Before beginning this installment of our regular “WTF? with Matt Lewis” feature, our look at the sometimes unusual topics raised by Lewis, we need to introduce members of the cast.

Matthew Lewis: The moderate conservative who often publicly calls out fellow conservatives and Republicans for the sake of remaking the party in his image. He writes at The Daily Caller and The Week.

Ron Meyer: Self-identified conservative activist, self-promoter and press secretary for American Majority Action (AMA), a right wing nonprofit which aims to reduce the size of the federal government.

Celia Bigelow: Youth engagement director at AMA. Also, Meyer’s main squeeze (girlfriend).

Matthew Boyle: Journalist/activist of Breitbart News and noted ankle-biter.

Lewis published an “open letter” Sunday in The Daily Caller to take Meyer to task for making false predictions on FNC. Previously, Meyer told the network’s vastly Republican viewing audience two things: There was a coalition of House Republicans essentially staging a coup to remove John Boehner as speaker. More importantly, he said Boehner knew of the plan and would resign.

His second false statement was a prediction Boyle bolstered by reporting on it at Breitbart.

As we now know, Boehner was reelected by all but a handful of his fellow Republicans. Boyle responded to a request for comment but did not address the matter at hand.

Lewis posted his open letter after Meyer declined to appear on Lewis’s podcast. (We’re told Meyer initially said he’d like to do the show, but his boss refused to let him.) “I was hoping to casually drop some advice,” wrote Lewis in the letter. “But despite the fact that your bosses at American Majority Action had no problem allowing you to go on TV and talk shit about Boehner, talking with me on the record was somehow deemed too risky.”

So, Lewis shared his advice in the letter… Read more

Breitbart.com‘s newbie Matthew Boyle (not to be confused with the Harvard Philosophy professor) has quite a message for political reporters, some twice his age, covering the leadership beat on Capitol Hill: Work harder, please.

I harbor no ill will toward anyone who was wrong about Boehner coup attempt. I just wish more reporters’ll work to get it right next time.

— Matthew Boyle (@mboyle1) January 7, 2013

Boyle, an early twentysomething scribe, has made it a personal mission to see that Speaker Boehner is ousted. He points to publications such as Roll Call and Politico for clearing his good name. But what he doesn’t acknowledge is getting some of his facts wrong. 1. Boyle initially reported that Republicans were going to demand a secret ballot. Except on the day of the vote, no one called for a secret ballot. So the “multi-step” plan reported by Boyle never transpired. Fine, sometimes plans change. The planned coup was legitimately a big scoop. 2. But then he reported that Boehner was likely to resign at an caucus meeting on the future of the GOP. On Twitter he wrote, “GOP caucusing from 5-7 pm tonight. Topic: Future of House GOP leadership. Hear Boehner may resign there.” Only it wasn’t an emergency meeting on the future of the GOP. It was a regularly planned meeting on mundane House rules changes. 3. Oh, and Boehner didn’t resign. (Boyle’s explanation is that a lawmaker told him Boehner was going to resign. At the very least, the story should have explained that the outgoing congressman has an ax to grind.) 4. What’s more, there is a subtle but important distinction between the coup effort being called off and members of Congress chickening out, as Boyle claimed. In the first instance, there was an agreement that was honored. In the second, there was an agreement that was broken. Boyle reported that lawmakers chickened out, betraying he didn’t know they had made agreement to go forward if 25 people signed on. 5. Finally, why would you ever speak down to fellow journalists, especially those far more seasoned than you, on your beat? Even if you had at least five decades on Capitol Hill to boast of, in all scenarios, it’s unseemly.

From a Roll Call story published Sunday by Johnathan Strong: “Breitbart.com covered the Landry effort extensively, and one Republican member who participated in the larger coup attempt said Breitbart’s coverage of the smaller push actually helped keep their effort hidden because it suggested to Boehner and his allies that talk of a coup wasn’t serious. Members of the larger coup plot deliberately excluded top aides from deliberations to enhance secrecy and to protect them from recrimination.”

