Pundit power couple James Carville and Mary Matalin will not be continuing their contracts with CNN, according to FishbowlDC sources. In addition, Bill Bennett and Maria Cardona are also parting ways with the network, although CNN Espanol will keep Cardona on board.

In other news, RedState‘s Erick Erickson will be foregoing his CNN contract and sources say he will be heading to Fox News.

As reported by TVNewser, CNN Executive VP and Managing Editor Mark Whitaker has resigned. Read all about it here.

Quotes of the Day — the Inauguration Edition

PRIORITIES: “Obsessed with Ashley Biden’s shoes.” — BrandlinkDC’s Barbara Martin, among the organizers at the “Artists and Athletes” soireé at DC Coast Monday night.

Young girl voices what she wants from POTUS in next four years

“Um, I want him to take away the guns from other people, because for a girl like me it kind of scares me if I got killed.” — 8-year-old girl at The Dubliner bar this morning on MSNCB’s “Morning Joe.”

Flack melts down about Capitol Hill gridlock

“I’m pretty sure every cross street in DC is blocked. It’s virtually impossible to get back to Capitol Hill. No rhyme or reason.” — NRSC Spokesman Brian Walsh just after midnight Tuesday morning. And three minutes later…“Someone explain to me the security decision behind devoting 6 cops to shutting down 7th & M. There is nothing around that area at all.” More: “Understand. I’m all for security. Just seems like complete overkill.” He concludes on a bipartisan note…“To be sure, also remember it taking 3 hrs to go 12 blocks in 2001 for first GWB inauguration wknd. Should leave DC ”

Other complaints…

• “Pro Tip: no matter how bad you think the traffic is in DC..it is 100 times worse than that.” — The Cook Report‘s Amy Walter. A follower snapped at her, saying, “Amy Walter, quit whining; u don’t live in Los Angeles. Take public transporation! [sic]“

• “Another trip to DC where I only used Uber. Simply a brilliant service.” — RedState and CNN’s Erick Erickson.

• “I concur with what @EWErickson just said. I’ve discovered how great uber is in DC, especially considering how shitass the cabs can be here.” — BuzzFeed‘s Rosie Gray, who recently moved to Washington from Manhattan. Everyone can congratulate Rosie on finding her new apartment — it’s in the Bloomington neighborhood of D.C.

• “Dupont Circle on Inauguration Weekend=everything I hate. SO MANY BROS, GET ME OUTTA HERE.” — National Journal political reporter Elahe Izadi. Hmmm…so many bros?

• “Took nearly half an hour to hail a cab. Happy inauguration!” — Greenwire‘s Jessica Estepa.

• “Heading home. DC streets closed 5 hours earlier that supposed to. #gridlock #inaug2013 (@ In An Uber w/ 3 others)” — Poshbrood travel blogger Elizabeth Thorp.

• “You really, really want to avoid driving w/in several blocks of WH right now. Street closures taking place. 18th St near gridlock.” — Roll Call‘s Steven Dennis.

On Michelle Obama’s new bangs: “I think the bangs are fantastic.” — Vogue‘s Andre Leon Talley, on “Morning Joe” this morning in a flamboyant black fur coat.

Washington Watch and CNN’s Roland Martin on Inauguration morning.

Actress Ashley Judd strikes a pose last night in the kitchen of Atlantic Publisher David Bradley, where she hung out for a good while, chatting up HuffPost‘s Howard Fineman, Bloomberg‘s Margaret Carlson and a swell of fine, crusty Washington D.C. men with varying amounts of ear hair. (More on the swanky Downton Bradley party later…)

TV journo marvels over empty Metro car

“Its very quiet INSIDE Capitol & amazingly Metro train car I was in was empty, completely empty. 4 years ago it was packed.” — NBC’s Kelly O’Donnell at 6:08 a.m.

Journo hopes to survive inauguration sans illness

“Last week, I thought #inauguration would be a race between me and my iPhone battery. Instead, it’s a race against my own immune system.” — WaPo‘s Maura Judkis.

How to Make it All About Me?

“I’m at Capitol South Metro Station (Washington D.C., DC)” — Syndicated columnist and Bullfight Strategies’ Karl Frisch at 6:19 a.m.

Important Question to Ponder: “It’s okay to take DayQuil with a vodka martini right?” — WaPo‘s Dan Zak.

D.C. Celebrity Watching: “Been playing ‘I know that celebrity from that scene in that movie where he looks [adjective here] but what is his name?!’ all night. Tired.” — The Hill‘s Alexandra Jaffe.

