Board. Read more

Quotes of the Day

“Dude I don’t even know how to make a gif #buzzfeedconfession” — BuzzFeed‘s newest Washingtonian Rosie Gray.

THREATENED: Reporters react to Woodward’s claims

“I never took nasty emails as threats. I took them as a sign I was doing my job. Nothing to do with bravery.” — Matt Apuzzo, AP investigative reporter in reaction to WaPo Bob Woodward‘s claim that he was threatened by the White House, namely Director of the National Economic Counsel Gene Sperling. (Sperling scoop by BuzzFeed Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith.)

“The flaks I know usually just call to yell at me. no email I hate more threatening than ‘Kate, do you have second to talk about this?’” — Politico‘s Kate Nocera.

“Think abt it: You’re a 22-year-old reporter and you see what happens to BOB WOODWARD. You may stay quiet about when a flack barks/pressures” — National Review‘s Robert Costa.

“Reminder of the night: Non-reporters don’t understand journo-source interactions.” — Politico‘s Kevin Robillard.

(From our favorite non-vacationer…) “I know I’m on vacation, but I’ve gotten threats from both Obamaland and Romneyland. ‘You’ll regret this’ is like a walk in the park.” — Former BuzzFeed scribe Zeke Miller.

Politico Playbook Publish Time: 9:09 a.m.

Journo marvels over price of smokes

“I just saw woman in NYC buy two packs of cigarettes for $31. Who can afford that habit here?” — TWT senior opinion writer Emily Miller.

Important Q to Ponder: “You think when Ben Smith was 8 & watching All The President’s Men for the first time, he knew that one day he’d #BenSmith that guy?” — Breitbart‘s John Nolte, official nemesis to BuzzFeed‘s Smith.

Watch out for reporter in PJ’s

“Dear DC: I’m about to wander you in my pajama pants and I’m feeling very Jay Cutler #DoonttttCarrrreeee-esque about it.” — Roll Call‘s Meredith Shiner.

More Woodward and what he’ll regret… Read more

Quotes of the Day

AUNTIE OF THE CENTURY: “This is what 100 years old looks like on my amazing great aunt, Helen Forbrich. Happy birthday, Auntie Helen!” — WaPo‘s Karen Tumulty.

Baier’s son to get heart tests

“Good morning! Paul’s getting some tests on his heart this morning at @childrenshealth & he’s into “Wreck it Ralph”!” — FNC’s Bret Baier with accompanying photograph.

Reporter hates talking points requests 

“Least fav tweets are pols asking followers to retweet the talking points they’ve already tweeted 1,000 times before.” — CQ Roll Call White House reporter Steven Dennis.

This is how rumors get started

“Norm Coleman on CNN right now…Wonder if Zucker is trying him out as a regular contributor? Talking with Hilary Rosen about #Oscars.” — Jennifer Moire, public affairs and media consultant.

A boiling hot idea for next year’s Oscars

“Next year they should just have Satan host the Oscars.” — Politico‘s Ben White.

Journos face rough start to week

“Yep, please start my Monday morning with construction knocking out the water pipes … Again.” — Politico‘s Seung Min Kim.

“Apparently I slept on a mouse. True, it was a stuffed toy mouse, but the sight still jolted me as I got out of bed. #helloMonday” — Metro Weekly‘s Randy Shulman.

Politico Playbook Publish Time: 9:29 a.m.

Editor feels pulled in different directions…

Read more

Nicknames are often jabs. And it was a clear and condescending one when Tom Scocca, writing for Gawker, repeatedly referred to “The Politico” in a post taking down a recent story by Politico‘s Mike Allen and Jim VandeHei.

An excerpt from Scocca’s piece, titled “The Politico Is Mad That The White House Does And Doesn’t Talk To The Politico”:

“The Politico, America’s worst media outlet, has a big story today about what’s wrong with the White House’s relationship with the political media, such as The Politico. According to Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen, President Obama disdains, freezes out, and circumvents the representatives of the Fourth Estate, including reporters from The Politico, rather than opening himself up to their serious questions. ‘This is an arguably dangerous development,’ The Politico explains”

The final count for “The Politico”: 19 times in the piece.

Politico‘s Ben White didn’t miss it. “The Gawker is an amusing little gossip smut site,” he tweeted Wednesday. “But I can’t say I’ve ever read a single item with any real social value on The Gawker.”

