On Tuesday night, Buzzfeed held its second installment of “Buzzfeed Brews” in Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief John Stanton sat down with Sen. Kirsten Gilibrand (D-NY) and crushed some whiskey and beers to talk politics. Last month, Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith talked to Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) in a similar format. It’s been a popular event with more being planned, but Politico is making moves to shark some of the attention away from the events. On Wednesday, Politico announced “Playbook Cocktails” with Mike Allen and Bill Gates.

While it doesn’t have the same ring as “Buzzfeed Brews,” it certainly seems like a familiar concept.  Read more

Frank Bruni used to be the food critic for NYT. Since he left that post, he’s continued writing for the paper on a wide range of issues. Most recently, stinky congressional perfume.

Bruni argues that with more and more celebs putting their names on cologne and perfume, D.C. politicians need their own. As far as I can tell, this is a satirical piece from Bruni, but usually satire has hints of humor. This just reads like a fever dream that Bruni once had where he fantasized about what members of Congress smelled like. (Spoiler alert: They smell like martinis, shirt starch and shamelessness.)

Now, this is a odd idea to begin with. It’s not like these politicians are popular people. Just look at the approval ratings of Congress and you’d know that a minority of Americans like what they see. Why would anyone want to smell like Congress? Bruni writes, “Think about it. Actors, athletes, models and singers have signature scents. Snooki has two. So why not one for the chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee?” Gee, Frank…  I don’t know why no one ever made the connection that since people buy merchandise that’s been endorsed by professional athletes, they’d be JUST as willing to buy stuff from Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Ill.) whose brand might be Au de Fatass, a lovely blend of his favorite foods, shrimp and Cheetos. Or Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), whose scent may be something young, fresh, beachy and Dominican.

Which politicos get their own cologne? Read more

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No, not Christmas but an event similarly filled with joy and wonderment! The Conservative Political Action Conference!!! CPAC returns to Washington Februaury 18-20th.

This year, RedState is sponsoring the Blogger’s Lounge which will be in the main ballroom for the first time. As part of its responsibilities, RedState will vet and approve bloggers to attend CPAC. “It is a pretty big deal this year,” said RedState’s Editor, Erick Erickson. “This is the first year Bloggers Lounge will be located inside the ballroom where the main event happens. Conservatives from across the country will hear people like Marco Rubio and Glenn Beck and bloggers will, for the first time, be in the room with them.”

To apply for Bloggers Lounge credentials, please email cpacbloggers@gmail.com.