“President was sworn in today. Mon is the ceremonial event and speech. I elected to skip the party & hoopla and not attend Mon’s event.” — Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah).

ABC “The View’s” Sherri Shepherd needs help

“Ashley pooped in Jeffrey’s bed, peed on Jeffrey’s carpet, chews his socks. If you come back & help me @cesarmillan, I’ll make you dinner :O)” — Sherri Shepherd, our new favorite Twitter obsession. Only Sherri can bring “poop” and “dinner” together into one sentence.

Party banter and — gasp — an insult for Kerry Washington.

Read more

Politico‘s Glenn Thursh and Dylan Byers tag teamed RedState‘s Erick Erickson this morning over the attention NBC anchor David Gregory and the Sandy Hook elementary shootings are receiving.

To catch you up to speed, while anchoring Sunday’s “Meet the Press” Gregory held up a gun magazine, thus possibly breaking a D.C. gun law. Gun rights advocates pounced, calling for the prosecution of Gregory. It’s a story that’s been picked up mostly by media reporters and talked about on Twitter, but no thorough investigations outside of the conservative blogosphere have taken shape.

“Of course the media is dismissive of the David Gregory story,” Erickson tweeted today. “He broke the law to demand more laws.”

Thrush, who spent a larger portion of yesterday evening arguing with Twitter followers over the same subject, responded, “That’s because it’s a fake, joke story meant to divert attention from a serious [gun control] debate.”

“You mean like we need more laws like the one Gregory broke to prove we needed more laws? Yep, that’s funny.” Erickson said. Thrush reiterated his point that the Gregory story pales in comparison to the Sandy Hook shooting. Erickson, who wants you to know is not like the rest of the news world, returned to his theme that “the media” are covering up the Gregory story.

Thrush pointed out that Erickson is indeed part of “the media;” Erickson said he “resents the implication.”

That’s when Byers jumped in… Read more

It’s not that hard to slap a stamp on an envelope or even pick up the telephone. But these days the laziest among us take to Twitter to bless and wish their professional loved ones a Merry Christmas. Such was the case with CNN Contributor and RedState‘s Erick Erickson and Fox News’ Brit Hume, who apparently don’t know the finer points of direct messaging or Hallmark. Thanks for making it extra churchy. What is this, The Waltons?

Erickson: “@brithume Merry Christmas Brit. God bless you and yours.”

Hume: “@EWErickson Same to you brother, and thank you for the wonderful diary entry on 12/21. Blessings.”

In other could’ve left this off Twitter news…ABC “The View’s” Sherri Shepherd writes on Twitter, “Jeffrey has had a fever since yesterday – I’ve been sneezed on, coughed on, snotted on… all he wants is hugs from mommy-Lord plz help me.” And this… “Merry Christmas! (We’re marking the traditions today because we’ll be in Disney-Florida tomorrow-Thursday.)” — National Journal Editorial Director Ron Fournier. Thanks for letting us know your schedule Ron!

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

Quotes of the Day — Home for the Holidays Edition

HOLIDAY JOKESTER: “My favorite 2012 picture of Steve Buttry.” — Mimi Buttry, wife of Steve Buttry. Buttry is the Digital Transformation Editor at Digital First Media. Nice, fancy title, Buttry!

Blogger goes nuts over bourbon balls

“Soaking nuts in Bourbon before I make Bourbon balls and I’m totally going to eat these nuts aren’t I?” — Laurie White, photographer, writer and blogger.

Roll Call researcher gets on wrong Metro car

“Of course I got on the Metro car with the puddle of barf in it.” — Katie Kovach, international affairs and defense researcher for Roll Call.

Important Question to Ponder: “I can’t believe people are tweeting about politics on Christmas Day. Why aren’t you people drunk struggling with electronics?” — InTheseTimes labor reporter Mike Elk.

“Fuckers”: The new way to say Happy Holidays!

“Happy Holidays to you too, fuckers.” — HuffPost‘s Sabrina Siddiqui to BuzzFeed‘s John Stanton, Politico‘s Kate Nocera and TPM‘s Igor Bobic.

Someone had to say it… “U.S. Senator in Deep ‘Crapo’ After DUI Arrest” — El Sharko blogger of Miami. (The Mormon senator from Idaho, Mike Crapo, got a DUI Sunday night. Nice timing!)

BuzzFeed editor gets weepy over gay weddings

“Watching a bunch of gay wedding videos and slowly getting emotional.” — BuzzFeed senior editor Stacy Lambe.

