Short, sweet and to the point

“I became a newspaperman because of Roger. It’s a debt I can never repay. It’s a cliché I am sure he would never use, but now he has passed on to his everlasting seat in the balcony.” — Politico Columnist Roger Simon in a beautifully brief account of how film critic Roger Ebert poignantly touched his life. Ebert died Thursday. See Simon’s must-read story here.

Ouch!

“Ron Fournier overheard Sen. Paul call Rep. Rigell about guns – and still POLITICO scooped him.” — Politico‘s Dan Berman, who linked to this story. His trash talking victim: National Journal‘s Ron Fournier.

What comes around goes around

TIME‘s Andrew Katz: “Chris Hughes: Politico ‘prefers speed over accuracy,’ after question about TNR wanting to be DC’s New Yorker. Zing?” (TNR Publisher Chris Hughes spoke at Columbia University Thursday.)

Politico‘s Ben White plays defense: “Chris Hughes is partially correct. We prefer speed. But only over slowness.”

What could possibly go wrong?

“Time to double my medication and hope for the best. I probably shouldn’t have been drinking. But who pays attention to the warnings?” — MetroWeekly Editor-in-Chief Randy Shulman in his best imitation of Valley of the Dolls. We think he also might be watching too much Conrad Murray on CNN’s AC360.

Reporter could “die” over shitty panel

“Ugh this Newseum panel on journalism is so sanctimonious I could die.” — HuffPost‘s Lucia Graves.

Ex-Roll Callers react to changes

On Thursday we reported a variety of changes at CQ Roll Call, namely that six Roll Call reporters would now be working primarily for CQ.com and reporting to new bosses.

USA Today‘s Paul Singer: “I hate what is happening to Roll Call.”

Politico‘s John Bresnahan: “It’s terrible, a crying shame.”

Reporter explains what it’s like having her name, and HuffPost’s Social Media Editor expected a lot more from Oprah… continued…

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

A porcupine walks into a fancy men’s shop…

“Walked into a Brooks Brothers to warm up, was given a glass of wine. How the other half lives!” — WCP‘s Will Sommer, who, in a previous existence was the anonymous D.C. Porcupine.

A real HuffPost headline: “Spend the night in a human colon”

Interesting Question to Ponder: “Am I the only one who, when I receive an email w/ subject line ‘Pick up the phone right now,’ thinks of horror movies?” — NBC News’ Ali Weinberg.

Ana Marie Cox: The self-aware edition

“Knowing that people don’t care about my long list of #firstworldproblems #meta” – The Guardian‘s Ana Marie Cox.

Unexpected holiday surprises: “Looking 4 Xmas gift for step mom – just searched for “Democrat Mug” – up pops John Edwards mug shot (along with alot of donkey mugs)” — Roll Call’s Emily Pierce.

Words to Live By…

“There’s really no excuse for wearing Axe anymore, men.” — Politico‘s Leigh Munsil.

Unnecessary Tweet of the Day

“My lovely wife is making tacos tonight. Trick is to fry the tortillas, not buy the crunchy kind. #BestofBothWorlds.” — NationalReviewOnline‘s Jonah Goldberg.

 A thought about the woman who plays Olivia Pope… continued…

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“Any jackass can talk about bombing Iran.” — MSNBC’s Chris Matthews, post debate late night.

“I think we all love teachers.” — CBS “Face the Nation” host and presidential debate moderator Bob Schieffer. This is how he firmly ended one of the segments as Mitt Romney gushed about teachers.

Important Question to Ponder: “What do I get @twitter for our 4th anniversary together?” — WaPo‘s Ed O’Keefe. Answer: A divorce. (Just kiddng with you, Ed.)

Journo’s heart warmed by Fresh Prince

“Will Smith was a groomsman in Alfonso Ribiero (aka Carlton Banks) wedding. That warms my heart #freshprince.” — ABC News’s Karen Travers.

The Relationship Expert

“Romney and Obama really don’t like each other. Reminds me of the very worse episode of Love Connection.” — “Love Connection” game show host Chuck Woolery.

