For someone who speaks about the vital importance of “emancipating himself” from his family and who doesn’t even speak to many family members these days, author Christopher Kennedy Lawford sure has a lot to say about the benefits of being part of Camelot.

Lawford, the only son of actor Peter Lawford and Patricia “Pat” Kennedy, showed up to the Georgetown Ritz today to be interviewed by Washingtonian Editor-at-Large Carol Joynt, who moderates Q & A Café apart from her magazine duties. The lunches are typically loaded with old school socialites, women who lunch and retirees looking for something to do. Sometimes the room is sparse. Today it was bustling. A Kennedy — even a socially removed one — can still draw a decent crowd.

Joynt begins by razzing Lawford for showing up at the wrong Ritz. Hey, it happens. Talking to Lawford is like talking to someone loaded up on an enthusiasm steroid. Whatever project he has worked on, he’s off to the next and wants to tell you his plans and thoughts for the next decade. Thankfully he’s not stiff about it. For instance, he speaks of a book he’s working on about understanding women: “And then I read Lolita and thought, what’s the use?”

Joynt, in her own subtle way, knows how to go for the jugular, at least the jugular for a room full of socialites who don’t want to see anything get too uncomfortable. She drops a big name and tells Lawford she ran into Maryland’s former Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend the other night, who told her, “It’s one thing to write things about yourself, it’s another to write about your family.” The interviewer wants to know how the Kennedy clan reacted to his writing so many books over the years, the clincher being his memoir, Symptoms of Withdrawal. His next book was Moments of Clarity, which chronicled a variety of addicts. His current book, Symptoms to Live is a day at the beach compared to the memoir.

“It’s the last thing I intended to do, quite frankly,” Lawford tells Joynt of being an author. But Lawford is a little like V.P. Joe Biden in that he’s “frank” about everything, so it isn’t saying much.

Lawford’s first anecdote of the afternoon is one that shouldn’t make patrons fall sleep in their gazpacho and encrusted salmon adorned with fried crisps. In 2005 when the memoir came out, he recalled, he had plenty of recovery. But it was also the year he separated from his wife and the year he was diagnosed with Hepatitis C. His career was also taking a nosedive.

“I was 15 years sober and was like, this is it?” he told a rapt audience. “I was wandering around ranting in my bathrobe wondering what had happened to my life.”

Chuckles all around the room.

He went on, addressing Joynt’s question. Read more

As journalists were scrambling to get their piece of the bombing story last night, WaPo‘s Ezra Klein, who usually goes wonky and chart-obsessed on most matters, kept his thoughts close to home. He wrote about his wife, NYT‘s Annie Lowrey, waking early each morning to train for a marathon.

CBS Political Director John Dickerson called it a “lovely story.” And indeed, it was.

An excerpt:

“My wife has been training for a marathon. She leaves the house early in the morning and runs for hours and hours. She comes home tired and sore. And then she does it again. And again. And again.There’s no reason for her to do it. There’s no competition or payoff or award. It’s just a quiet, solitary triumph over the idea that she couldn’t do it, and it all happens before I even wake up.”

Read the full piece.

Quotes of the Day

“The reality is none of us is perfect.” — Congressional GOP Primary winner Mark Sanford on CNN’s “The Lead” Wednesday. As we all well know by now, Sanford lied to voters, cheated on his wife and misused taxpayer’s money. On a side note…This is becoming a thing: Jake Tapper keeps referring to Wolf Blitzer as “Mr. Roper” when he shows up on the set of his show.

Ted Turner’s provocative question for TWT‘s Emily Miller

“In CNN green room. Ted Turner asked T. Boone Pickens if I was his girlfriend.” — TWT‘s Emily Miller.

Breitbart editor asks for Fox News reporter’s hand in marriage

“Now that the marriage laws are changing I am thinking of asking for your hand @edhenry” — Breitbart News‘ John Nolte in reference to Fox News Chief White House Correspondent Ed Henry. Both men are already married, but why not? They’d make a, if not cute, interesting couple.

Something to ask ourselves: “I can’t remember, is Wednesday the day for false equivalencies, not reading the article or something else?” — CBS Political Director and Slate‘s John Dickerson.

Beauty journo raves about large-barrel curling wand

“Tell me what your favorite curling iron is, specifically for beachy waves.” — Beauty blogger Kara Manos. Fellow beauty writer, Living Social Editor Liz McAvoy, replied saying, “I recently got the Remington large-barrel curling wand and reallyy like it — good price & good results!”

Speaking of beachy waves…

“For maximum convenience there are three people working at the Senate ID office and zero working ID printers. #senatequester. It’ll go well with my hippie hair whenever they deign to begin printing IDs again.” — Politico‘s Burgess Everett.