Uh oh. Scratch the drunken driving jokes

“Drunk driver jokes aren’t funny, folks. Especially if someone you love has been taken from you by one. Not a GOP or Dem. thing.” — Paul Brandus of  WestWingReport.

“People, there is nothing funny about drunk driving. Nothing.” — Politico‘s Ben White.

“Good thing people sending gleeful tweets re Crapo DUI have never needed compassion after some stupid/hypocritical human failing.” — Harold Pollack, University of Chicago professor.

Not a happy ending for this journo

“Merry Christmas to the TSA agent who touched my junk.” — Free Beacon‘s  CJCiaramella.

Editor copes with new holiday traditions

“My Presbyterian brain can’t process my Catholic wife’s family’s tradition of unwrapping presents on Christmas Eve.” — National Journal “The Hotline’s” Editor-in-Chief Reid Wilson.

Peanut Gallery du Jour: “I bet Jesus gets super pissed that his birthday is so close to Christmas.” — FBDC and “Full Court Press” co-host Peter Ogburn.

Real HuffPost Headline: “Not having sex? 7 ways to start again”

Oops! Wrong address.

“Someone sent us five pounds of dry aged steak for Christmas. Sent it to the wrong house. Sat on a porch for a week. #tryingnottocry.” — CNN Contributor and RedState‘s Erick Erickson. As our own Rachel Ray (a.k.a. Ogburn) explained it, “aged meat = good, aged meat outside = not good.” Erickson also doubles as an imbibing Santa. He wrote, “The kids are sound asleep. Santa is about to put together the toys as soon as he finishes his bourbon.”

HELP!

“Just drove past a car completely engulfed in flames on the Ohio turnpike. Scary stuff.” — National Journal daily production employee Michelle Bloom.

Dicking Around With John Dickerson

“During Christmas service tonight, my 3rd grade daughter: ‘Mom what’s a virgin?’” — CBS Political Director and Slate‘s John Dickerson.

Um, constituents?

“Good morning Twitter constituents! Everyone have a Merry Christmas, a happy holiday and I hope u all experience the joy the season brings.” — Javonni Brustow, Washington editor of TheDCPundit.com, who transformed himself into a politician as millions of Christians celebrated the birth of Christ.

Holiday gun jokes: too soon?

“20-year-old twins Bob and Jim give Christmas gifts to 14-year-old Jefferson and 12-year-old Emerson: GUNS!” — Conservative blogger and ex-TWTer Robert Stacy McCain.

“I’m told a bearded guy may break into my house tonight. Should I greet him w/ AK-47 or Glock?” — Current’s David Shuster.

“Idea: arm every air traveler.” — Wired senior reporter and third tier Boybander Spencer Ackerman.

Unnecessary Tweet of the Day

“Hostess told me I just booked the last available reservation tonight at our local Chinese restaurant. #christmasmiracle.” — Howeesha Kurtz (a.k.a The Hill‘s gossip columnist Judy Kurtz.)

Down and out journalists… Read more

It’s not just FNC’s Mike Huckabee who injected religion into the massacre at Sandy Hook elementary school. He was just more explicit about it.

The dust had barely cleared before Huckabee blamed the incident, at least in part, on the secularization of schools. “We ask why there is violence in our schools, but we have systematically removed God from our schools,” he said on FNC Friday. The remarks made news and some in the media criticized Huckabee for what they saw as an oversimplified view.

But conservative commentator Erick Erickson said nearly as much in a column for RedState today. Erickson referred to the shooter, 20-year-old Adam Lanza, as “an evil creature” and said “liberal pundits” who “mock” religion “have chosen the very society that generates the heinous act we saw on Friday — a society replacing ourselves and our standards with those of God.”

But the word “evil” itself, a word often associated with religion, has been bandied about to describe what happened Friday and not just by conservatives… Read more

A sprinkling of things we think you ought to know…

Washingtonians are happy, even if they are alcoholics– A WaPo poll of workers in the D.C. metro area found that most of them (88 percent) described themselves as “very happy” or “pretty happy.” Roughly the same number of people described their jobs as “rewarding.” Another interesting bit: Most respondents (54 percent) said they “never really stop working.”