Like Politico, Gawker is simply “Gawker.” No “The.” But unlike Politico, Gawker never was “The Gawker.” It’s always been “Gawker.”

Back in 2007, when Politico was founded, it actually was “The Politico.” The old Politico print issue layout seen top-right is still on the Wikipedia page about Politico.

This 2007 AP photo of Politico‘s original newsroom banner also demonstrates… Read more

Quotes of the Day

Convo Between Two Journos

This morning’s conversation is between Salon’s Glenn Greenwald and The Guardian’s Jim Newell.

Greenwald: “As this CNN panel discusses ethical issues of Hillary’s huge speech fees, anchor changes topic to… Michelle’s bangs.”

Newell:  “I will dress up like Hillary Clinton and give speeches for a ramen cup, if anyone’s interested.”

Greenwald: “There may be a market for that.”

Judgmental Journo

“The Gawker is an amusing little gossip smut site. But I can’t say I’ve ever read a single item with any real social value on The Gawker.” — Politico‘s Ben White.

Happy Belated Birthday Stanton! 

“It’s @dcbigjohn‘s birthday. Be afraid, whiskey.” — NPR freelancer Lizzie O’Leary on BuzzFeed Washington Bureau Chief John Stanton, who, as it so happens, was dabbling in whiskey last night: “Back in the old District of Chaos. To the whiskey cave!” And this: “Thanks for all the birthday wishes folks. If you’re a bottle of Jameson in the DMV urrea, get your affairs in order cause I’m comin’ for ya.”

Life at HuffPost gets barfy

“Ten wings, 1 minute 43 seconds. New personal record!!!” — HuffPost‘s Amanda Terkel. Followed by this: “Ew. Sam Stein just barfed.” And then this: “For the record, I love wings. But I did not eat that many. That tweet was not from me.”

Unnecessary Tweet of the Day

“The cat is unusually happy that I am home, even for a cat who is always happy when I come home.” — Erik Loomis, a blogger at Lawyers, Guns and Money.

Anonymous Tipster to FishbowlDC: “Mike Allen mentioned Judy Kurtz twice in Playbook today for her birthday. Once as The Hill’s Judy Altscher (??) and once as Judy Kurtz.” Read here.

Politico Playbook Publish Time: 4:32 a.m.

Anonymous Tipster to FishbowlDC: “Honestly, FUCK MIKE ALLEN! What an asshole! Politico is regarded by EVERYONE in D.C.’s media as the most obnoxious, self-promoting, shameless outlet there is — BY FAR. For Mike Allen to go to such extended lengths to hit the NYT with a supposed ethics lesson in Playbook is just ENRAGING!” (To put in proper context, on Saturday, Allen called the NYT and specifically Jonathan Weisman on the carpet for printing a “carbon copy” of a story on its front page after Politico ran theirs on Thursday. For this, Allen gave NYT the “No Shame Award.” But he didn’t stop there. He went on to give the NYT the “Playbook Facts of Life” in which he said, “You can’t try to pass something off as new, when the people who care the most about the topic have read the same thing 24 hours earlier. You’re The New York Times: Be confident! Acknowledge the conversation around a topic you’re imbuing with your unique authority. A clever way to needle Cruz, and give readers a priceless insight into the Washington ecosystem, would have been to say ‘emailed in a statement that was identical to one he provided to Politico.”" Weisman didn’t take Allen’s lecture lightly. He wrote on Twitter, “Utterly absurd. Story was in the works for weeks. You pull the trigger when you think it’s ripe. Public story.”)

Eddie Scarry contributed to this report.

Quotes of the Day

Bachelor Fallout: “My wife just asked me if I’m ‘here for the right reasons.’ The Bachelor is now starting to affect my marriage.” — NBC TODAY Show host and MSNBC “Morning Joe’s” Willie Geist. 

Editor has ties to the interloper

“Worked with @TimRosaforte back in the day. Who knew he would become ace White House reporter, scooping on pres golf with WH press shutout.” — NYT‘s Carl Hulse on the writer who scooped and pissed off some members of the White House press corps. this weekend as President Obama went to Florida to golf with Tiger Woods.

Tough choice: Eating cheesecake Vs. urinating

“I would give up cheesecake for life if it meant I never had to pee again.” — Laura Donovan, Associate Culture Editor at PolicyMic and formerly of The Daily Caller.