Fox News Contributor speaks sarcastically of “duck dicks”; Carnival Cruise news worsens; and sometimes journos really do express love. Read more

Someone hasn’t had enough caffeine, or a mild case of dyslexia is settling in today for CBS Political Director and Slate‘s John Dickerson who sent out the following subject line to his readers on a story he wrote on Sens. Rand Paul and Marco Rubio.

Slogan for ’90 Harkin campaign I was privileged to work on was Courage of His Convictions. Right then, right now. He was a mentor to many.

— David Plouffe (@davidplouffe) January 26, 2013

President Obama‘s outgoing strategist and advisor David Plouffe recently made his smashing debut on Twitter. So far, 10 tweets and thousands of immediate followers. But among those tweets, he manages to do what Washington does well, which is to inject yourself into a big news story. In this case, the story was Sen. Tom Harkin‘s (D-Iowa) announcement to retire. It’s not nearly as grotesque as others sound when they do it.

Plouffe does admit he is in need of “serious detox” from his former job. This morning he writes, “1st day post WH. Minor ice closes/delays schools. First instinct is to think if announcements on the level. Need serious detox.”

The former advisor has just 35 followers and 8,515 followers. Which journalists are among the handpicked 35? They include NYT‘s Nate Silver, Washington Bureau Chief David Leonhardt, National Political Correspondent Jeff Zeleny, Politico‘s Jonathan Martin (this could get interesting with Martin’s teenage girl tweeting style), CBS Political Director John Dickerson, NBC “MTP” host David Gregory, WSJ tech columnist Walt Mossberg, WaPo‘s Capital Weather Gang, and NBC Political Director Chuck Todd.

CBS Political News Director John Dickerson is defending himself from critics who say he has exposed his personal favoritism for President Obama.

Last week, Dickerson wrote a controversial piece for Slate that said Obama should “go for the throat!” and “declare war” on the Republican Party in his second term. An excerpt:

“Obama’s only remaining option is to pulverize. Whether he succeeds in passing legislation or not, given his ambitions, his goal should be to delegitimize his opponents. Through a series of clarifying fights over controversial issues, he can force Republicans to either side with their coalition’s most extreme elements or cause a rift in the party that will leave it, at least temporarily, in disarray.”

Conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh highlighted the column on his program yesterday. “This is your media,” he told the audience. “This is who they are. This is what they want to happen.  This is what they are advocating, and this is what they will support.”

FoxNews.com also weighed in … Read more

Quotes of the Day

FNC’s Bret Baier sets record straight

“Wrong – it was on screen – thnx” — Bret Baier to a follower who accused him of not citing ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel: “Bret Baier runs the mouse/hawk vid w no Jimmy Kimmel credit. That’s a special report.”

Dicking around 

“National Weather Service reports that at 12:36 today in Washington D.C. no one was outraged. The moment quickly passed.” — CBS Political Director and Slate‘s John Dickerson. Beats us what he’s talking about, but it’s gotta be deep.

Journo on cold meds…

“Lance Armstrong” starts to sound weird when you hear it hundreds of times. Lance lance bo bance. Banana fana fo fance. Lance. #coldmeds” — Laurie White, blogger.

We can hardly wait…“If you tuned into Greta on Fox News then you’ve heard! Congressman Allen West and I will be hosting a new online show launching in Feb!” — Ex-Daily Caller videographer (?) Michelle Fields. PJ Media is behind this, um, adventure. Who says you can’t go on to greatness after leaving Congress? West, whose title is Director of Next Generation Programming, and Fields will be joined by John Phillips (if you have no earthly idea who he is, he hosts “The John Phillips Show” on 790 KABC).  Topics Next Generation will explore: education, economics, job searches, and safety and security. Read more here. See the unintentionally funny bios here that announce that each host joined NextGeneration.TV in January 2013.

The Media Critic

“The New York Times should probably just steer clear from commenting on #DC. Nothing personal, it just never goes well for them.” – Roll Call HOH writer Neda Semnani.

Dr. Weigel makes flu recommendations

“Pro tip: If it’s flu season and you’re coughing every 30 seconds, maybe don’t come to work that day.” — Slate‘s Dave Weigel.

Reporter takes off shirt and what?

“No doubt that one of the funniest sights is me trying to take off a compression shirt after a workout/run.” — FBDC and The Blaze‘s Eddie Scarry.

Self-appointed weatherman

“Man the fog in DC this winter is just intense.” — InTheseTimes Labor journo Mike Elk.

Real BuzzFeed headline: “Florida teen arrested for giving people wedgies”

Boybander’s dirty mind goes right to strippers and cocaine

“Seems like the G fund should be used on strippers and cocaine, not lame financing of government operations.” – Slate economics reporter and third-tier Boybander Matt Yglesias.

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

Quotes of the Day

GETTING CHUMMY: “Scandal” star Kerry Washington and HBO Host Bill Maher. Washington appeared on the”Real Time With Bill Maher” panel this weekend.

