By Eddie Scarry and Betsy Rothstein

The New Republic celebrated its relaunch last night at Bibiana Restaurant where politicos and journalists from print and TV mingled with bigwigs like Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.J.) and Americans for Tax Reform Prez Grover Norquist over hors d’oeuvres and an open bar. The highlight of the evening: Answering the question, “Who is Franklin Foer?”

Meanwhile, we spoke to Publisher and Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes, who was all smiles and relaxed. “I’m feeling super exited, energized,” he said, as we cornered him at the bar. “It’s a big moment for us.” Asked if he’s been sleeping, he replied, “I will sleep tonight.”

At around 7:30 p.m. FishbowlDC approached a man with glasses who we mistook for NYT‘s Nate Silver. We were all ready to ask if he was excited to be in the same room as Politico‘s Dylan Byers, who during the presidential election questioned whether Silver was a “one-term celebrity.”

The mystery man in question had a laugh with two other male attendees before denying that he was Silver. Except then he said he was Silver. Then said he wasn’t. Then someone else said he was. Finally, he identified himself as Franklin Foer, editor of TNR (pictured above). But by that point, we didn’t believe that either.

After consulting Google images, it was revealed that he was indeed Foer. It was our mistake, though Foer did acknowledge that he shares “some Semitic features” with Silver.

In a party speech, Hughes said the challenge ahead is to “produce a magazine 20 times a year that is as good” as the relaunch issue, which features an interview with President Obama. He called the TNR team “the best in the business” and said he wants the magazine to “become financially sustainable in the coming years.” In a moment that drew audible awes from the crowd, he admitted, “The day that Frank Foer agreed to come back to TNR was one of the best days of my life.”

Who showed up? See more pictures. 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.