“News helicopters being told to back off because HWY Patrol can’t hear people crying for help #tornado #oklahoma” — Robin Marsh, news anchor in Oklahoma City.

Fallout: Bring Up Politics at Your Own Risk 

“I’m a douche low-life scumbag jackhole ghoul for noting Coburn already wants offsets to fed aid and Inhofe is climate change denier.” – Politico‘s Glenn Thrush, who got bombarded when he wrote this: “It’s striking that OK’s sens are 1) a federal spending skeptic and 2) global warming denier.” In response to the above, Kristina Ribali, director of new media at Freedom Works remarked: “@GlennThrush I didn’t say you were slamming them, I said you were being an ass. Have some class.” Labor reporter F. Bill McMorris wrote simply, “#douche.”

Did someone speak too soon? 

“Thank God tragedies like this one in OK bring out the highest and best in everyone – politicians, first responders, government, media.” — CNBC and NYT‘s John Harwood.

More media in-fighting…

The Nation‘s Katrina vanden Heuvel: “If GOP going to use IRS ‘scandal’ to demolish government,they may wish to look at need for very same government in Oklahoma tornado disaster.”

National Review Online‘s Jonah Goldberg: “.@KatrinaNation what’s really in poor taste how your point is so pedestrian and lame. Why bother? Jeez.”

The Day After: “It is always the next day when the sun comes up that we learn the extent of the horror.” — Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren.

And a few confessionals…

“Sometimes the disaster voyeurism on Twitter makes me uncomfortable.” — Blake Hounshel, managing editor of Foreign Policy mag.

“I lost some family that meant a lot to me in the AL tornadoes. Think I’ll clock out of coverage for the evening and pick it up in the AM.” — FBDC Contributor and Bill Press‘ producer Peter Ogburn.

“The partisanship in the wake of tragedy stuns me.” — WaPo‘s Chris Cillizza.

The Preacher

“When you turn your TV off and stop tweeting tonight — stop. Sit in peace. Too many people don’t have that tonight.” — WaPo producer Jeff Simon.

Emotions on high: A Variety of Calls for Prayer

• “Terrifying photo of tornado damage nyti.ms/10R5Ly2 May the dead rest in peace. May survivors get help to heal and rebuild.” – Conor Friedersdorf, staff writer for The Atlantic.

“Worst part about Oklahoma news is you know it’s going to get worse. And that’s just heartbreaking. #PrayForOklahoma” — Rory Cooper, communications director to House Maj. Leader Eric Cantor.

• “The sad news from Oklahoma keeps rolling in. Everyone at TheDC is thinking of the folks affected, & will keep you in our thoughts & prayers.” — The Daily Caller.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Oklahoma tonight. #okc” — Newt Gingrich.

Uh oh.

“CIA source says Fox News scandal the ’4th Shoe’; says it goes much deeper; says WH also sitting on “something” that has top aides terrified.” — Drudge Report and TWT Columnist Joseph Curl.

GOP Spox Prediction: 60 Minutes to land first Obama interview

“White House/Obama scandal tsunami is growing. Odds that the White House offers Steve Kroft the first POTUS interview?” — NRSC Strategist/Spokesman Brad Dayspring in an unfortunate display of using a weather analogy on the wrong day.

Rubin Vs. Shuster

“Watching lefty media meltdown re Obama media spying is like a kid finding out Babe Ruth was a drunk. Sorry to disillusion but long overdue.” — WaPo‘s
“Right Turn” blogger Jennifer Rubin.

Shuster guts Rubin like a fish…“When it comes to RWNJ’s, including @JRubinBlogger, who are mentally ill + psychotic, best to ignore them.” — Lefty radio host David Shuster. “[Jennifer Rubin] proves again she is a habitual liar. And, asking @CNN to cut the mic of somebody responding to her lies? Psychotic.”

Bureau Chief takes firm stance on exposed pits

“Phew, getting people blind drunk in bars in order to get them to tell you things isn’t in DOJ’s list of treasonous acts that reporters do.” — BuzzFeed Washington Bureau Chief John Stanton. And this from a few days ago, but we couldn’t resist it: “I’m a firm believer that sleeves are mandatory for dudes in a restaurant situation. Nobody wants your pits exposed near their food.”

Watch out, ladies, your purses are germier than you think

“Not the dinner hour yet so if you carry a purse tune in at 4. Report shows more germs on your purse than a toilet. News4 @nbcwashington.” — Jim Handly, anchor, NBC Washington.

See more Morning Chatter…

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

LAPCHILD ALERT: “Mel Watt has a toddler on his lap, name of ‘Nico.’” — Politico‘s Glenn Thrush.

“As I think Mark Twain said, trust leaves on horseback and returns on foot. … A president leads by persuasion, not command.” — Former Defense Sec. Donald Rumsfeld last night on CNN’s “Piers Morgan Live” on the current state of White House scandals and the concept of a Benghazi coverup.

Memo to world: Keep your smoke to yourself

“I AM SO SICK OF INHALING YOUR CANCER SMOKE AT BUS STOPS PEOPLE. Have some class. That is all.” — Reuters Amanda Becker.

Important Q to Ponder: “Is it technically plagiarism if they only took half a sentence? How about if they use your half sentence to buttress an incorrect assertion?” — Megan McArdle, special correspondent for Newsweek/Daily Beast.

Deep thoughts with Michael Scherer

“Ironies: Benghazi/IRS may help pass immigration reform; AP subpoena may help pass shield law.” — TIME‘s Michael Scherer.

KATIE WEIGHS IN (so to speak): “A great shot of @morningmika, Katie Couric and Diane Smith during the taping of an hour special on Mika’s book.”