Fournier has a lot of presidential access– A story published late last night in NJ made quick rounds on Twitter through this morning. It’s a first person account by the publication’s editor-in-chief Ron Fournier on how he learned to fully accept that his son, who has Asperger’s syndrome, is different. The overall consensus is that it’s a touching story, just in time for the holidays. Politico‘s Ben White called it “especially beautiful.” FNC’s Bret Baier called it “a great story” that’s “worth the time.” On the other hand, FBDC’s Peter Ogburn had his own concerns. “Most of it left me wondering how in the hell he hooked up a meeting with his son and three presidents,” he said. In Fournier’s story, he recounts how he introduced his son to President Obama and former presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

HuffPost blogger rails on NYT‘s Maureen Dowd– The name Geoffrey Dunn rings no memory bells as to who he is. But a column he posted on HuffPost yesterday is worth the read if for nothing more than to count the number of ways he can insult NYT‘s Maureen Dowd. A few choice adjectives in his post regarding Dowd: “breezy,” “cynical,” “name-dropping,” and “glib.” He calls her “The Mean One.” And despite Dunn bearing a vague resemblance to any given pewter item on the “Antique Roadshow,” Dunn notes that he’s “a few years younger than Dowd.” Ouch.

Donald Trump cancels Senate bid– Oops, we mean RedState Editor Erick Erickson cancels Senate bid. Our mistake. After suggesting on his radio program earlier this week that he might challenge Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) for his Senate seat, Erickson has pulled out faster than a high school boy on prom night. And he did so with a grand flair that would make Liberace blush. “I’m not putting my family through that,” Erickson writes, “when the best outcome would mean a sizable pay cut and being away from my kids and wife all the time huddled in a pit of vipers often surrounded by too many who viewed me as a useful instrument to their own advancement.” Shorter version: Tricked you!

Quotes of the Day

A real HuffPost headline: “This kitten is unstoppable at ping pong”

Looks like Wolf’s nickname is sticking

“Sen. Ayotte called Wolf Blitzer “Blitz” on @AC360 just now.” — Former Herman Cain spokeswoman Ellen Carmichael. As everyone can recall, it was Cain who first slipped up and called CNN’s Wolf Blitzer “Blitz.”

Journo witnesses real life in-flight episode of Intervention

“This girl strung out on something just turned my entire flight experience into an episode of Intervention.” — Politico Pro producer Caitlin Emma, en route to D.C. from Boston. She continued, “They let this girl board the plane even though she was so high she was incapacitated! Crazy. Made it to DC though!”

Phillipe Cousteau: Engaged. The D.C. bachelor (and son of Jacque) is reportedly off the market. So far the bride-to-be is a mystery, with Facebook observers referring to her as “mermaid” and “lucky lady.”

Reporters complain of ugly nude protestors

“Dear naked protestors, please take lessons from PETA and at least make us want to stare at your naked hot protestor super models.” — CNN Contributor and RedState‘s Erick Erickson in reference to a nude AIDS activists who showed up to House Speaker John Boehner’s office Tuesday. Yes they were arrested. Yes, the cameras kept rolling. See pictures here.

At least PETA hires hotties when it has nude protests. — FBDC and TheBlaze‘s Eddie Scarry.

A quick memo… from Fake Jim VandeHei to National Journal Editor-in-Chief Ron Fournier, who is stepping down and becoming a national correspondent: “Ron Fournier, some of us write AND edit.” Taking a more glass half full approach, former Politico reporter and current White House correspondent for The Hill Amie Parnes sails in with this: “Ron Fournier, writing is so much better than editing. welcome back!”

A note from a congressional reporter turned fashion critic… Read more

As if Americans aren’t divided by their politics enough, one company might be making the gap just a little wider by targeting people’s dating lives.

Political Matchmakers, founded by J.D. Beebe, Alex Fondrier and Francois Briard, is the parent company of the dating sites RedStateDate and BlueStateDate. (Side note: RedStateDate is not affiliated with RedState.com, a conservative grassroots activist website; so don’t get your hopes up for a date with Erick Erickson.) Both websites aim to attract users who place a priority on finding a love interest with similar political views: RedState for conservatives, BlueState for liberals.

Fondrier completely rejects the idea that the dating sites add any division between Americans. “One recurring theme in the media is, ‘well, aren’t your dating sites contributing to the atmosphere of division in our country?’” he said. “When it comes to starting a long term relationship… studies have shown the overwhelming majority of people want to be in a long term relationship with someone that shares their political views. This decision has been made long before we came on to the scene.”

It’s true. A study published last year revealed that married couples with opposing political views are rare.

Like other dating sites, RedState and BlueState require you to register and fill out a profile with a photograph and bio. There are spots to fill in preferences for music, movies and such.

Then it takes a sharp turn to politics… Read more

Quotes of the Day — The Holiday Edition.