Riehl-y Disgusting

“So, I’m thinking Code Pink x Taliban = a Clitorrorist” — Breitbart.com‘s office misogynist Dan Riehl.

Honey Boo Boo to WHCD?

“Hey @Politico @pwgavin @CaitlinMcDevitt - You guys should invite Honey Boo Boo as your guest for the White House Correspondents Dinner 2013.” — DC Celebrity Celeb Photog Marky Mark.

Self-appointed Media Critic

“Stephanopoulos refused to control roundtable so cons message couldn’t get out. Krugman lies. Melee begins. George allows. A tactic.” — Breitbart.com editor John Nolte regarding Sunday’s “This Week” with George Stephanopoulos. Among the guests was NYT columnist Paul Krugman.

Dicking Around With John Dickerson

“M.C. Socket Wrench never really had the rap career his parents expected.” — CBS Political Director John Dickerson.

Legal shit is going down.

“The other Jen Rubin account makes me look like a pitiful shill who has completely lost all contact with reality. I am taking legal action.” — Not WaPo‘s “Right Turn” blogger Fake Jennifer Rubin. CORRECTION: This could help the real Rubin’s case. We were fooled by the fake Rubin. This tweet is actually by parody Rubin, not the real WaPo writer. We’ve corrected the above to reflect reality.

Pimples, wrinkles and a receding hairline. Oh my!

“30s… That awkward age when you start noticing more wrinkles and a receding hairline, but still manage to produce pimples.” — ABC7′s Mike Conneen.

Irony is…

“Enjoying a weekend without our kids. Up randomly throughout the night as the kid in the room next door screams her head off.” — CNN and RedState.com Editor-in-Chief Erick Erickson.

Overheard…

“Woman ahead of me at Hair Cuttery says she’s 102. Tells stylist she wants a ‘new look.’ (Talk about pressure!)” — WaPo Book World Editor Ron Charles.

A WH Correspondent can dream, can’t he?

“1. Peace on Earth 2. Goodwill toward men 3. Stronger urine flow #uppers” — Mediaite White House Correspondent Tommy Christopher, apparently thinking about urinating while watching MSNBC’s “Up With Chris Hayes.” Funny, we always think about urinating when watching that show.

Free Advertising for Chef Geoff

“Hey @chefgeoffs, the Chesapeake Stew at Rockville site made birthday boy (my dad) very very happy! Cc:@NorahODonnell” — Yahoo! News’ Olivier Knox, who has previously and profusely praised Cheff Geoff’s restaurant. Come on, Geoff, free meal for Olivier or what?

Stupid stuff we couldn’t care less about

• “On flight from Philly to laguardia, flight attendant notes that ‘this is a short 19-minute flight’” — Politico‘s Shermanator Jake Sherman, who was apparently affected by the altitude before writing this tweet. That, or else, he came straight from a Phish concert.

• “Just heard Carol Burnett tell my friend Guy Raz ‘Thanks for inviting me.’ The true greats have class like that.” — NPR’s Scott Simon. Saying “thanks” isn’t beyond the pale, for stars or trained monkeys.

Peter Ogburn and Eddie Scarry contributed to this report.

The stress of planning a four-day convention in the middle of a hurricane is something few will ever worry about. But an extra look at the list of speakers, what they plan to say and in what order?

Seems pretty standard.

On Tuesday Ann Romney, wife of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie delivered their much-anticipated speeches back-to-back. “I want to talk to you about love,” Ann gushed. “Love so deep only a mother can fathom it — the love we have for our children and our children’s children.” When Christie took the stage, he recalled his mother telling him that when it comes to choosing between being respected and being loved, “always pick being respected” and “that respect could grow into real, lasting love.” Then Christie offered up the most glowing endorsement of love to date: “I believe we have become paralyzed by our desire to be loved.”

In short, Ann said, love is everything. Christie? F–k love.

The juxtaposition of the speeches left some people’s mouth’s agape.

“Can you love your children without being so paralyzed by the sensation that you ruin America?” Slate‘s Dave Weigel wrote.

“Just when we were getting softened and buttered up by Ann Romney, comes the raging bull of Chris Christie,” WaPo‘s Carter Eskew wrote. “Did Ann Romney’s and Chris Christie’s speechwriters share drafts with each other before last night’s keynotes? I ask because I thought it was a little strange… Christie’s speech almost sounded like a rebuttal.”

But producing live TV isn’t easy. A longtime TV news producer tells FishbowlDC the criticism aimed at the pairing of Romney and Christie’s speeches is “a little off base.”

The producer, who didn’t have time to be cleared by the media relations dept. to talk on record, noted that most voters who were watching the convention coverage, were likely flipping through channels and not trying to find a story line. “The number one goal for the convention was to get eyeballs on Ann Romney,” the producer said. “If doing that is pairing her with Chris Christie, who’s a rock star in the world of politics, it helps them, frankly.”

Nonetheless, the two speeches got the BuzzFeed treatment… Read more