TV Critics/Observers

“Shep Smith is a conservative cockblock — going from red meat Obama scandal coverage to Jodi Arias.” — The Daily Caller‘s Jeff Poor.

“Chris Matthews is the whitest cracker to ever come out of the Pillsbury Dough Boy’s rear end. Funny to hear him scream racism.” — RedState Editor and Fox News Contributor Erick Erickson.

“I feel Wolf Blitzer‘s pain, having to transition from WH coverage to Jodi Arias sentencing.” — NJ “The Hotline’s” Josh Kraushaar.

“Modern cable dilemma: will CNN stick w/OJ Simpson, or switch to AG Holder when Judiciary hearing starts?” — CNBC and NYT‘s John Harwood.

Deep Thinker 

“Amazing thing abt Angelina Jolie: she managed to keep quiet treatment in @nytimes, & cover Time mag. DC needs her.” — CNN’s Jonathan Wald, who runs Piers Morgan Live.

Putting it all into perspective

“Shitty day? Hey, at least you didn’t get fired by the president of the United States on national television for something you didn’t do.” — Stefan Becket, who handles social media and writes for “The Intelligencer” blog for New York magazine.

Eddie Scarry contributed to this report.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Neda Semnani

Nope. Just working her ass off.

“You know how journalism is today,” she told FishbowlDC when we asked what was going on. “Its all a bit of a hustle, get the stories reported, written and published.”

More and more often reporters are working full-time one place and serving as contributors elsewhere (as I do here at FBDC while working at The Blaze). In many cases, they juggle between publications or they contract with a cable news outlet to serve as on-air commentators.

“It is definitely a challenge to write everyday for my job, freelance and do my own stuff,” Semnani said, “but I feel like I’m still making my bones in this business and this is all trial by fire. If this schedule is what it takes to do it, then that’s just the way it is right now.” continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

West Wing Sophia: Sophia Nelson, columnist for the theGrio.com and Essence, visited the White House last week and snapped a few pictures.

“This stage [is] always available to you if you ever want to finish that Al Green song,” — David Rubenstein, Chairman of the Kennedy Center to President Obama last night at the Kennedy Center Honors. Quote taken from a White House Pool Report by The Hill’s Eric Wasson, who referred to Alec Baldwin as “Alex” Baldwin and corrected himself in the next Pool Report.

German ex-journo predicts punch in the groin

“Today has been an utterly horrible day. I wouldn’t be surprised if somebody punched me in the groin on the way home.” — Klaus Marre, formerly of The Hill and The Daily Caller, in a Facebook update. (We hear he has left journalism and wants to start his own business.)

Travel Bitches

• “The flight to North Dakota, already held up an hour, is being delayed further because “the flight attendant left her manual at the gate and we have to retireve [sic] it.” Sometimes, Delta, you’re better off lying.” — Bloomberg News‘ Alan Bjerga.

• “Attendant on my Delta flight from Boston delays boarding by jetway full of coach passengers to take drink orders, hang coats of 1st class.”  — CNBC and NYT‘s John Harwood.

• “Amtrak WiFi. An utter exercise in frustration. That is all.” — Yahoo! News senior editor for politics and news Beth Fouhy.

Just in case you wanted to know where Jake Tapper was this weekend…

“Reminder to Fort Hood area tweeps: from 11AM to 1PM CST I’ll be signing books at the FORT HOOD EXCHANGE Building 50004, Clear Creek Road.” — ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper. That would be for Tapper’s book Outpost if you haven’t heard of it (but we’re sure you’ve heard about it in a few thousand of Tapper’s tweets as of late).

Confessional

“I delete so many tweets, you people have no idea. I’m the Dr. Kavorkian of inappropriate 140 character utterances.” – BuzzFeed Washington Bureau Chief John Stanton.

Fight! Fight! Fight!

“You spew such bullshit…I now know why you are rarely on CNN anymore. Your act is tired.” — ClearChannel‘s Colby Hall to CNN Contributor Roland Martin. (The pair were engaging in a lot of sports trash talk this weekend. We suspect their friendship will survive it.)

Being a real reporter is when this happens

“There’s nothing that makes me feel more like a real reporter than getting kicked out of someplace I’m writing about.” — Mother Jones D.C.-based reporter Stephanie Mencimer.

The Fashion Critic

“Geithner rocking the Ironman watch on all the Sunday shows. I like it.” — Politico congressional reporter and fashion expert Jake Sherman.

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

Politico’s Ginger Gibson has a “serious” question and an anonymous tipster reveals a few things about her colleague, Tim Grieve. Also: find out why a NBC News desk assistant was feeling semi-violent over the weekend… continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

CONTEMPLATIVE: “Getting ready for Meet the Press this morning from Richmond” — House Maj. Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) in a moment of deep, meditative, almost wax figure silence before going on the program.

“Okay, buddy. Great night. Get some sleep. In about 72 hours, Axelrod’s gonna be looking for us.” — Joe’s Mustache (@AMJoesMoustache) to MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough, who made a campaign bet last week that will either have him growing a stache or Obama Campaign Advisor David Axelrod shaving his off.

Sunday morning at 4:38 a.m.: “I would like about 3 more hours of sleep. Instead: DCA.” — Yahoo! News’ Olivier Knox.

Journo hears anti-gay sentiment on trail

“An irate attendee at this Boehner event in OH told me she opposes Obama because ‘he’s forcing through this gay shit.’ Alrighty then!” — HuffPost‘s Jennifer Bendery.

Editor invents new Twitter terminology

“Defining new term: Twitter War Hostage| when yr handle gets dragged along in twitter fight btw 2 others long after u have anything 2do w/it.” — TPM Editor Josh Marshall.