Deep Thoughts With AP’s Lederman

“I’ve never understood what is so “fun” about the smallest possible size of candy.” — White House reporter Josh Lederman.

Journo says good riddance to Alec Baldwin

“I am so glad 30 Rock is over. Learning that Alec Baldwin is a huge racist would’ve ruined it otherwise.” — Reason magazine’s Mike Riggs.

Russert serves as decoy for athlete

“Perkins signed my ball, then bought me a coke at the bar and used me as an excuse to discontinue convos w women for an hour.” — NBC’s Luke Russert who attended an all-star game and met retired pro-basketball player Sam Perkins. And this reference to his father, Tim Russert: “Pictures of athletes my dad kept in his office: Yogi Berra, Luke Easter, Cookie Gilchrist and Michael Jordan.”

White House scribe feels little sympathy for Jackson Jr.

“Hard to feel sorry for Jesse Jr and his $43k Rolex, King of Pop cape and mink stole. Feel sorry for the hard working constituents he screwed.” — Politico‘s Glenn Thrush.

Journo Hate Mail

“Jamie Weinstein you are the biggest douche-nozzle of your generation. Nicely done creep.” — “mitteatsdicks” — RT by The Daily Caller‘s Jamie Weinstein, who appeared on the HBO’s “Real Time With Bill Maher” panel Friday night.

Politico Playbook Publish Time: 6:55 a.m.

Political, Full House Dreaming…“Last night’s dreams: I had a pug that could talk; my CIA (spy not food) dorm room was broken into, laptop stolen; John Stamos was my brother.” — Carol Blymire, a writer in Takoma Park, Md.

Floridian website crashes

“The website has crashed at the Floridian, where Obama is staying this weekend. POTUS visits tend do that.” — HuffPost‘s Christina Wilkie with accompanying picture.

GASP! A BuzzFeed detractor

“This is what young members of the ruling class do these days: dumb down politics even more.” — Dan Kennedy, Media Nation blogger and journalism instructor at Northeastern University.

Howard Kurtz’ take on what same-sex couples should be called in news stories? Read more

“Are you nuts? Stupid?” Jensen asked White.

White, not one to care too much about being insulted, replied, “Most likely both.”

Quotes of the Day — State of the Union-Fugitive Edition

SOTU quotes that are fit for a Fishbowl: “I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully.” — brought to our attention by HuffPost‘s Sam Stein‘s Twitter feed. It’s an old quote from former President George W. Bush. And this: “At least there’s no smoked fish joke in this one.” — Mother Jones‘ Nick Baumann.

“The outside of the Dome on SOTU night.” – Roll Call‘s Meredith Shiner with accompanying photograph.

Shut up SOTU clappers, journo wants his Zzzz’s

“Dear applauders: Please stop. I have a bedtime.” — WaPo‘s Chris Cillizza.

Importantish Q to Ponder: “So… Does Senator Menendez shake President Obama’s hand as he walks in? Awkward. #SOTU” — NRSC Strategist Brad Dayspring.

Important Q to Ponder: “So does CNN break away from the burning house to do the State of the Union.” — TPM‘s Josh Marshall.

Important Q to Ponder III: “What’s the over/under on the number of Nicorette patches John Boehner has plastered all over himself right now?” — Times of London‘s Matt Spence.

THE SPEAKER AND THE LOUDMOUTH: “Luke Russert shakes Speaker Boehner’s hand as he walks to the chamber for SOTU.” — NBC House of Representatives Producer Frank Thorp. Boehner affectionately (we think) refers to Russert as the “loudmouth.”

Rothenberg crushes the spirit of political reporters

“Political reporters always incredibly excited by SOTU. Real people not so much.” — Stu Rothenberg, who writes a column for Roll Call, a publication full of political reporters. And then, oddly, he writes, “My first SOTU inside the chamber? 1970 when I was Colby College intern in Ed Muskie’s office. AA gave me ticket.” Um, hey Stu, do real people give a sh-t about this?

Speaking of excitement…

“The hallway outside Sen. Durbin’s office smells overwhelmingly of barbecue.” — Roll Call‘s Shiner of the Illinois Democrat.

And again…

“Just spoke to Gabby Giffords for the first time since the day before she was shot. She looks amazing. Twinkle in her eye and broad smile.” — CNN Chief Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash.

