Quotes of the Day - the Oprah-Lance Armstrong edition.

From the Dept. of Bragiculture…

“WE BEAT GAWKER BY 25 MIN ON BANGS STORY!” — WaPo‘s Reliable Source on finally getting a story within spitting distance of another gossip outlet. The item concerned first lady Michelle Obama’s new hairstyle, which involves bangs.

The Media Observer

“Favorite line from inaug committee warning abt Metro: ‘You will have to stand in close proximity to several thousand people’” — NYT‘s Washington Deputy Bureau Chief Carl Hulse.

Editor wants Christian Mingle to leave him alone

“Dear Christian Mingle, stop sending me emails.” — Eboné Bell, Managing Editor of Tagg magazine, Hip Hop Cardio Instructor, & Founder of Capital Queer Prom.

Oprah’s masterful interview skills

“Oprah rules. She is REALLY good at this. Just a master interviewer.” — WaPo‘s Chris Cillizza. Also: “Lance is the least sympathetic apologizer possible. I feel ZERO empathy with him.”

“Oprah is a hell of a good interviewer.”– CNN’s Jeffrey Toobin.

“This is as much am exercise in journalism as confession. The packages Oprahs guys are dropping in help people who are new to the story.” — NYT‘s David Carr.

“I’m not feeling Lance but I’m loving Oprah. She is a first class interviewer.” — Washingtonian Publisher Cathy Merrill Williams.

“I love Oprahshe just goes straight in! #BOOM” — Essence and theGrio columnist Sophia Nelson.

The Best of… on Oprah & Lance

“Oprah tells crowd to look under their chairs where they discover rotten vegetables to throw at Lance. That interview I would watch.” — Reuters‘ Sam Youngman.

“Every asshole should get to do an interview with Oprah.” — New York Daily News‘ Josh Greenman.

“Mike Wallace would have filleted Lance Armstrong like a fish.” — Politico‘s Roger Simon.

(Fake Oprah Question): “Did you ever have sex with a dead wizard’s body for magical powers?” “Yes” — The Guardian and Salon freelancer Jim Newell during the “yes or no” only portion of the interview.

“For the judging media, remember the ‘culture’ that allows for enhancements that help your job (whisky, Adderoll, whisky).” — FNC’s Greg Gutfeld.

“I read his book, I supported LiveStrong- so awful to watch him tonight – he seems mostly sorry he got caught!” — NBC4′s  Doreen Gentzler.

“So Lance’s drug use was real and Manti’s gf was fake. Got it.” — USA Today’s Jackie Kucinich.

“I feel like this is a public therapy session.” — CNN AC360′s Devna Shuka.

“If I’ve learned anything from this Lance Armstrong interview, it’s he’s a high school girl. Stab you in the back without breaking a sweat.” — Social Media Editor for NBC Washington Cheryl Thompson.

“If Lance Armstrong cared about ratings, he would have done interview on 60 Min. Not a cable network nobody watches.” — Alex Conant, U.S. GOP Sen. Marco Rubio‘s press secretary.

“You did not just make a fat joke to Oprah.” — Lizzie O’Leary, whose Twitter bio says simply, “apsiring Hildy Johnson.”

“When does Oprah roll out the wagon of fat?” — ClearChannel‘s Colby Hall. Also: “First clue that I am not on one of my regular viewing channels: seeing ads referencing transvaginal mesh.”

“Fun continuity game: watch water levels in Lance & Oprah water glasses for edit jumping. Straws are an odd touch, too.” — Politico‘s Steve Friess.

Daily Caller reporter takes nasty swipe at CNN’s Piers Morgan...

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Despite the cancellation of CNN’s “John King, USA” and the recent announcement by Worldwide CEO Jim Walton that he’s a goner by the end of the year, the CNN DC bureau is trying to remain relevant. So last week they shot a pilot.

Could this be the shot in the arm they need?

The show is called “Unconventional Wisdom,” and is a pet project of CNN’s managing editor Mark Whitaker, who oversees the network’s program development unit.

One of the participants is Gloria Borger, CNN’s Queen of Conventional Wisdom. Shot in the DC’s bureau glitzy new studio, another CNN’er involved is legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin.

Among the bigwigs involved in the pilot is Eric Sherling, CNN’s director of DC Programming, and Amy Entelis, who joined CNN in January as Senior Vice President for Talent and Content Development for CNN Worldwide.