Journo nightmare

“I had a terrible dream that I set my clock back and it was Nov. 4, 2011.” — Politico‘s Maggie Haberman.

On Saturday night NBC “MTP’s” David Gregory encouraged everyone to have fun with daylight savings: “My feeling is don”t wait until 2am to turn your clocks back. Have some fun with it. Do it now.”

Editor wrestles with cat’s underarm hair

“Spent half an hour untangling my cat’s underarm hair – finally had to give up and cut out a matted hunk #MaineCoonproblems.” — Washington Gardener Editor Kathy Jentz, who clearly made the most of her daylight savings time this weekend.

Anticipation: “Moving to my third coffee shop of the day. … But, I’m thinking y’all will think this story is worth it.” — BuzzFeed‘s Chris Geidner. Anticipation II: “Hour 19 of today: waiting. waiting. and more waiting. We cannot wait to actually have control of our own lives.” — LAT‘s Maeve Reston.

Captain Obvious: “In three days, we’ll know who the president will be for the next four years! Barack Obama or Mitt Romney?” — The Daily Caller‘s Matthew Boyle. What?!?! Is there an election??? We’re thinking he should stick with stories on senators and Dominican prostitutes.

Irony is…

“Starbucks Dupont believes in overheating its coffee to mouth-scalding temperatures but they’re too cheap to turn on the friggin’ heat.” — MetroWeekly‘s Randy Shulman.

FNC’s ‘Fair and Balanced’ reaches preposterous proportions

“Fox News anchor: If viewers want ‘far-left’ news, they go to MSNBC. If they want ‘fair and balanced,’ they come here.” — HuffPost‘s Amanda Terkel.

D.C. publicist would rather do anything than watch Sen. Rob Portman. And which Politico reporter basically tells complaining NY marathoners to STFU? Also: journo witness to giant car wreck caused by a bear.

continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“Ali, I’m glad to see you in one piece, quiet frankly,” remarked CNN’s Soledad O’Brien to Velshi early this morning in an interview with the correspondent who appeared to be in the exact outfit he wore last night — dark sports pants, red pullover, sneakers, baseball cap.

“CNN, please let Ali Velshi live.” — HuffPost‘s Sam Stein.

“I’m going to collect donations to help Ali Velshi with what is undoubtedly a serious case of swamp foot. #aliisahero#10hoursinthewater.” — Will Cain, CNN Contributor and columnist for TheBlaze.com.

“Why is CNN having Ali Velshi standing in the middle of a barren intersection?” — CNBC and NYT‘s John Harwood.

“Dear CNN, et al: get your reporters out of the water. You look stupid.” — NationalReviewOnline Contributor Greg Pollowitz.

“Now CNN is making Ali Velshi stand in the hurricane during a commercial break so they can come back to him afterwards. Amazing.” — Washington City Paper Editor Mike Madden at 4:14 p.m. At 10:30 p.m. Madden added, “CNN, seriously. You have tortured Ali Velshi enough. Whatever he’s done, he will never do it again. Let him go inside.”

“I’ve concluded that Ali Velshi has the world’s strongest legs, and a brilliant sound man.” — CNN’s Piers Morgan.

“ALI WE GET IT. IT’S BAD OUT THERE.” — Politico‘s Kate Nocera (who couldn’t get away from all-caps messages throughout the night.)

“I really want to hear Chris Christie’s reaction to what Ali Velshi is doing right now.” — NPR Elections Producer Arnie Seipel.

“Amazing reporting by Ali Velshi from Atlantic City under terrible conditions. (It’s also his birthday.)” — CNN Senior Digital Producer Steve Krakauer.

“Why can’t CNN just put a hologram of Ali Velshi in the middle of all that water?” — Blake Hounshell, managing editor of Foreign Policy magazine.

“I’ve never had a desire to stand in the middle of a storm to tell someone else not to come outside. I can do that from a studio! LOL” — CNN Contributor Roland Martin.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“It’s so hard to talk these days.” — FNC’s Greta Van Susteren in reaction to V.P. Joe Biden‘s “gaffe” yesterday.

“He’s gotta recognize that he’s gonna be double teamed. Jim Lehrer is part of the cultural left so Mitt is going to have to communicate past Lehrer and past Obama to reach the American people.” — Fmr. Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich on FNC last night.

Not enough black journos on air tonight?

“@rolandsmartin we need a black room twitter debate team tonight since none of us will be on AIR–get some #WashingtonWatch peeps together.” — Preacher Sophia Nelson of theGrio.com, Essence and USA Today.

In the category of bright ideas…

“Today, I think I’ll work on a column giving Mitt Romney some advice because I want people to know how smart I am.” — DoubleThink‘s J.P. Freire.

Journo in-fighting between two guys named Alex

Salon‘s Alex Pareene: “I hope TheDC doesn’t uncover shocking video of me saying soda instead of pop on east coast.” The Daily Caller‘s Alex Pappas replied, “Don’t worry, no one cares about you.”

Speaking of that video…

• “Impressive in dumb-as-a-box-of-rocks category: Hannity calling non-news Obama ’07 Hampton video ‘a bombshell abt to be dropped’ on WH race” — CNBC and NYT‘s John Harwood.

• “If Obama haters think I’m going to expend a ton of energy on this issue, they are nuts. This amounts to nothing.” — CNN Contributor and Washington Watch host Roland Martin.

• “Oh lawd.. someone send me a link to TEH VIDEEOOHH!!” — Michelle Ray, Social Media Director at Conservative Daily News. It’s here.

• “Why are liberals so shocked that Fox News, Drudge, and Tucker Carlson practice racist demagoguery? Like being shocked sky is blue.” — David Zirin, Sports Editor at The Nation.