“Senate page just said in Statuary Hall ‘Oh my God. Kelly Ayotte is rocking the mint-green!’ I am partial to Bader Ginsberg‘s red.” — Roll Call‘s Abby Livingston.

“McCain ribbing Kerry as he walks by.” — Politico‘s Manu Raju.

“Rep. Terry Sewell is the most energetic greeter of the House! Urrybody gets a kiss and big laugh and a thousand watt smile.” — BuzzFeed Washington Bureau Chief John Stanton.

“Lots of schmoozing with former colleagues as Secy Kerry makes his way down the aisle.” — CBS White House radio correspondent Mark Knoller.

“Whoever said that politics is showbiz for ugly people was a master of understatement. Or just blind.” — Reason‘s Nick Gillespie.

“VP Biden has a scratched cornea, reports NBC, which is why he is wearing glasses.” — The Hill‘s Emily Goodin.

Politico Playbook Publish Time: 7:43 a.m.

The Jokester Caucus

• “Press will now begin attacking Rubio for drinking problem.” — USA Today‘s Paul Singer.

• “I’m sure I’m going to dislike this but at least Beyonce is performing.” — Logan Dobson, before the SOTU address began.

• “When is halftime? Where is Beyonce?” — FNC’s Greg Gutfeld.

• “Who’s the fat lump of shit next to Mrs Obama? #SOTU.” — Anthony Cumia from the Opie and Anthony radio show.

• “Marco! Pollo! Marco! Pollo! Fish out of water!” [Insert Rubio Joke Here] #Rubioing.” — Syndicated columnist and Bullfight Strategies’ Karl Frisch.

• “What’s the opposite of 5-Hour Energy? Boehner’s had two of them, at least.” — Bloomberg Business Week‘s Joshua Green.

The Critics

“Really pathetic and sad reflection on media-culture that taking a drink of water can overwhelm everything else.” — Christian Heinze, founder of Prez16.com. Seconded by NRSC Spokesman Brian Walsh, who said, “Exactly.”

Oh, but wait: “Jesus… the water sip blew the whole speech. Was on board until then but he blew it. Cue SNL.” — Jason Killian Meath, President, GOP Media Firm.

“The problem with this speech is a.) we already knew what was in it and b.) little of it is new.” — Politico‘s Ben White.

“I like Rubio’s remarks thus far, dislike the dry mouth. Get the man a water. Let’s hear some solutions.” — Conservative radio host Dana Loesch.

“Was leaning off camera to get water really better than obviously needing one?” — WCP Editor Mike Madden during the GOP response of Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

“Rubio keeps grabbing at his face. What’s with that?” — Baron‘s D.C. Editor James McTague.

“Huh, Chris Matthews voted for George W. Bush. You can admit that on MSNBC and still have a job? #MSNBCAfterDark” — U.S. News & World Report‘s Robert Schlesinger at 12:19 a.m.

Gratitude is…

“SOMEBODY PLEASE GIF THAT AWKWARD WATER BOTTLE GRAB, RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!! wowowoowowowowoowowow” — WaPo Express’ Clinton Yates.

“Water grab! Thank God.” — ABC News’ Nico Hines.

“Rubio has serious case of drymouth. Thank god he just took a sip of water.” — Roll Call Senate Editor Emily Pierce.

Jeff Zucker, give this man a raise! 

“CNN has every story covered tonight. On CNN-US: SOTU coverage. On HLN, continuing live coverage of Calif. Manhunt.” — CNN Washington Bureau Chief Sam Feist.

Wardrobe Change

“I just changed into flats because it is SRO in the House press gallery. #SOTU” — TWT‘s Emily Miller.

The sharp-tongued observers… Read more

Quotes of the Day

PRINCE JASPER: “Dana Perino, good to see that Jasper was cleared of those stuffed animal murder charges” — FiveFanPhotoshops, the ultimate fan of FNC’s “The Five”, which photoshops members of “The Five” into all sorts of situations, including Jasper, the beloved dog of host Dana Perino.

HuffPost headline elicits reaction from HuffPost writer

“Nice job with the headlines, HuffPost: ‘Rough Day For Naked Pooping Masturbator’” — HuffPost‘s Christina Wilkie. She links to the story here.