Memo to Mark, Amy and Eric: you better hope the pilot tickles the fancy of Walton. The last time CNN’s remarkably boring DC bigwigs shot a pilot, the reconstituted “Capital Gang,” a typical inside-the-Beltway show that so awful Walton couldn’t stomach 10 minutes of it and reamed out the executives assembled, got up, and left.

Shortly thereafter in March, CNN announced longtime employee Sue Bunda, executive VP of content development and strategy, left to pursue other opportunities. In fact, she was forced out after the horrible “Capitol” pilot. Four months later, her chief lieutenant, Randy Subarsky, vice president of development, was told she was toast but was allowed to finish out the year. Also shown the door was DC bureau chief David Bohrman, now president of Current TV.

Better make the show shine, Mark, Amy and Eric. Your future boss could be watching!

Quotes of the Day

When insomnia strikes…

“I still can’t sleep. Ask me anything and I’ll answer. #ASKarl” — Syndicated Columnist Karl Frisch, also a partner at Bullfight Strategies, at around 3 a.m. At 4 a.m. he wrote, “Why can’t I sleep?!?! Ugh.” Some questions he received: 1. “Do the elves help Santa with grooming, or is their mandate strictly in making toys?” 2. “Why do you think Roberts took the ACA position he did?”

Allbritton springs for pizza

“One of the perks of #scotusday: newsroom pizza!” — Politico national political reporter Emily Schultheis.

Inside CNN…

“@BuzzFeedBen @mmhastings Open Revolt? Funny, I’m sitting in the bureau and haven’t seen a single pitchfork or overturned edit bay.” — CNN’s Matt Dornic in response to Buzzfeed‘s Michael Hastings story on staffers revolting at CNN after they mistakenly reported that the Supreme Court didn’t uphold the healthcare bill.

And inside the courtroom…

“Journalists and lawmakers scribbled notes furiously while Justices spoke because you can’t bring blackberries or recorders in courtroom.” — CBS News Capitol Hill Producer Jill Jackson.

Rosen tries to ease Toobin’s fall

“@JeffreyToobin gives a classy analysis/apology” — CNN Commentator Hilary Rosen after CNN Legal Analyst Jeffrey Toobin makes a whopper of an error Thursday.

Only in Washington…

“Crowd outside SCOTUS is confused. Both sides cheering.” — TWT Senior Opinion Writer Emily Miller.

Self-appointed Media Critic

“Who is having a worse day Republicans, Ann Curry or CNN?” — MSNBC Contributor and The Daily Beast Columnist Meghan McCain.

Journo amid Supreme Court ruling

“Spending the day test driving Chrysler’s. Am I missing any news? #nprlife (@ Chrysler Chelsea Proving Grounds)” — NPR’s Sonari Glinton.

C-SPAN: Priceless

“Ha, C-SPAN just cut off a caller who said Obama supported universal health care ‘because he is an alien.’” – Yahoo! News’ Chris Moody.

Correction: We were mistaken in yesterday’s Morning Chatter. NYT Jim Roberts actually did respond to HuffPost‘s Jon Ward‘s early morning ranting on the NYT homepage not having Supreme Court coverage Thursday. They had a blurb, but nothing significant. Roberts replied to the very important Ward, saying, “@jonward11 Seriously, what more is there to say at this point. We wait for a ruling.” And this: “Don’t do rehash.”

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

Quotes of the Day

“First @CNN liveshot of the day at #scotus . This is the scene in front of the 44 marble steps.” — CNN Legal Analyst Jeffrey Toobin.

Boybander says ‘vagina’

“6-3 that transvaginal ultrasounds are NBD#otherSCOTUSpredictions” — TPM‘s Brian Beutler in an apparent attempt to be cute on the day of the heightened Supreme Court healthcare ruling. One reader thought it was in “bad taste.” But considering we did an entire feature called “Vagina Journalism” we’re not here to judge.

‘Wish me luck!’

The Atlantic‘s editorial meetings may be about to get a bit livelier. Atlantic Magazine Editor Scott Stossel remarked on Twitter this week, “My son (5) has, unaccountably, started gleefully yelling ‘Wish Me Luck!’ every time he breaks wind. Whole family now adopting the practice.” Our suggestion: Anyone who runs into Stossel today should say the phrase … repeatedly.

Understatement of the Day

“Probably more traffic today than in SB’s first 5 years, combined. So grateful; a little scared. #teamlyle #dontcrash” — SCOTUSblog.

Journo braces for bad hair day

“I have a contingency plan for nearly everything today, but not a power outage at my apartment. Are you ready for my good hair day, SCOTUS?” — Rebecca Berg, NYT political reporting fellow.