When pressed on his declaration that other publications had somehow vindicated his own reporting, Boyle wrote on Twitter, “Politico & Roll Call have shown everything I reported was accurate…Vindicate? Who said I was seeking vindication. I’ve known I was right all along.”

Quotes of the Day

STEIN’s NEW DAWG: “Meet the newest addition to my family.” — HuffPost‘s Sam Stein, following in the footsteps (we hope) of Fox News’ Dana Purina (or Perino) and her beloved Jasper.

Romance at the Kucinich household

“Mmm. I could get used to this…breakfast in bed served by my perfect husband Dennis Kucinich. Something to be said about our new schedule!” — Elizabeth Kucinich on her ex-congressman hubby.

Paul Wharton drenches himself in cashmere

“It’s freezing outside… Looks like ill be in cashmere all weekend long and I love it!!!” Hey boo! Sending u love! Bundle up!” — Real Housewives of DC star Paul Wharton to his boo,  food and restaurant blogger BJ Coleman.

A backup plan for Chuck Hagel

“Howard Kurtz, if Hagel loses he can be the anchor for Gore Jazeera.. perfect fit.” — WaPo‘s right-wing blogger Jennifer Rubin. President Obama has nominated ex-Sen. Chuck Hagel to be Sec. of Defense.

Huh?

“Deadly flu season set to be moderate to severe.” — WTOP on the flu season, which is expected to be “deadly” unless it’s moderate….or severe.

The weekend’s most uplifting headline: “Retired firefighter, dog named Pumpkin credited for saving Bowie woman.” — WaPo.

Kurt Loder, Patrick Kennedy, and marijuana laws

“Oxycontin enthusiast Patrick Kennedy opposes marijuana legalization.” — Ex-MTV VJ Kurt Loder, a columnist for Reason magazine.

Is this a prank phone call? 

“Pizza Hut just called about our order. They’re out of pepperoni. Really. Did every single house in Washington order pizza for this game?” — CNBC’s Eamon Javers, who then asked, “Is your refrigerator running?” (Joking…)

Sunday complaints

“Meet the Press is ideological advocacy journalism. It’s fine, do your thing, but be honest about it.” — Seth Michaels, writer for the Working America website.

“Any rational person that watches George @GStephanopoulos interview a GOP official and then a Democratic official will see his bias. #phony” — Ex-Mitt Romney aide Richard Grenell, who does spots on media criticism for Fox News.

Radio journalist finds relief from hacking cough and BuzzFeed’s Bureau Chief has a stern warning for Washington State lawmakers… Read more

Breitbart.com’s Matthew Boyle has spent weeks tweeting and reporting on the movement to replace Rep. John Boehner (R-Ohio) as Speaker of the House. In fact, he has been on a personal quest to oust the leader, as if that should ever be a reporter’s duty. Anyone who has looked at the approval rating of Congress recently knows that Boehner isn’t the most popular man in Washington. Recent months have seen Tea Party Republicans growing so frustrated with him that threats to his leadership arose. Despite the fact that NO ONE else wanted the position, Boyle began a series of bizarre reports saying that not only did Republicans have enough votes to deny Boehner his Speakership, Boehner was going to RESIGN the office of Speaker.

Try to follow Boyle’s logic… Read more

Quotes of the Day — Happy New Year!

Travel Bitches

“If an airplane itself could have influenza, I’m on it.” — Politico‘s Dave Levinthal.

“Guy behind me on plane whacks me w/ suitcase as putting it in overhead. ‘Oh, sorry, I didn’t see you.’ Cuz I’m REALLY tiny #HappyNewYear.” — Joanne Bamberger, mommy blogger, former news anchor and author of “Mothers of Intention.”

And a travel apology…“Off to Paris for a bit. Nice to see you again, turkish air. Please carry me safely to my destination and sorry for any anxiety exhibited.” — Seyward Darby, freelancer, former online editor at TNR.

Press aide tells everyone to calm down

“Folks out there w/ crazy theories about what’s going on in House. All ridiculous. Just figuring out best path forward. Stay calm, carry on.” — House Maj. Leader Eric Cantor aide Rory Cooper during fiscal cliff negotiations.