And Breitbart.com editor blesses Drudge, rips MSM

“Squirm, corrupt media, squirm! #GodBlessDrudge” — Breitbart.com’s John Nolte.

Mitt Romney’s Lunch: The Nasty Aftermath

“Can someone please interview the Chipotle worker? I can’t stop giggling. I want to know everything about him.” — National Journal’s Elahe Izadi.

“Romney’s Chipotle order: burrito bowl, pork, rice, black beans, guac, salsa (per pool report)” — HuffPost’s Amanda Terkel.

Important Q to Ponder: “Seriously, why the fuck are people tweeting Romney’s lunch? Who gives a shit?” — Daily Kos’ Markos Moulitsas.

“Per pool, Romney is having Chipotle for lunch. He and Sen. Portman both had pork burrito bowls with guacamole.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

Depression is…

“Sort of depressing to drive around KC and see a liquor store named after Harry Truman.” — Slate‘s Dave Weigel.

Optimism is…“We’re ALL gonna lose in Nov no matter who wins!” — Reason mag’s Nick Gillespie.

The Observer

“Oh good. HuffPost Live will also be live-streaming debates. This brings the total number of news outlets covering the debates to everyone.” — TVNewser‘s Alex Weprin.

Pet Peeves

“People who break embargoes, that’s that shit I don’t like.” — Wired‘s Spencer Ackerman.

Necessary Tweet of the Day

“Fuck man I totally feel for a free Southwest Airline ticket voucher spambot thing on facebook fuck fuck fuck.” — InTheseTimes labor journo Mike Elk.

Convo Between Two Journos: MEOW

The Daily Caller‘s TV reporter Jeff Poor writes, “Question: Why is @BuzzFeed working so hard to get to the smoking gun in this video? You guys can’t wait until 9 pm? Go have dinner… Relax.” To which Politico‘s Shermanator (Jake Sherman) replies, “Yep, you mustve. when someone says publicly they have something that will make news, if u dont chase it, u should find a new job.”

ABC’s Walter involuntary spams followers

“Hello Tweeps. I am not DMing you about some sort of “bad stuff” written about you. It’s spam/hacking.” — ABC’s Amy Walter.

Peter Ogburn and Eddie Scarry contributed to this report.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

BOSOM BUDDIES: If they do nothing else, conventions bond people together in unfathomable ways. The Daily Caller Editor-in-Chief Tucker Carlson poses with FishbowlDC’s Peter Ogburn, also producer of The Bill Press Show. This makes up for all the times Carlson told Ogburn to go f&%k himself.

A follower to Howard Stern: “Thank you for not tweeting about politics!!!” Howard Stern: “I’ll stick to fart jokes.”

A question to end all questions: ‘How are you?’

“I then headed down the hall for a brief separate interview with [Stephanie] Cutter, whom I’ve known for years, going back to when she was John Kerry’s spokeswoman. ‘How are you?’ I asked. ‘Are we on the record?’ she replied. — NYT Magazine’s Mark Leibovich in a first person account of covering presidential campaigns and the joylessness of the current campaign season. Read the full story and see the frighteningly ugly graphics of the candidates here.

STOP THE PRESSES! Weigel gets rubdown in HuffPost Oasis

“OH outside HuffPost Oasis: ‘Somebody spilled coconut water all over my shoe!’” — Slate‘s Dave Weigel, who quickly added, “Not to mock the HuffPost Oasis. I partook of a free massage there.” Not surprisingly, an obviously mature follower asked, “Geez dude, right there in the open? Was there a happy ending?”

Cheap motels here we come! Is David Corn here?

“A cheap motel in Charlotte…just how I want to spend my holiday weekend. Welcome to the DNC!” — Co-founder and Exec. Director of GOProud Jimmy LaSalvia. (Mother Jones Washington Bureau Chief David Corn stayed at what he dubbed Motel Hell — a.k.a. Days in Busch Gardens, Fla. — until he could stand it no more and shacked up in a downtown condo belonging to a fellow writer who offered him better accommodations on Twitter during the GOP Convention in Tampa. Pictured here: Corn with Victoria White in her living room.

Points for effort? “Dead 460-word lede that took me five hours to write just cut down to 100 words that I could have written in 30 mins. Much better, but geez.” — WaPo Book World Editor Ron Charles.

Exploding pens! The epidemic continues…

“Anyone know what makes pens decide to leak? I’ve had three go rogue on the inside of my purse in the last two days. Ink everywhere.” — WaPo‘s Karen Tumulty. Last week PBS’s Gwen Ifill dealt with an exploding pen just before going on air.

AMAZING FEATS: Harwood’s garage door opener works

“Frontiers of technology: turns out that garage door opener, even after having been slathered w/cheese grits (don’t ask) still gets job done” — CNBC and NYT‘s John Harwood.

WTF? Breitbart.com reporter prematurely accuses media of racism

“MSM did absurd strip club stories at RNC. So if they don’t do same at DNC…why?!? Racist MSM have smthng against ethnic DNC strippers?” — In an act of absolute stellar reporting, Breitbart.com‘s Tony Lee, formerly of Human Events, accuses “MSM” of racist reporting at the Democratic National Convention before it even begins. WWBD? Not this.

Cab complaint in Charlotte

“Advice to all in #Charlotte: Avoid the Orange Cab company. An hour late for pickup. Told four times cab was ‘five minutes’ away.” — The Weekly Standard Senior Writer Stephen Hayes.

Journo laments latest fashion trends

“So glad to see that this year’s dominant style will be high waists and short skirts, two things which look just darling on a 6’2 woman.” — The Atlantic‘s Megan McArdle.