Politico publicist has a bad day

“Horrible end to a bad day. #RIPStella” — Politico‘s Olivia Petersen on Wednesday. (Might that have had something to do with Politico‘s suspended bad boy Joseph Williams appearing on The Bill Press Show seemingly without the pub’s knowledge or approval?)

Speaking of Williams…“One thing’s for sure,” noted lefty Bill Press on this morning’s radio show. “The right wing blogs are out to take Joe Williams down or me down or anybody down who gives any indication that they are liberal. Of course they don’t have to guess about me, man. I put it out there everyday.”

HuffPost‘s Jon Ward wonders why NYT’s homepage forgot today’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court

Most of Ward’s comments were directed to NYT’s Jim Roberts, Asst. Managing Editor of the NYT, just before 7 a.m. At the time, Roberts was telling followers about a newly created Chinese-language site by the NYT. He never responded to Ward. At 8 a.m. he directed NYT readers to this story on the Supreme Court ruling. At 9 a.m. there was still no indication of the Supreme Court ruling on NYT’s homepage minus a small print blurb at the bottom.

1. “Nothing on NYT front page about #healthcare ruling?” 2. “idk, seems like there should be something: a recap, a rehash, etc. im sure there’s still lotta people tuning in for first time.” 3. “As my old editor used to say, even if you’ve written a story before, there were people who didn’t read it, so write it again.”

Want a friend in London? Forget the dog

“Odd conversation o.t. day: Woman to her dog: ‘You really don’t give a shit about me, do you?’” — Sarah Lyall, a London-based NYT correspondent.

Quotes of the Day

Homoerotic or cute? You decide.

“Bret Baier, Hope Chunky Monkey feels better soon — and doesn’t get everyone else in your house sick in the process!” — FNC’s James Rosen. We can only hope that Rosen is referring to one of Baier’s children and not some other er, chunky monkey, in the house.

Speaking of erotic…

“It’s normal to find the words ‘woman,’ ‘her’ and ‘she’ to be erotic, right? Ok, good.” — WaPo‘s Gene Weingarten, a huge FBDC fan.

Perino reaches out to Price is Right contestant

“Will the gentleman who was on Price is Right this morning tweet me again? Loved the shout out. Need to know if you won. And watch The Five!” — FNC’s Dana Perino.

When New York Yankees center fielder Curtis Granderson throws out a question, WaPo’s ever hip Weingarten steps up to the plate and introduces himself.

Curtis Granderson: “Headed to DC for the off day, besides White House, Memorials, and Gov’t Buildings, what are some good suggestions to eat and check out?” Gene Weingarten: “Hey, Curtis. I’m a columnist for the Wa Post. Eat in Adams Morgan, a hip, funky walk-around neighborhood.”

Touching.

A fan writes to The New Yorker writer and CNN Senior Legal Analyst Jeffrey Toobin: “I fucking love your writing and analysis.” He replied: “Big fucking thanks!”

Sam Stein accuses TPM of being copycat

“TPM electoral scoreboard bit.ly/OBXRUp mighty similar to what we have at Huffpost huff.to/INFOLi” – HuffPost‘s Sam Stein.

Wendy puts the hump in hump day

“Wendy Wednesday’s really help me bust over the hump.” — FBDC reader Jason Kosakow, a quantitative analyst in Washington, D.C. (And yes, we’re bragging!)

Journo Squabble

“[Andrew Sullivan] today asked if I was living on the same planet as him. No-I’m living on the one with most people from Earth.” –  Salon‘s Glenn Greenwald on The Daily Beast‘s Andrew Sullivan. He links to this.

Eddie Scarry and Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

Quotes of the Day

“Everyone in DC look up today.” — from WaPo‘s Innovations and Ideas Editor Emi Kolawole.

Life’s small pleasures

“Just had my first-ever real life opportunity to use the proper AP Style of ‘Dr Pepper.’#partylikeajournalist” — Politico web producer Leigh Munsil. (Note to readers: The trademark does not use a period in Dr.)

From the Dept. of Bragiculture

“It takes a certain amount of translation skills to translate what they are saying in the courtroom into language that is familiar to viewers who are not lawyers or constitutional experts. Its a highly stylized form of expression. You don’t have to be a genius to understand it, but you have to have learned how to understand it.” — CNN’s Jeffrey Toobin in a late Wednesday interview with Politico media writer Dylan Byers.

