Yahoo! News has swooped in and hired Olivier Knox, formerly a congressional correspondent for Agence France-Presse. He is their first White House Correspondent. Knox had been with AFP for more than a decade.

Knox told FishbowlDC: “July would have made it 16 years at AFP,” he wrote in an email. “They hired me right out of SAIS. I’m thrilled, and I guess a little nervous. This is a phenomenal, can’t-turn-it-down opportunity to push myself while working with a team of all-stars. I would be remiss if I didn’t use this opportunity to remember my late mentor, Peter Mackler, to whom I owe all that is good about my reporting (all that’s bad is entirely mine).”

In a early morning release, they explained that Knox has covered “almost every facet of the political story, from presidential campaigns to Congressional drama to the real-world implications of policy decisions at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. As the White House Correspondent, Olivier will bring that broad and deep perspective in his original reporting to the Yahoo! News audience, providing both timely coverage of critical events and a unique perspective on how and why developments in Washington matter for the nation as a whole.”

They cite his keen reporting skills: “Olivier has delivered exclusive takes and scoops and news, including his on-the-scene report of the infamous shoe-throwing incident at former President George W. Bush’s 2008 press conference in Baghdad and the current GOP candidates’ growing calls for ‘covert ops’ directed against Syria. Olivier is also a social media standout, recognized for regularly breaking news on his twitter account.”

The outpouring for Knox on Twitter this morning is what is most striking — if this were a Class President election, or Miss America for that matter, Knox would win hands down — everyone from CNN’s Lizzie O’Leary and former CNNer Campbell Brown to HuffPost‘s Jennifer Bendery, CBS’s John Dickerson, Reuters‘ Sam Youngman, ABC’s Jake Tapper, TPM’s Josh Marshall, PBS’s Christina Bellantoni and The Australian‘s Business Editor Geoff Elliott, all sing his praises.

Olivier will report directly to…

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Quotes of the Day

Journo love

“Alex Burns. Maggie Haberman. We love you both.” — MSNBC’s Alex Witt on Sunday afternoon to guests of the program Politico‘s Burns and Haberman.

Is Jason Linkins a 13-year-old with a drinking problem?

“Damn it! I promised myself that my ‘work bourbon’ would last until the New Hampshire primary was over.” — HuffPost‘s left-wing media reporter Jason Linkins spent the weekend trying to be Hunter S. Thompson and failing miserably. On Sunday morning he adds, “The winner of this debate is vodka.” Still later he says simply, “Drink” and links to a music video. 

Huntman’s Mandarin falls flat

“I was in the press room, actually, last night during that debate and the press kind of erupted into laughter at that so I’m not sure that moment went over very well.” — RealClearPolitics‘ Erin McPike on MSNBC Sunday afternoon in response to a question on Jon Huntsman‘s use of Mandarin in Saturday night’s debate.

Melinda tires of the ass kissing

“Is Chris Matthews thinking David Gregory will be his boss someday? Enough, already…” — WaPo‘s Melinda Henneberger.

HuffPost reporter gets shout-out from Eva Longoria

“Eva Longoria just retweeted me. I mean, that’s cool.” — HuffPost‘s Jennifer Bendery.

Bad form: Reporter RT’s himself

“RT @MikViq: Basically, Romney is saying that IF he could correct the SuperPAC ads he would, but since he hardly knows these people, he can’t.” — NBC’s Michael Viqueira. To be fair, Viqueira is not a serial self RTer. This is the first act of this nature that we’ve seen from him. But why do this ever?

JMart pricks Newt, Pinocchio and WaPo

“Love that Newt is still turning to washpost Pinnochios [sic] as pushback. Plays well in Laconia.” — Politico‘s Jonathan Martin.

Muffin metaphors

“Ever since Peggy Noonan called Newt Gingrich ‘an angry little attack muffin’ all I see is a screaming blueberry muffin when he talks…” — MSNBC Contributor and Daily Beast Columnist Meghan McCain.

WaPo‘s conservative issues blogger Jennifer Rubin assesses the weekend: “Loser: Diane Sawyer winner: people who can’t stand Huntsman.. he’ll be gone soon.”