“Not sure what it says that a photo of me bloated with a pillow under my shirt is my most-liked Instagram photo ever.” — Catherine Andrews, Director of Digital Content at Home Front Communications and former Editorial Director at Washingtonian.

Home for the Holidays

“Nothing like grandpa showing his tooth abscess to everyone one of us before dinner.” — Politico Pro web producer Caitlin Emma.

“Mom is regaling the guests w her theory that Bobby Kennedy had Marilyn killed w a poisoned enema to not leave marks. Kill me now.” — Publicist and former ABC “This Week” producer Courtney Cohen.

“Just realized I am stress eating chips & queso as my parents are grilling me about GOP options for 2016. Dinner has taken a nasty turn.” — House Maj. Whip Spokeswoman Erica Elliott. And on Thanksgiving: “When I announced I was going to take a shower to try and exfoliate this spray tan, my family literally cheered. Apparently it’s that bad.”

“I accidentally stumbled into a birds-and-bees conversation with my nephew, which led to me saying, ‘No, it’s not called a ‘virginia.’” — MetroWeekly Co-Publisher Sean Bugg.

“Ugh. Had I watched this Kentucky game in my apartment instead of my mom’s home, there’d be holes in the walls.” — Reuters’ Sam Youngman.

“Thanksgiving at the Ericksons involves 6 dozen eggs, 21 lbs of butter, and now 9 lbs of bacon. 4 cakes, 5 pies, 20 lbs of turkey, & 17 ppl.” — CNN Contributor and RedState’s Erick Erickson.

“Yumm. Here is my obligatory turkey photo.” — Politico’s Ginger Gibson. 

Hagman gave NPR director’s Nana a Texas twang

“Claudine, our director, sez her Egyptian grandmother learned English by watching Dallas. She now has a Texas accent. RIP Larry Hagman.” — NPR’s Scott Simon.

Journos get emotional around Thanksgiving

• “My uncle, God rest his soul, made squirrel and rabbit jerky for us as kids. Miss his smart aleck remarks about other fam during holidays.” — Breitbart.com and CNN Contributor (well, if that’s what they’re calling never appearing these days) Dana Loesch.

• “iPad photo app creators, thank you for hours of family fun. #sincerely” — ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper.

• “Just watched “Love Actually” for the 147th time. Still tear up at the end.” — Politico‘s Roger Simon.

• “A special thank you to our service men and women for their service and sacrifice. We are thankful for you all. #thanksgiving” — NBC “MTP” Host David Gregory (Just what the troops were waiting for, a shout-out from Gregory.)

• “My uncle just got a call from the hospital and they may have found a kidney donor! So happy for@veerichie‘s daddy! All my love to Toronto!” — ABC7 reporter Jummy Olabanji.

• “I know I shouldn’t be, but I’m thankful Caribou is open this morning.” — NBC Washington’s Matt Glassman.

• “The crash of Jesse Jackson Jr. Is a tragic end to a career that once seemed to have no limit. Very sad for him, his family & constituents.” — President Obama‘s top campaign advisor David Axelrod.

A WH Correspondent gets into holiday spirit

“Vaguely wish the White House had named the turkeys ‘Congress’ and ‘Syphilis’ and then crowdsourced which one gets pardoned.” — Yahoo! News’ White House Correspondent Olivier Knox.

And BuzzFeed‘s Kaczynski gets all grateful and neighborly…

“Yes neighbor loudly playing his bass while families in my apartment building sit down together for dinner, you are an asshole.” — BuzzFeed‘s Andrew Kaczynski on Thanksgiving just before 3 p.m.

Paul Wharton misses chance to stuff himself

“Y did I refuse to take a plate of Thanksgiving Food from my cousin’s house?! Now I want turkey and stuffing & all I have is Salad! WTF!?” — Real Housewives of D.C. Stylist Paul Wharton.

Baier Vomit

“Good morning! Happy Black Friday. Are you shopping today? My wife, Amy, says she might try – I’ll be with our boys far away from the mall!” — FNC’s Bret Baier.

Ambien Adventures

“If you take Ambien and forget to stop and go to sleep, it actually makes you stay more awake. Kinda crazy, eh? 730A & I’m still up.” — Elizabeth Lauten (a.k.a. DCGOPGirl and CNN iReporter) on the day after Thanksgiving.

Important Q to Ponder: “Possibly stupid cooking question: Can I use whiskey bourbon (Crown) in a savory recipe that calls for bourbon?” — Conservative writer and blogger Lisa De Pasquale.

One Bureau Chief has stroke of good luck and another warns journos about sobriety checkpoint…

Read more