Journo dines on beets

“Roasting beets for dinner and listening to SCOTUS oral arguments.” — conservative TV commentator and former WMAL radio host Mary Katharine Ham.

An office puppy on Twitter: Cute or too much?

“On my way in to the office. Still kinda chilly for me. Can’t wait for the dog days of summer.” — Briar, the office dog for Rep. Dennis Ross (R-Fla.).

Driving the Day: “Woman Pleads Guilty in Butt Implants Case” — NBC4

Words of Wisdom

“When we lose our right to point out an ughly-ass wig, we lose everything.” — FBDC regular reader Larry Kelly on the “outrage” over our poll on Florida Democratic Rep. Corrine Brown‘s hairdo — or was that the world’s ugliest hoodie?

Senator treats reporter like a daughter

“Just got dad’d by a United States Senator who wanted to know if that bag of Oreos was “lunch.” #humblebrag?” — Roll Call‘s Meredith Shiner.

The downside of spring

“Ow. I hate you sinuses.” — Hillary Esquina, multi-media content producer for the National Wildlife Federation.

Only in Washington…

“Healthy lunch spots around the Supreme Court as health-care debate continues” — WaPo.

Unnecessary Tweet of the Day

“I can’t get over how green the grass in WI is for late March. Is it always this way?” — Politico‘s Ginger Gibson. Um, we’re not sure Ginger. My we’re pretty sure Fake Jim VandeHei might have an answer for you on what the grass in VandeHomeland is like this time of year.

If you love politics but are teetering on edge of legal blindness, the New Yorker has created a new blog for you: The Political Scene.

The blog just launched Monday and functions like a guide to the 2012 presidential election. It has brief analysis of all the Republican candidates, photo galleries and medium-length thought pieces on the primary process from the magazine’s esteemed writers, such as Jeffrey Toobin, Ryan Lizza and Jane Mayer.

There’s a lot of content but it’s got a few setbacks. First, the graphics appear to have been captured using IMAX technology. They’re massive. Of course, gigantic graphics lead to choppy display. Second, a banner with feature stories drops down and covers more than half the screen if you hover your cursor above a certain point. Lastly, scrolling itself is an odd experience. Navigation bars on the left and top of the screen remain stationary as you move up or down, but chunks of the screen run into each other then overlap to display the previous or following story. Readers may experience brief vertigo while browsing.

We’re not huge fans of the layout, but it’s a decent blog. Designers should simply keep in mind that not everyone is running on a double-screen multiprocessor computer system.

Today the bloodbath of Journolist pauses for The Daily Caller‘s superhero edition of Journolist. In this story by Jonathan Strong, certain Journolisters are praised for “integrity” and “civility.”

The “heroes” include: Journolist founder, WaPo‘s Ezra Klein, CNN’s Jeffrey Toobin, HuffPost‘s Dan Froomkin, The Guardian‘s Michael Tomasky and The New Yorker‘s James Surowieki, who isn’t a full-fledged hero, but gets an honorable mention.

Toobin, Strong, writes, “came across as one of the least caustic members of the list.”

Klein, who sliced up Editor-in-Chief Tucker Carlson in a post last week, calling a statement Carlson released on the Journolist “sanctimonious” and “evasive”, has by far the shortest amount of praise in the hero version. In fact, the bit on Klein amounts to two sentences, the second of which you can almost read aloud without running out of air. It’s not entirely positive, however. See the first line after the jump…

Read the full story here.

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CNN’s Jeffrey Toobin and FNC’s Neil Cavuto fall into the twin category.

CNN legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin missed the boat on getting the scoop on Solicitor General Elena Kagan being chosen as President Obama’s Supreme Court nominee. “I guess that makes me less than a journalist,” Toobin said on CNN late Sunday night after NBC broke the news.

Toobin explained on air that he knows Kagan personally because she was his Harvard Law School classmate, but said he chose not to use his personal connection to phone her and ask. To be sure, his tone was light-hearted, not painful regret. (He did, however, talk with CNN.com about knowing her previously. Read the interview here.)

One question:
CNN: You knew her at Harvard. What is she like?
Toobin: Smart, funny, self-confident, extremely intelligent but not obnoxious about it. She’s always been a well-grounded person who brings out the best in others around her.

Behind the scenes of this breaking news story is another story of how the news was not broken. Politico‘s Mike Allen reported that the White House may give the news to AP’s Ben Feller to break “on the later side of Sunday.”

But on Sunday night, it was NBC’s Pete Williams broke the story. CNN gave proper credit to NBC during the segment with Toobin.