For a gay old time…

“Two tickets for @GayPimp‘s #GayestWeekendOfAllTime this March in Florida? Yes, please.” — Syndicated columnist and Bullfight Strategies’ Karl Frisch.

Loesch takes a breather from laptop

“I’ve not opened my laptop since December 21st. Rare. Christmas vacation was lovely, but am ready to roll up the sleeves again.” — Ex-Breitbart.com’s Dana Loesch, who is now suing her former employer. Considering the backlash she received after the Sandy Hook shootings, in which she accused President Obama of playing politics with the deaths of children, this may have been a welcome relief.

Breitbart newbie on first-name basis with U.S. leaders

“In case anyone didn’t notice, we have now officially jumped off the fiscal cliff. Thanks John , Barry and Harry!” — Breitbart.com‘s Matthew Boyle, who hopes to one day fill the shoes of the late Andrew Breitbart.

A rare nod to CNN

“CNN is the only big cable news network doing fiscal cliff coverage right now. (I mean, if you’re a geek.)” — The Daily Caller and The Week‘s Matt Lewis on New Year’s Day.

And now, a New Year’s Eve observation on facial hair: “Back on CNN with the bearded ones–Wolf Blitzer and Robert Reich–at 8:30. All agree. No taxation of facial hair.” — Americans for Tax Reform Prez Grover Norquist.

The Self-Appointed Media Critic…

Read more

By Betsy Rothstein, Peter Ogburn and Eddie Scarry

We know you have one more year-end list in you. Or maybe you don’t. But wake up anyhow because here’s ours — the 12 things that never, ever make us want to take an afternoon snooze.

12. NBC Luke Russert‘s loud and fratboyish ways. Even House Speaker John Boehner has noted his decibel level and called him “loudmouth.” Though he’ll never get White House Soup of the Day quite right when he subs for Chuck Todd on “The Daily Rundown,” among our favorite moments with Luke this year was when he had a stop and smell the roses moment at a Nats game and took a picture of a spellbinding dragonfly, which he later posted on Twitter. Perhaps more poignantly though was when he covered a Capitol Hill presser and asked House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi if she was too old to remain in the Democratic leadership. The crowd of female lawmakers openly booed him. Pelosi told him he was offensive, even if he didn’t quite get it. Among the most entertaining comments sprang from CNN’s Hilary Rosen, who wrote on Twitter, “Note to Luke Russert: Mitch McConnell is 70, Harry Reid is 73. Oh and Bob Schieffer is 75. Think they should step aside? #NewGuysRule?” The question wasn’t an inappropriate one to raise, as lawmakers themselves had been discussing it out of earshot of Pelosi. Perhaps, as some noted, the time and setting and brash way in which Russert executed his questions were troublesome. Still, we especially enjoyed the commenters on Politico. There was the irate Wendy: “Luke Russert got his ass handed back to him. Any more questions, punk?” And the more sensible Chance: “Reporters should be asking tough, offensive and even stupid questions.”

11. Video journalist Michelle Fields flashing her breasts on national TV to get a job for Fox News. Her large male online contingency didn’t mind it much, either. In the meantime The Daily Caller gave her the axe for being lazy. Somehow Executive Editor David Martosko‘s lectures didn’t work? Favorite 2012 memory: There was the January manifesto from a convicted rapist that Michelle showed off on Facebook. But we’re torn between that and the more recent BuzzFeed party, where she unashamedly performed dramatic hair flips as our own Eddie Scarry snapped pictures.

10. Most things Matthew Boyle. The 20-something dogged journo never ceases to amaze. There was the time he insisted that the President of the Free World should allow him over for an interview. The more recent jaw-dropping moment from Boyle came when he fled The Daily Caller for Breitbart.com because he wants to be the next Andrew Breitbart. He started this adventure by taking his own photograph for the site, giving himself the unfortunate look of a triple-chinned Michelin Man. In his opening story out of the gate, he wrote an atrociously unedited right-wing rant about “magic vaginas.” We’re still not sure what those our, except we think they don’t involve Sandra Fluke. It was perfect. And terrible. And because we love Boyle in our own special way, we’d like to kidnap and deprogram him before it’s too late and the goose is boiled. Stick to breaking news Boyle and it’ll be just fine. And whatever you do, don’t stay there long.