Old School Baier Vomit

“Heading to see my wife and kids- hopping a plane back to dc and then coming back sunday-haven’t see the boys in 10 days-need a day w the fam.” — FNC’s Bret Baier. He adds, “I am loving life this morning – these guys woke me up at 630a.” And there you have his adorable sons — both with trademark Bret Baier wavy chestnut hair — in perfectly matched outfits.

Cool guy talk

“Guys, it’s Twitter. It’s happening. It’s not going to change. Ride the wave, brah.” — Politico‘s Dylan Byers getting his Twitter on.

And speaking of cool, a reporter goes Eastwooding at the vet

“Keeping myself occupied waiting at the vet on a rainy Sunday night #eastwooding” — Politico‘s Dan Berman.

Boingo hot spot anyone?

“The two most evil, rancid, hateful words in the English language for work travelers: Boingo Hotspot” — Politico‘s Ben White. And from the Dept. of Bragiculture, White (a FishbowlDC fave but we have to rip on him for this) retweets a follower complimenting him: “Your tweets have been so… compelling & educative for me.” He replies, “So kind! My pleasure.”

Modern Dating: Journo accidentally asks out flight attendant

“Flight attendant just moved to DC,doesn’t know anyone. Wanted to say we could go out as friends; may have accidentally asked her out. Awkward.” — Mother Jones‘ Nick Baumann.

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

“You can’t hear me. Isn’t that convenient?” — MSNBC’s Chris Matthews Wednesday night during an interview in which he snapped at Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer on immigration policy. Brewer said she couldn’t hear him and questions were translated through a third party. Needless to say, something was lost in translation.

Yoohoo Robert Allbritton, you listening?

“I’m not a TV person. They don’t give me a fancy wardrobe budget, I’m a real American.” — Politico Executive Editor Jim VandeHei on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” Wednesday morning. During the segment, Mika and Joe ragged on him for his black New Balance sneakers. Above is how he responded.

Yahoo! News‘s Washington Bureau Chief David Chalian on the joke that got him canned Wednesday: “I am profoundly sorry for making an inappropriate and thoughtless joke.”

Wisdom is…

“People say dumb stuff constantly. Do you read Twitter???” — BuzzFeed Political Editor Ben Smith.

Vandalized?

“Rising GOP star Mia Love’s #Wikipedia page vandalized overnight with racist and sexist slurs fxn.ws/OsaMsm” — Fox News. Was the page stabbed?

GOP Convention Security Vs. The Media

“I swear to god they change the security check points every hour to fuck with the reporters.” — Salon‘s Irin Carmon.

In a moment of sister solidarity…

“I want to know WHO the sister SECRET SERVICE AGENT is who is assigned to @PaulRyanVPshe has a cute BOB! FIERCE! Do it girl! #sistersupport” — Sophia Nelson, columnist for USA Today, Essence and theGrio.com.

As well as true admiration…

“@GOPconvention security guy just told me he’s hit the beach in Clearwater every day this week#RNC2012 #imdoingthisallwrong” — Roll Call HOH’s Warren Rojas.

Gov. Christie noshes on the media

“I understand that folks in the media have nothing better to do but to do that stuff they want to see controversy I understand that because these conventions have become per packaged shows and you all want have something different to talk about.” — New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in a Wednesday night interview with CNN’s Piers Morgan on the floor of the Republican National Convention on the extreme critiques of his speech from the night before.

John Harwood needs lifetime supply of Rolaids

“How spell relief? Fixing audio prob, finishing convo floor live shot 1 sec before delegates start nat’l anthem. #nickoftime #rolaidsmoment” — CNBC and NYT’s John Harwood. In December of 2011, he had another R-o-l-a-i-d-s moment when he wrote, “Nothing spells relief like being late for a school concert — to find you are just in time for your kid’s performance.”

Gwen’s pen explodes

“When u watch my @NewsHour intvu w @marcorubio tonite, know an ink pen exploded all over minutes before cameras rolled. #glamor” — PBS’s Gwen Ifill.

Ryan Speech Fallout

“Oh fuck Ryan listens to Zeppelin too, oh fuck how did he turn out like this?” — InTheseTimes labor journo Mike Elk.

Reporter admits spoiled ways

“I’m so spoiled riding in motorcades with the roads closed, I’m now sitting in traffic not understanding why the police don’t clear the way.” — Politico‘s Ginger Gibson.

Star Sighting: Sissy Spacek

“In other news, pool reporter spotted actress Sissy Spacek standing outside Obama’s campaign office in Charlottesville today.” – HuffPost‘s Jennifer Bendery.

Huckabee now ‘wallows’ in the media

“Oh it’s true, I’ve fallen from the high perch of politics and now I wallow in the mum of the media, but I still know as a country we can do better.” — Fox News host Mike Huckabee rips not one but two of his careers in a speech last night at the GOP Convention.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

From USA TODAY‘s Jackie Kucinich, who writes, “Good to know…”

Travel Taunting: “Shockingly large number of air travel rookies today. Guy from Bloomberg: ‘Do I have to take my laptop out?’” — National Review‘s Jonah Goldberg. Wino Watch: “Dulles bar near gate to Tampa uncorking vino already. Here comes the press!” — Washington Examiner “Washington Secrets” writer Paul Bedard.

Ana off the wagon?

“@ananavarro: In my mathematic formula: Should always pack more shoes than days for a convention. Same holds for bottles of wine.”#approve — The Guardian‘s Ana Marie Cox. Ana Navarro is a Republican pundit for CNN.

Deep Travel Thoughts: “Try to not point out flaws in stupid shit on airplanes right after boarding if you want your flight to take off on time. Or at all.” — House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa‘s (R-Calif.) Press Sec. Becca Glover Watkins. And from Sen. Orrin Hatch‘s (R-Utah) Comm Dir. and Senior Advisor Antonia Ferrier: “Airports on little sleep is a bad idea.”