Journo hits new high watching CSPAN 3

“Sign of the times: CSPAN 3 on cable is flickering, dropping. On computer? Working fine, and ahead of TV.” — Yahoo! News‘ Olivier Knox.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer on women in combat: “Women are going to go into combat w/US forces. Since I was sniper in Haganah (Israeli freedom fighters) I’m all for that.”

In defense of Beyoncé

“Are any of the people being OUTRAGED about Beyonce lip-syncing considering this important fact: SHE’S FUCKING BEYONCE?” — The Sunday Times’ outspoken columnist Caitlin Moran.

Furry hats abound in Washington

“It’s finally cold enough to wear the furry hat. I’m sad it’s finally warm enough to wear the furry hat.” — Kelly Ann Collins, marketing strategist.

“The temperature is now lower than the ages of both my children. It’s cold. I’m old.” — WaPo Bookworld’s Ron Charles.

Oh no he didn’t! Nolte insults Cokie

“What’s ET doing on Morning Joe? Oh, that’s Cokie Roberts.” — Breitbart.com Editor John Nolte regarding longtime NPR correspondent Cokie Roberts.

NYT’s communications assistant has an amusing observation and two journos agree Sunday shows ought to go… Read more

Say hello to Talking Points Memo Assistant Editor Igor Bobic. Born in Bihac, Bosnia, Bobic moved to San Diego when was 7. “I moved during the war,” he explained in a phone interview this afternoon. “Basically we left. My mom was persecuted for awhile, so that’s why we left. She comes from a Muslim background; my dad comes from a Christian background. My mom’s uncle was the Chief of Police. Due to various political factors, his opponents were trying to get to him through my mom. They threw her in jail for a couple days. Pretty much after that, they decided it was time to get the hell out of there.” What was his experience like from a  7-year-old’s perspective?  “From what I can remember, a lot of fear, basically,” he said. “I don’t talk about it too often because I’m not the only one. A lot of people went through the same thing.” Fast forward to journalism. Bobic says he really wasn’t interested in it at all until after he graduated college from the University of California-Irvine. “I was going to go to law school for some stupid reason, but then decided to give an internship with TPM a shot.” Bobic began the day after President Obama announced that Osama Bin Laden had been shot and killed. “I got to go to the Hill, go to all the press conferences,” he recalled. “Got a job offer, ended up staying.” It’s a job that involves interacting and sometimes arguing with reporters. “I’ve gotten cussed out before, but it’s fine,” he said. You work around it. You’ve gotta know the people you work with and their temperment. It’s basically understanding where they’re coming from.” Future goals? He really wants to report on Capitol Hill.

If you were a carbonated beverage, which would you be? Whiskey Ginger

How often do you Google yourself? Unfortunately my mother does this job for me. It’s quite scary.

What’s the worst thing you’ve ever said to an editor/boss (or vice versa)?
(On a crystal clear connection) “I’m having some trouble hearing you I think you’re breaki –”

Who is your favorite working journalist and why? Politico’s Ben White. Dude keeps it real. Just not in the afternoon. He’ll also enlighten you on any number of subjects, including but not limited to banking, entitlements, Taylor Swift and HBO’s “Girls.”

Do you have a favorite word? You wouldn’t be part of TPM if you didn’t use “fail” incessantly. We get a bonus if you can manage to sneak it into a headline.

Who are you named after and what are people’s general reaction to your name? Igor Stravinsky. “Eegor? Eyegor? Eyygor? Eeyore?….Ivan?”

Who would you rather have dinner with – NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, CNN’s Soledad O’Brien, ABC’s Martha Raddatz or Fox News’ Megyn Kelly? Tell us why. I’d take Megyn Kelly to dinner. Karl Rove’s election night meltdown made for great TV.

The Earth’s human population is dying out and you must save it. You will spend a romantic evening with either Scandal’s Kerry Washington, Homeland’s Claire Danes or any of the women from FNC’s “The Five”. Who will it be? (None of them is not an option.) I’ve actually met some members of “The Five” (which I enjoy), and it made for awfully awkward conversation. I’d love to do that again.

What swear word do you use most often? I throw out a lot of audible “f*cks” while I’m editing. Also, it’s remarkable how much leeway I have to swear in Bosnian without anyone knowing.

You’ve just been told the big news: You get to have your own Sunday morning talk show. Who will be on your roundtable? (Pick four journalists or pundits types.) No one. I like sleeping in on Sundays. Read more