Blogger declares journos’ “shallow”

“Is it too much for reporters who don’t cover and don’t have any knowledge of for policy to refrain from grading a for pol debate? #shallow” — WaPo‘s “Right Turn” blogger Jennifer Rubin.

Mom to the rescue

“My mom fact-checks that Air Force Academy basic cadets trained with bayonets this summer. Source: My sister goes there.” — Politico defense reporter Leigh Munsil.

“1st debate my mother texted she was upset Obama lost. 2nd debate texted she was happy. Now, no text. My focus group says, Viewership down?” — WaPo‘s Tim Craig.

Huh?!

“Last Nicki Minaj quote tweet was meant as a text to a friend. Sorry, at least I didn’t pull a chick from the newsroom and tweet racy pic.” — MSNBC Contributor and Daily Beast Columnist Megan McCain.

Righty writer makes fun of Specter (too soon?)

Q: “Why is the weather so wonderful today?” A: “Oh, that’s right. Arlen Specter is still dead.” — the always classy conservative writer and former TWTer Robert Stacy McCain. Former Sen. Arlen Specter died last week after a lengthy bout of cancer.

See the best in Debate Observations…and find out which D.C. insider is hanging out with Cinderella.

continued…

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A RELAXED ROLAND: “Somebody’s tuckered out.” — Video journo Liz Glover with accompanying photograph of CNN Contributor and TV ONE’s Roland Martin.

“I’m already all shook up. In anticipation. Brand new tissue box: check.” — author Terry McMillan during the speeches last night.

A little too gushing?

“Biden is one of the best liked people in politics — on both sides. And he has earned that affection. #CNN” — CNN’s David Gergen. At a time when CNN is trying to paint MSNBC as too in love with Democrats, this was a peculiar thing to say.

Humblebrag: Rosario grabbed my Snickers!

“Hey! @rosariodawson just grabbed my last Snickers. What a great way to end the great @ABC/ @YahooNews convention coverage.” — ABC News Producer and Digital Journalist David Meyers.

The Team Player

“Partisan people on both sides seem to not like when their side gets fact-checked, but love when the other side does. CNN fact-checks both.” — CNN Piers Morgan Tonight staffer Steve Krakauer.

Do they think he stinks?

“Street vendors selling Obama air fresheners. I kid you not.” — WaPo‘s Chris Cillizza.

The Speeches. Kerry. Biden. Obama.

Sen. John Kerry

“Punditry correction: predicted that Senator Kerry would flop. Was wrong.” — BuzzFeed‘s Michael Hastings.

“ROCKY IV DOES NOT DESERVE TO BE A PARTISAN PUNCH LINE. SHAME ON YOU” — a uncharacteristically dramatic HuffPost‘s Sam Stein.

“John Kerry’s speech was so good, this entire arena is fired up, ready to go avenge Apollo Creed’s death.” — NJ “The Hotline” Polling Editor Steve Shepard.

Veep Joe Biden

“There is literally no heaven.” — NY Daily News’ Josh Greenman.

“It’s about healing. And putting a bullet between the bastard’s eyes.” — David Frum.

“I think Joe Biden looks FAB in his infomercial. I also like his voice. See, I said something nice!” — Conservative radio host Laura Ingraham.

“My Dad is live-blogging Biden’s speech to me via text… Never should’ve gotten him that iPhone.” — Yahoo! News‘s Chris Moody.

“Joe Biden loves him some ‘literally’. Literally. #dnc2012″ — WaPo‘s Chris Cillizza.

“Joe Biden is off to a really personable start with all the kiddos. snff snff” — HuffPost‘s Christina Wilkie.

President Obama

“Obama not just criticizing GOP. He is mocking them, again and again.” — The Hill‘s Managing Editor Bob Cusack.

“I’m not only the Hair Club president, I’m also a client.” — WaPo‘s Felicia Sonmez.

“Time for Biden to rush out shirtless in pirate garb swallowing a torch of fire.” –  TV pundit, blogger, author Craig Crawford.

“I am bored to death. #figuratively” — Reason magazine’s Nick Gillespie.

“Crowd definitely not as jazzed either. Better than in Tampa, though, where the noise died within about 30 seconds of Romney’s speech ending.” — Times of London‘s Matt Spence.