“A quad of talent in Tampa.” — NBC Audio OP Steve Mitnick. The photograph includes NBC Correspondents Chuck Todd, Kelly O’Donnell, NBC News Senate Producer Libby Leist and NBC Producer Doug Adams.

Tampa Hair and the fight against humidity

“Getting hair and makeup done for @CNN with @crowleyCNN in an hour. Artists putting up a valiant fight against humidity.” — WaPo‘s Karen Tumulty.

“Uh oh forgot my flat iron. There is going to be some serious crazy Zito hair going on in Tampa.” — Pittsburgh Tribune-Review‘s Salena Zito.

Speaking of a good blowdry…

“I can probably put down blowdrying rain-soaked shoes as one of the few things I will not miss about living in this city.” — Former TWT White House reporter Kara Rowland, a gradate student at the London School of Economics.

What could possibly go wrong? “Renting a car for the next two weeks. Haven’t driven in something like 3 years.” — Ashley McCollum, press manager for BuzzFeed.

Tampa-wear: What should she wear?

“Packing for Tampa. Help me out, tweeps: What does one wear to a hurricane?” — BuzzFeed‘s newest scribe Rebecca Berg.

From L to R: Benjy Sarlin, Sara Libby and Evan McMorris-Santoro. “Good morning Team @TPM! #travel buddies.” — Roll Call’s Meredith Shiner.

Hurricane Watch: “Hurricane, meet Hurricane. Speaker Newt ‘I will be the nominee” Gingrich on my plane to Tampa.’” — The Hill‘s Managing Editor Bob Cusack.

Poor Howie! Alone with a bagel.

“The sad sight of Howard Kurtz eating a bagel alone in a Holiday Inn at 7am.” — The Guardian‘s Richard Adams. Meanwhile, Howiella is en route to Tampa. “On a flight to Tampa with @BobCusack and @thehill Editor-in-Chief Hugo Gurdon.#partytime” — The Hill‘s gossip scribe Judy Kurtz (a.k.a. Howiella, Howlma, Howeesha, etc..)

Huh, really?  

“If you are a political reporter, Tampa is the place to be this week. #protip” — Newsweek‘s Eli Lake.

Corn lost, pissed without MSNBC

“And this damn hotel doesn’t have MSNBC. Just Fox and CNN. Figures. We’re blowing the joint this AM.” — Mother Jones D.C. Bureau Chief and MSNBC Contributor David Corn.

WORLDS COLLIDE

“Sitting next to @BretBaier on flight to Tampa. A very nice guy. By the way, live @CNNSitRoom 6PM ET today. He’s not live today.” — CNN’s Wolf Blitzer.

Hallelujah! TBD Twitter account officially sinks. Who cares that it happened two weeks after its death?

Radio host is all ears

“I talk on the radio but most impt thing I do is listen, esp on matters of Race. And if you listen carefully you even hear what’s left unsaid.” — NPR’s Michele Norris.

The admission: “Going on CNN’s ‘Reliable Sources with Howard Kurtz’ this morning to say regrettable things I will certainly try to weasel out of.” — Politico‘s Roger Simon.

Journo needs The Weather Channel

“Seems to be getting windy in Tampa this morning. What’s that about?” — CNBC and NYT‘s John Harwood.

A new airport game: Spot the Reporter

“ON WAY TO TAMPA: 20-something girls near me in airport were briefly playing ‘spot the reporter.’ Guess lack of ‘press’ hat disguised me?” — CNN’s Lisa Desjardins.

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

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Punditry warning: “Reminder to be wary of punditry. NBC/WSJ pollster Peter Hart: data shows ‘it’s been a good month electorally’ for Obama.” — NYT and CNBC’s John Harwood.

The Observer

“I love how random people just want to tell me what they think about politics all the time.” — Politico‘s Ginger Gibson.

Pulitzer Prize winner’s dog takes a dump

“My dog just had the biggest poop of her career.” — WaPo‘s Gene Weingarten. Unfortunately he didn’t offer any pictorial evidence.

Griping journo

“Fer Chrissakes. Are we going to work through every single member of Congress and ask whether they’re attending conventions?” — WaPo‘s left-leaning blogger Greg Sargent.

Convo Between Two Journos

Isn’t this cute? This morning’s conversation is between Politico‘s Dylan Byers (an expert, just ask him) and The Washington Examiners‘ Gossip Girl Jenny Rogers. Listen up journos. There’s lots to glean here. Not really, we just wanted to use that word.

Byers: This Huffington Post piece lifted all the relevant info from a Buzzfeed piece and provided no new reporting.

Rogers: Dylan, how is Huffpo different from any news organization that aggregates? Not trying to pick a fight, just wanting your opinion.

Byers: Jenny, Sure, most sites that aggregate either push the story forward w/ new reporting, or aggregate to incentivize clickthroughs.

Rogers: Dylan, I find most “new reporting” or “added value” or whatever is usually pretty flimsy. I think most news sites are guilty here.

Byers: Jenny, certainly they are not the only offenders.

Eddie Scarry contributed to this report.

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The announcers for the game were Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and MSNBC’s Andrea Mitchell. Klobuchar acknowledged early in the game that she might have problems with all the baseball terms since she had spent “all day debating catfish and the farm bill.”

The journos, who call themselves “The Bad News Babes,” got off to an early start with AP’s Kasie Hunt getting a base hit to start the game. The cheering section for the members of Congress was mostly made up of staffers, although Speaker John Boehner and Majority Leader Eric Cantor made appearances.