Reality Show Confessional

“I miss Herman and Michelle.” — WaPo‘s Dana Milbank.

Ball puts debate moderator’s hair on notice

“John DiStaso wins Best Early-State Mullet category.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball of the Union Leader reporter who helped moderate the NBC debate Sunday morning. And FNC “Redeye” host Greg Gutfeld suggests this: “After debate, David Gregory’s hair is having brunch with John Huntsman’s hair.”

Sick designer on the loose

“Throat hurts + fever + headache + congestion = me today #justshootme.” — Washington Business Journal Designer Timothy Wong. (This was Sunday; hopefully he’s on the mend today.)

Erick Erickson issues “apology” to ABC

“Dear ABC News, I was wrong. You set the bar for stupid so high in last night’s debate even NBC did better than you.” — RedState.com’s Editor-in-Chief and CNN Contributor Erick Erickson.

Headline on a story by CBS Political Director John Dickerson on Slate: My Baloney Has a First Name, It’s M-I-T-T

Weekend drive-thru

“Wendy’s drive-thru in Vienna, VA. Apparently, tonight, this is how I roll. #suburbanadventures #withajrbaconcheeseburger” — Capitol File Editor-in-Chief Kate Bennett.

Rules and more rules

“Just announced in press file ‘we have a little bit of security issue outside.’ Taking folks over to the spin room in groups of 10. Really?” — Reuters‘ Sam Youngman in New Hampshire.

Quotes of the Day

A Brilliant Suggestion

“With Andy Rooney retiring, only viable option for 60 Minutes is to bring in @markknoller for that role.” – Reuters White House Correspondent Steve Holland referencing CBS White House radio correspondent Mark Knoller. Read the breaking story on Rooney here.

G-dropping discussion continues…

“OK, so we’ll start dropping g’s on every pol we cover, right?” — PBS’s Gwen Ifill to CNBC and NYT‘s John Harwood.

Revenge of the Smoothie

“Why do I take a smoothie from home to work you ask? What else can I use to coat the inside of my car, my phone, and my trousers?” — Slate‘s John Dickerson.

The Anti-Christie

“Downside of weighing 100lbs? You’re the first person people want to sit next to. Maximum space.” — The Blaze‘s Eddie Scarry.

Only in Washington…

“One of the best days at National Journal is the day the new Almanac of American Politics arrives #coolperk” — NJ Congressional reporter Major Garrett.

A message to the universe: “BUMMED AS EVER RE EXISTENCE RIGHT NOW, HINT HINT JOB CREATORS” — Washington freelancer Moe Tkacik.

Travel blogger seeks explanation for global insanity

“Is there some crazy lunar eclipse tonight? I’d like an explanation why everyone I’ve talked to today is hostile, angry or just plain cuckoo.” — Poshbrood founder Elizabeth Thorp.

Deep Thoughts: “Is Chris Christie even Chris Christie?” — Politico‘s Jake Sherman. And more on Christie from “Fast Break” (h/t Mike Allen) Sherman’s colleague Matt Negrin: “How many times is MSNBC going to say there’s ‘BUZZ’ around Christie???? It’s the beehive of cable TV!”

Rhetorical q’s at a glance

“There are people who go on twitter to look smart?” — Gawker Political Editor Jim Newell in response to Politico Ben White‘s question, “What percentage of Twitter consists of reporters trying to look smart to other reporters? My guess: A lot.”

News that makes you go HUH? The View‘s Sherri Shepherd, who doesn’t exactly have the reed thin physique of Bob Schieffer‘s crush, Gwyneth Paltrow, is saying she worries that big, fat Chris Christie could die in office. Meanwhile, Barbara Walters insists that Christie will be the GOP candidate. Many Twitter followers wrote to tell us that at least one fat President  — William Taft — had been elected and even had a special bathtub made for him. Does The View have a special tub for Sherri?

Quick Convo Amongst Three Journos

HuffPost’s Amanda Terkel: @brianbeutler Why are you linking to porn sites? I think you meant to link to this: [Read here.]

HuffPost‘s Jennifer Bendery: Touching Porn Movie?

TPM‘s Brian Beutler: Talking Porns Memo?