9. Inside stories from The Washington Times. Always weird, unexpected, mind-boggling happenings at the ominous building off New York Avenue. Who can forget when former writer Julia Duin publicly accused then-editor Sam Dealey of verbally abusing her by canning her on the very day she decided to bring her daughter to work? She was also reportedly on crutches that day. And then there’s the more recent spate of stories concerning the impending layoffs coming in early 2013. The newsroom has dubbed their CEO Larry Beasley “Evil Santa” for a number of reasons, including recently moving a new sofa into his office while deciding whom to lay off. He also recently displayed a Santa doll holding a Christmas tree with the word “joy” on it. As the journalists await possible pink slips, they’re anything but joyful.

See the remaining eight entries of things that never bore us… Read more

Last night the new home of Sen. Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) held its annual media Christmas party. That organization used to be known as The Heritage Foundation, but now you’d only know it as The DeMint Foundation since the Senator’s announcement.

The party is a must-attend for Washington media types and party crashers alike. Good food, top-shelf booze and big name revelers. The food disappointed this year but the attendees did not.

In addition to DeMint and outgoing foundation president Ed Feulner, other media types in attendance included… Read more

Breitbart News‘ Matthew Boyle proved during his tenure at The Daily Caller that he’s a bit of a loose cannon as far as being a part of D.C.’s press corp. goes.

His news-gathering techniques demonstrated a certain contempt for the traditional way things work in the city; like the time he told a DNC spokesman if he didn’t respond to questions by deadline, he would essentially make up the answers.

In his latest demonstration of just how much he despises the D.C. culture., often viewed as exceedingly insular, Boyle posted a screed on Facebook against the most least threatening Washington feature of all: holiday parties.

“I can’t stand the damned D.C. holiday party circuit,” Boyle wrote on his own Facebook Wednesday. “It’s another example of everything that’s wrong with the Washington Culture.”

His rant continued… Read more

Conservative news outlets around Washington may want to chain their top reporters down to their desks these days, as Breitbart.com is moving in on their territory. Reporters from a number of publications such as The Daily Caller and The Washington Times are receiving enticing offers, with some scribes seeing their salaries increased by as much as $25k with yearly bonuses of $5k. Breitbart.com will provide full benefits starting in February. Until then, they’re offering a reimbursement plan.

But there’s a catch. Sources tell FishbowlDC the would-be hires are being asked to sign four-year contracts. To his credit, Steve Bannon, who is heading up the hiring process in Washington, is succeeding despite rubbing some the wrong way. Some who have dealt with him say he tells you what he needs to and skimps on the truth. So far, however, he has snagged The Daily Caller‘s ever controversial Matthew Boyle and over the weekend TWT’s Kerry Picket announced on Twitter that she is going to work for Breitbart.com as an investigative reporter.

Reporters around town being wooed for Breitbart.com include: Katie Pavlich of Townhall, Lachlan Markay of Heritage, Charlie Spiering of the Washington Examiner, Caroline May of The Daily Caller and Daniel Halper at The Weekly Standard.

Some have described a cultish feel to the process, with phrases such as “This is the way Andrew would have wanted it” being bandied about in conversation. But some in conservative media circles aren’t taking any of this all that well. “I predict this cast of misfits once fully assembled are now going to walk around events in DC slinging their cocks around like they’re the new cool kids,” said one scribe. And another: “They look like a bunch of a folk that were rejected from working at BuzzFeed, who was like, ‘Can they post cat pics?’ And then said, ‘nevermind’ to hiring them.”

Picket, a well-known conservative reporter who wrote TWT‘s The Water Cooler blog, is well regarded within Washington’s media… Read more

Today we have an unconventional pairing of Breitbart.com‘s newbie reporter Matthew Boyle and Rep. Tim Scott (R-S.C.). “This guy is likely to be the next senator from South Carolina,” our tipster wrote in. “Does he look like a black Matt Boyle or what?”