“Is it just me, or are the applause lines falling much flatter than I presume he intended?” — Townhall‘s Kate Hicks.

“If This doesn’t pick up soon, the obituaries are going to start flowing. I give it 10 more mins before the impression is locked.” — Mediaite‘s Noah Rothman.

“Four more beers.” Slate‘s Dave Weigel.

“Obama says he’s mindful of his own failings. I wish we could hear his honest discussion of what he could have done better.” — NYT‘s Jodi Kantor.

On another note…“Joe Biden’s daughter’s dress is AWESOME. #notapoliticalstatement” — Politico producer Leigh Munsil.

And what’s a night without a little media bashing? “Even MSNBC is looking disappointed tonight. Though they are trying to cover it up. But you can see the heartache in their eyes.” — Breitbart.com editor Jon Nolte.

The Sea Has Finally Parted

“Psst, journos: conventions are OVER. Sleep cometh soon! #DNC2012 #GOP2012 — WaPo manager of social media & engagement Natalie Jennings.

 Journo gets emotional about FLOTUS’s seating

“Not sure if I find it heartening or depressing that Michelle Obama appears to be sitting on the same hard plastic chairs the press is.” – LAT political writer Matea Gold.

A shout-out for the FGOTUS

“I love the first grandma, Mrs. Robinson seems so dope.” — Myles Miller, a political reporter.

Reporters get props from questionable character

“Wow. There is a legit meth head wandering around the press filing room thanking reporters for their work. #dnc2012″ — Business Insider political reporter Grace Wyler.

Unnecessary Tweet of the Day

“I am on Twitter silence until POTUS speaks at 10ish. I gotta get some stuff done so I can watch and hear his every word.” — Essence and theGrio‘s Sophia Nelson.

Eddie Scarry contributed to this report.

New Career Opportunities Daily: The best jobs in media.

Journo turns “Rachel” into a verb

“Will ‘Rachel’ at 9:15pmish. My @maddow debut.” — WaPo‘s Jonathan Capehart.

Question to Ponder: “How big does your house have to be to be a compound? #kennedys #romneys” — TPM Founder and Editor Josh Marshall.

Humblebragalicious Shuster has friends on the right?

“Look, when I do talk to my more intellectual friends on the right, and I do have some…” — Lefty journo David Shuster filling in as host of Current TV’s “Full Court Press” this morning in a segment bashing Fox News. Later he added, “By the way, full disclosure, I worked at Fox News in 96 to about 2001, but the organization changed and it was starting to trend in a certain way that I felt uncomfortable with. So it was sort of a mutual agreement that I would leave. I was eager to leave. I had caused enough trouble over there that they were eager to have me leave.”

Whoa! Journo praises Amtrak?

“Endless #Amtrak ride wasn’t endless after all. Remarkably gracious staff, calm passengers made slow, dud-engined ride oddly pleasant.” — National Review‘s Kathryn Lopez.

CNN’s Anderson Cooper hints at sexual orientation

“Anderson Cooper sort of outed himself on Kathy Griffin‘s show. Woman jokes they’re dating. AC: ‘Hate to break it to you, not gonna happen.’” — Politico‘s Jennifer Epstein.

Convo Between Two Journos: Cillizza to face dental procedure

This morning’s conversation is between WaPo’s Nurse Jackie impersonator Chris Cillizza and CNN’s Lizzie O’Leary. Let’s hope to God Cillizza live tweets the procedure.

Cillizza: Things I would rather do than get a wisdom tooth pulled tomorrow: anything.

O’Leary: Don’t be a wuss. plus, the drugs are awesome.

Cillizza: I am a wuss.

Politico producer weighs in on color of green tea

“Green tea is really more of a yellowy-orange, wouldn’t you say? #thursdaythoughts” — Politico web producer Leigh Munsil. She may have a point here.

Bureau Chief unashamed of liking ‘The Newsroom’

“So it seems I am destined to be the only person that will like @HBO’s #Newsroom. But I’m prepared for that.” — Yahoo! News‘ Washington Bureau Chief David Chalian.

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“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.

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