Quotes of the Day — the Earthquake Hits D.C. Edition

One Cool Cat: WaPo‘s Ezra Klein during the Earthquake.

The Observer

“The Capitol is now open. Walking through the Rotunda we are seeing lots of paint chips covering the floor.” — NBC News Senate Producer Libby Leist in a Tuesday tweet.

A journo’s long ride home

“Here comes hell commute on the dc metro… trains and platforms sardined as trains creep along at 15 mph.” — NYT Washington reporter Charlie Savage in a Tuesday afternoon tweet.

At 2:13 p.m. an Anonymous Tipster writes in… 5.6 Earth Quake and most of DC in the Streets

The Media Critic I

“The earthquake seems to have made CNN extra vapid.” Wired.com’s Spencer Ackerman in a Tuesday tweet. We’re just glad Ack didn’t feel any need to dress up like a banana today. That wouldn’t be vapid, but strange in its own right.

The Media Critic II

“And am I the only one who thinks Ira Glass from NPR’s This American Life sounds incredibly bored with himself?” — A self-described “political geek” named Brian Perry.

Priorities….

“Please, remember the real victims: Pundits whose TV segments were bumped for #earthquake coverage.” — Slate‘s Dave Weigel in a Tuesday tweet.

Erickson Razzes Kristol

“That was no earthquake. It was just Bill Kristol learning yet another of his pipe dream candidates is not actually running for President.” — CNN Contributor and Red State’s Erick Erickson in a Tuesday tweet.

Reporter thanks Verizon for functioning

“Verizon, thanks for not crapping out today. AT&T, so weak, so weak. #dcearthquake” — HuffPost’s White House Correspondent Jennifer Bendery in a Tuesday tweet.

And Corn’s point is?

“Okay, back to work. Send me a tweet if there’s another one. Calls still aren’t coming through. #EarthTwake” — Mother Jones’ David Corn in a Tuesday tweet.

Kurtz’s unusual spelling of Gaddafi

“When I walked out, the Khadafy compound was under siege. Now it’s all #earthquake all the time. I guess local trumps everything.” — The Daily Beast’s Washington Bureau Chief Howard Kurtz in a Tuesday tweet. Though it looks unusual, technically Kurtz is not wrong. This is an acceptable way to refer to Muammar Gaddafi, which has a wide variety of spellings out there from G’s to Q’s to Qu to Qa and so forth.

Reporter offers campaign advice

“I know it’s tempting, GOP campaign flacks. But no earthquake-themed Obama jokes. Don’t do it. For the love of good comedy!” — RealClearPolitics’ Scott Conroy in a Tuesday tweet.

Local watering hole addresses the quake

“Yes – we are open. Accepting nominations for quake specials.” — CapLounge in a Tuesday tweet.

Necessary Tweet of the Day

“I complain TOO much, I know. Becoming the travel trauma king. TWO car accidents so far. I was NOT driving. no injuries but poor car.” — ABC7′s Stephen Tschida in a Tuesday message to FishbowlDC. To which we say, we love you Stephen and your dramatic travel habits. Don’t go changing, to try and please us. And enjoy the rest of your vacation.

If you missed the late-night story on The Daily Caller‘s Kurt Bardella returning to Rep. Darrell Issa‘s (R-Calif.) office, read it here.

Quotes of the Day

HuffPost White House and Congressional Reporter Jennifer Bendery: “Hill reporters using their greatest weapon against mean Capitol Hill officer telling us to leave!” She posted the above photograph of Capitol Hill reporters from last night.

‘Steamed Greta‘

A commenter from our story yesterday, “Steamed Greta Comes to Ed Henry’s Rescue” wrote, “‘Steamed Greta is also a Swedish breakfast dish.’” We had no idea.

Assessing Ezra’s shiny TV lips

“Umm, is @ezraklein wearing a diamond shine pink lipgloss?” A popular follower of Washington media types @emokidsloveme in a Thursday night tweet after watching our Ezzy on MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell‘s “The Last Word.” She said Klein is likely wearing Mac Lusterglass and explained, “It’s a type of lipgloss, it’s got micro glitter flecks in it for that diamond shine when you’re talking to Lawrence O’Donnell.” This is not preposterous. Back in January, Mediaite‘s Editor-at-Large Rachel Sklar also suggested Ezra might wear lipgloss on TV.