It wasn’t long before relentless attention whore Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) took over the microphone to help call the game. He said that Gillibrand, who was pitching the the Congressional team, reminded him of “a young Whitey Ford.” This prompted Mitchell to tell the senator it was time for him to “go back to the stands.” Other notables in the crowd included the recently-announced D.C. Bureau Chief for Buzzfeed, John Stanton, Sec. of Labor, Hilda Solis and Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) with his wife, Elizabeth. It’s worth noting that the congressman was on the Bad News Babes side of the field to cheer on his daughter, Jackie Kucinich of USA Today.

Wednesday was the official start of summer and, right on cue, it was hot as hell. So, we can hardly fault John Harwood for guzzling one of the free purple Gatorades being handed out at the game. Also spotted was MSNBC’s Luke Russert sporting this loud pink T-shirt and a backwards Buffalo Bills hat. His buddy, Politico’s Jake Sherman, dressed himself with a little more sanity.

The Bad News Babes poured on the offense for most of the game until House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi arrived late in the game. That’s about the time that the Congressional bats opened up and made the game competitive again. In the end, the press was too much for Congress and they won 13-10. We asked Roll Call’s Meredith Shiner, who went 3-3 in the game what the key to the win was. She says, “Other than the innate killer instincts of reporting applied gracefully to a baseball diamond? My biased analysis is that we out-classed and out-sassed the other side, led by our three tireless captains, Abby, Amy and Bri. My former sports reporting analysis says the key to our win was what I like to call sports amnesia–forgetting the last play or inning and coming back stronger. I was especially impressed by Abby and our third baseman/relief pitcher Gregory Simmons, who even in times of softball duress both showed the mental grit we needed to win.”

Congratulations to the Babes on their win. The event raised awareness for breast cancer and benefited the Young Survivors Network, a group that assists women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

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If you want a friend in Washington…Meet Kendall, CNN and RedState’s Erick Erickson‘s new pup. It is uncertain whether he will join the ranks of ABC News’s Jake Tapper‘s cat, Walter, and dog, Winston, with brand new Twitter accounts.

Only in Washington…

“Overheard on street corner: woman lamenting a coworker’s insufficient respect for her knowledge of the Spanish Civil War. #onlyinDC.” — The Hill‘s Niall Stanage.

Journos fall in love with George W all over again

“Laura Bush is rocking a popped collar in her official portrait. #likeaboss.” — TPM Assoc. Editor Sara Libby.

“MAN I LOVE GEORGE W. BUSH” — Wonkette/Salon/Guardian Contributor Jim Newell.

“Got a wink from W during his speech. Before he spoke of unconditional love of his dad” — American Urban Radio White House Correspondent April Ryan.

“Bush looks tan.” — The Guardian‘s Social News Editor Katie Rogers.

“President Bush 43 is on fire with these jokes. Hilarious.” — NBC’s Luke Russert.

“Just fantastic.” — MSNBC.com’s Mike O’Brien.

Forgot how quick W was to tear up…refers to his pop’s ‘unconditionally love’ [sic] and gets weepy.” — ABC News White House Correspondent Jake Tapper.

“Grace all around at WH unveiling of portraits on GWB and Laura Bush.” — CNBC and NYT‘s John Harwood.

Headline that should disturb you: “Man admits to eating roommate’s heart and part of his brain.” More here. (Thank you to blogger Jeff Quinton for alerting us to this. He remarked to FBDC, “Just worried that the dude lives so close to my wife’s brother and his family honestly.” He writes The Quinton Report. )

Journo witnesses jumper

“Well, I saw some poor guy jump off a building, and made a statement to the cops. So today took a different turn.” – Free Beacon‘s Katherine Miller.

The Matchmaker

“Attention ladies – John Edwards is available.” — Townhall and Breitbart.com‘s Derek Hunter.

In other Edwards gets away acquitted reaction…

“Let he who has never betrayed his cancer-stricken wife, fathered a child with a mistress and had his aide take the fall cast the first stone.” — New York Daily News Opinion Editor Josh Greenman.

“He is really deluded here if he thinks he has a political future.” — NBC’s Chuck Todd on this morning’s TODAY show. Todd can never really hide his dripping contempt for Edwards.

“John Edwards managed to do in court what he does best and he was the defendant this time–waste tax payer money.” — TWT‘s Kerry Picket.

Journo watchdog deals with wayward moth

“Moth has camped out at the top of our 20 foot entry ceiling. Wife has closed all the bedroom doors as a precaution.” — Accuracy in Media Chairman Don Irvine.

HuffPost Politics Reporter Laura Bassett has the moving blues: “Moving is like repeatedly stabbing yourself in the eye with a fork.”

Spoken like a true blogger

“I hate meeting new people.”– Lisa De Pasquale, an Alexandria, Va. -based blogger who writes The Lotus Blog.

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

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The Rachels: RealClearPolitics‘ Scott Conroy says on Twitter, “What they’re watching at Santorum’s party #iacaucus.” The Rachels tortured us early Wednesday morning with a very special episode of “Up With Chris Hayes” at 1 a.m.

Fishbowl Des Moines (Adios, Mike Allen, we’re taking back the night.)

Luntz’s puffy coat

“Frank Luntz on Fox News has the biggest, puffiest down jacket I have ever seen in my life.” — Zach Wolf, ABC News Political Unit. (Photo credit: Yahoo! News’s Chris Moody.)

Confusion on the campaign trail

“Ron Paul staffer gets confused thinks I work ‘the times’ instead of ‘in these times’ asks if I want to speak to the Congressman.” — Labor journo Mike Elk.

Journo loses his belt; disaster averted

“At the lovely Capitol in Des Moines to join @BretBaier. Fortunately we’ll be seated so my lost belt shouldn’t result in YouTube hilarity.” — Reuters‘ Sam Youngman.