Yes, there are dumb questions

“Dumb question of the evening: What’s the mood on Capitol Hill tonight?” — CBS White House Radio Correspondent Mark Knoller in a Thursday night tweet.

Double the fun with Sean Hannity

“Double-dipping w/ @seanhannity today – radio show this afternoon, TV show in mere moments. #thencanigohome #doubtful” — Sen. Rand Paul‘s (R-Ky.) Spokeswoman Moira Bagley in a Thursday tweet.

A desperate plea

“ATTENTION UNNAMED SOURCES: Return My Freaking Phone Calls, Please.” — Conservative blogger and former TWT Editor Robert Stacy McCain in a Thursday tweet.

The Observer

“This is by far the most insane situation I’ve ever seen folks in all my years on Capitol Hill. #debt” — Roll Call‘s John Stanton in a Thursday tweet.

Interns come bearing cupcakes

“Interns in the office finish up today… and just brought in sweets from Georgetown Cupcake. Well played, interns. Well played.” — Military Times‘ Dan Lamothe in a Thursday tweet.

Unnecessary Tweet of the Day

“Baking in apartment sans AC = not fun. (And yes, I think this is a completely necessary tweet. It’s hot.)” — Roll Call feature writer Jessica Estepa in a Thursday tweet. Previous tweets about her lack of a pantry and an iPad being referred to as a “mobile device” earned her the award in recent days. How hot her apartment is still unnecessary, but a note to Metro Weekly‘s Sean Bugg: She’s gaining on you!

Reporter closes down House Gallery

“Last person in my House gallery for #debtmageddon, so CSPAN volume down, @parksandrecnbc volume up.” — Politico congressional reporter Marin Cogan in a Thursday night tweet.

Scribe reacts to Christie fat jokes and remarks

“What I learned in doing a Twitter search on Chris Christie: People are cold.” — Jen Connic, Social Media Producer for the Star Ledger in Newark, NJ, in a Thursday tweet. Unfortunately we thought NJ meant National Journal. We regret the error.

Gym time: ruined

“Grrr. Gym experience ruined by two gossipy, cackly queens. Not even cute, either.” — The Guardian’s Matthew Wells in a Thursday tweet.

Jennifer Bendery, who has covered the White House,  House and Senate Leadership at Roll Call for the past three years, is leaving the publication to join Huffington Post Media Group’s reporting team as White House Correspondent.

Prior to her time at Roll Call, Bendery reported for four years on the Texas State Legislature for GalleryWatch in Austin, Texas, and covered health care policy for a number of national weekly newsletters.

THE DEEP END…TIPS FROM THE POOL

With former V.P. Al Gore’s Portland masseuse something of the not so distant past, President Obama wasn’t going to fool around with the topic this afternoon when a masseuse got in a question.

As Roll Call‘s White House correspondent Jennifer Bendery wrote in one of several descriptive afternoon Pool Reports, this one from Fairfax, Va.:

In one awkward moment, Obama joked that he had a “crick in my neck” when an attendee introduced herself as a massage therapist. She responded by asking if he gets massages regularly, at which point Obama chuckled but moved on to asking what her real question was.

We’re told that after after the masseuse introduced herself, Obama began jokingly rubbing the back of his neck. While the moment was fast, it was uncomfortable, a source at the scene told FishbowlDC.

> UPDATE: Technically speaking, see the official transcript after the jump…one additional remark by POTUS regarding his tension…

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THE DEEP END…TIPS FROM THE POOL

There were pocket-sized memories of former President George W Bush’s presidency at a reception today at the White House for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

This short anecdote is from Roll Call‘s White House correspondent Jennifer Bendery Pool Report this morning. She covered the reception that took place in the White House foyer:

“A cameraman noted that the little squares of carpet set out on the platform for camera stands were actually old pieces of West Wing carpeting from the Bush presidency. Touche.”

This just in…

Jennifer Bendery of Roll Call has just informed that she will cover the White House “in the interim.”