Birthdays: “Happy 1st birthday to Wee-Bey, the dog. The one year old goldendoodle will be celebrating by licking his balls.” — FBDC’s Peter Ogburn. (h/t Ogburn and h/t Mike Allen for h/t) Asked about presents, Peter remarked, “I did get Wee-Bey a present. The exciting new E-Book from Politico, The Right Fights Back.”

The Beauty Experts

“Sarah Palin‘s half-beehive is back!” — Politico media writer Keach Hagey. (Photo credit: Business Insider’s Glynnis MacNicol.)

“Loser or not, Michelle Bachmann looks fabulous.” — HuffPost‘s Christina Wilkie. Wilkie also observed Ron Paul‘s wife, saying, “Carol Paul is rocking a fur collared coat. A big one. Indoors. At a campaign event. Thoughts? #iacaucus.”

“First time a presidential candidate’s on-stage surrogate has EVER has a neck tattoo. #iacaucus” — WaPo‘s Aaron Blake.

Lizza lets loose

“Can we all agree the Iowa Straw Paul is f*cking stupid now?” — The New Yorker‘s Ryan Lizza, who also wrote, “I picked a terrible night to be on deadline for a 10,000 word piece not about GOP politics.” But our favorite Lizza from the night is by far this: “What’s on Marcus’s lips?” (In reference to Michelle Bachmann’s hubby, Marcus.) On another note entirely, what the f$%# was Marcus doing buying their dog, Boomer, sunglasses in Iowa?

Tapper pays Busey a compliment (wink! wink!)

“I cannot understate the importance of the Gary Busey endorsement, then withdrawal of said endorsement, of @NewtGingrich.” — ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper.

Spotted: Journos being  journos

“Spotted in Des Moines, midnight Central: A bunch of reporters who thought they would be drunk and/or in bed right now.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

Watch out. Harwood’s caffeinated.

“Modern media life: Up 4 am in Iowa. 19 hours of live shots. Charter flight to NH. Arrive hotel. Now, coffee…then more live shots.” — CNBC’s and NYT‘s John Harwood.

Arianna cracks on CNN’s John King

“Waiting for John King to get sucked into his Touch Screen Map, Poltergeist-style.” — HuffPost/AOL Editor-in-Chief Arianna Huffington.

And back in Washington…

The weather outside is frightful

“NEVER GOING OUTSIDE AGAIN and also other irrational things because it’s just so so cold.” WaPo‘s Lindsay Apple.

An evening in

“Leftover palak paneer? Check. Bottomless iced tea? Check. Power outlet? Check. Bring it on, Iowa. #caucus” — NPR’s Andy Carvin.

The TV Critics

“Fox News discussion hours before the caucuses: Are reporters who tweet full of themselves?” — Tribune‘s Mike Memoli.

“Bret Baier back on this ‘guy in a truck’ thing…what the hell? Enough already.” — The Times of London‘s Matt Spence.

“I thought it was odd when Sanford signed off his Fox News interview with, ‘Tienes los ojos más bonitos del mundo.’ — National Review Online‘s Jim Geraghty on former S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford‘s punditry appearance on FNC last night.

“Gingrich translated: ‘If the truth hurts, fuck you.’” — Metro Weekly Co-Publisher Sean Bugg.

“Marcus Bachmann would have made a lovely first lady. #iacaucus” — Crooks & Liars’ Tina Dupuy.

“As Ron Paul speaks, Rand is standing behind him looking like he’s at a funeral.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

“I think we can all agree that Boomer Bachmann getting new sunglasses was more interesting than this speech.” — FNC Democratic political analyst and Daily Beast columnist Kirsten Powers.

Teeth brushing or Romney speech? That’s easy.

“How captivated was I by Romney’s stump/victory speech? Half-way through, I ran to brush my teeth.” – Roll Call’s Shira Toeplitz.

Why Santorum? Well, for one thing…

“I am rooting for Santorum to win because, as far as I am aware, he has not strapped a dog to his car while driving long distances.” — Activist and former DCist writer Dave Stroup.

Hawaiian Pool Duty comes to a close

“Just checked out of my room in Hawaii. The president’s vacation is over for him and now for me too. I’m relieved.” — Politico‘s Jennifer Epstein.

Makeup lady on Roland Martin

“Doing @rolandsmartin makeup. He’s bringing some soul to the makeup room!” –  Stevie Martin.

Boybander pledges quality

“My pledge to you: writing on a short deadline does not give me license to mix metaphors. Danger Room: Where Quality Is Job #1.” — Wired‘s Spencer Ackerman.

Tracy gets racy

“No, I will not be CAUCUSING tonight. Sounds a bit perverse.” — Cheoff Geoff Tracy, husband to CBS Chief White House Correspondent Norah O’Donnell.

Holy S#%t! Tschida’s got rats

“So exterminator confirms I have very SMART rats. They dodge the traps and gorge on bananas. Just realized… I’d prefer ghosts.” — ABC7 reporter Stephen Tschida.

Convo Between Two Journos

The Guardian‘s Ana Marie Cox: “Fox News turning out to be a really good source for news about the bottom four candidates.” Lizza: “Future on-air talent.”

MUST CREDIT BUZZFEED. Or else!

“I won’t do a ‘Must Credit BuzzFeed.’ But please do credit BuzzFeed. We’re a fragile young thing.” — BuzzFeed Editor Ben Smith on their exclusive that Sen. McCain plans to endorse Romney today.

Unnecessary Tweet of the Day

“I hate politicians who say they aren’t politicians. Even if they’re wearing a super-cute blue blazer.” — Metro Weekly‘s Mr. Bugg. Congrats Bugg! You’ve won back your crown.

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