Quotes of the Day

POLITICO TAKEOVER: Aside from Mike Barnicle and WaPo and MSNBC’s Jonathan Capehart, “Morning Joe” had three Politico employees on set today. They included Executive Editor Jim VandeHei, and reporters Maggie Haberman and Mike Allen.

Dare to dream

“If I could get one less email a day calling me the c-word I would be happy.” — Progressive talk radio host Stephanie Miller appearing on CNN Wednesday night.

Predawn Politico Playbook Publish Time: 4:50 a.m.

Journo Love

“When I did @CNN this morning w/ @rolandsmartin I didn’t yet realize I was sitting next to @NABJ’s Journalist of the Year. Congrats my man!” — National Journal‘s Chris Frates, who’s also apparently sporting a mullet lately. Indeed, as reported by Maynard Institute’s Richard Prince, Roland Martin has been named the National Association of Black Journalists’ Journalist of the Year. The award will be presented to him at the national convention in Orlando in August. Martin was previously awarded the organization’s President’s award.

Pundit has issues on Acela

“To the snoring asshat sitting next to me on the Acela: I’m going to do to you what I used to do to my ex when he snored & you won’t like it.” — MSNBC Contributor Jimmy Williams.

First World Problems: Maddow or Morgan? 

“Having a tough time deciding between Maddow and Piers right now. Two totally different shows. No DVR. Who. Will. Win?” — BuzzFeed‘s Dorsey Shaw, who subsequently had these big thoughts on cable news: “Jay Leno should go to Fox News. Matt Lauer should go to CNN. Alex Wagner should go to 7pm. I should take the day off.”

Forget writer’s block…

“Experiencing serious case of Twitter block. Nothing funny or interesting to say about Ashley Judd.” — The New Yorker‘s Ryan Lizza.

Harshness is…

“That sound you hear is 10,000 political hacks unfollowing @AshleyJudd” — Politico‘s Ben White.

On MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” today viewers were treated to what we’ll call a happy ending by TIME‘s Senior Political Analyst Mark Halperin.

While his colleague Mike Barnicle wrapped the show and tossed it to Chuck Todd, Halperin sent a diva-like kiss off to the camera, turned and ripped out his ear piece a la Beyoncé, then proceeded to sashay away.

A visual for the ages.

For the past few days MSNBC “Morning Joe” Co-host Mika Brzezinksi has been grasping onto babies and toddlers in Boca Raton, Fla., the site of the show for the final presidential debate. Yesterday she and Joe Scarborough each clutched an African American baby girl in their laps at various points in the show. The cuteness faded fast and seemed to degenerate into heated competition between the hosts — who did the baby like more? At different points you could hear the baby in the peach dress wailing.

Is anyone else finding this as dumb as we are?

See the parade of half pints…

Read more

There has never been any indication that MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough is a fan of the popular “P90X” workout program. But any possibility that he might be was removed this morning. He got the title of the program wrong three times over the course of a minute.

On Morning Joe, Scarborough and MSNBC Contributor Mike Barnicle picked up the conversation where they left off from last week: the Vice Presidential debate.

“I think [Vice President Joe Biden] was trying obviously to get under Congressman [Paul] Ryan‘s skin,” Barnicle said. “Which he didn’t succeed to do, really. He did make Congressman Ryan nervous a couple of times. I mean, [Ryan] basically went through 406 bottles of water debating the Vice President.”

Scarborough interjected in a mock tone. “Hold on one second, Mike, that’s very unfair,” he said. “If you do this PX90 stuff you’ve gotta hydrate.” It’s well-known that Ryan is a fan of the workout.

“That’s true, I apologize to Congressman Ryan,” Barnicle said, playing along.

“There are two rules with that: hydration and moisturizer,” Scarborough continued, “and if you don’t do those two things you can’t do px90. Of course you and I, Mike, we will never know about any sort of px90, whatever.”

Whatever, indeed. Scarborough went on to say “PX90″ sounds like the name of a mountain bike.

Quotes of the Day

FALSE EYELASH ALERT: TWT‘s Senior Op-ed columnist Emily Miller tests out fake eyelashes for the first time. She appears pleased with the experience: “The TV makeup artist gave me false eyelashes today. First time in my life!”

Bret Baier takes another Twitter beating

Last week they hated his necktie.  This week FNC anchor Bret Baier reacts kindly to a follower just hating him and his work. Period. Truth3232 writes, “Your a hateful despicable sc#mbag with lies and hatefulness I’m sure your [sic] ashamed.” To which Baier replied, “Thanks for watching.”

Emotional journo

“Come on, Nats! This is when I start eating emotionally. #sweetpotatofries” — RCP‘s Erin McPike.

Female blogger declares her single status

“Just made it official on FB. I’m single and like men. In case there’s any confusion/single men with beach houses who want to ask me out.” — Conservative blogger Lisa De Pasquale.

Wanted: Hairdresser

“DC friends, I’m in desperate need of a haircut. Does anyone have any recommendations for a reasonably priced, skillful hairdresser/stylist?” — WaPo designer Tim Wong. (Calling famed RHOD stylist Paul Wharton: any recs?)

The Observer

“Oh Brooklyn… Woman sends back her orange juice because it’s not fresh-squeezed.” — HuffPost‘s Amanda Terkel.

Journo offers cold, harsh reality

“No one cares what TV show you are on this morning or anything to do with the brain dead presidential race. There is nothing but Jeter.” — Politico‘s Ben White who clearly forgot where he works this weekend amidst a sports binge.

Um, Grover is big?

“Girls displayed to ‘Big Dad’ their ‘campout’–a pile of all books and toys and blankets in center of room. Mom will be so happy or not.” — Americans for Tax Reform Prez Grover Norquist.

WETA seeks funds from 1-year-old

“WETA mailed my 1-year-old daughter a solicitation to become a supporting member. Getting ‘em young, PBS?” — Washington City Paper Editor Mike Madden.

Deep Thoughts With Chris Hayes: “The place where I and lots of others learned to write long — alt weeklies — have been absolutely destroyed.” — MSNBC’s Chris Hayes to BuzzFeed‘s Ben Smith.

Barnicle graces D.C.

“In DC today. Whole town sleepwalking through a baseball nightmare. Nobody paying attention, waiting for Storen to throw strike three.” — MSNBC “Morning Joe” regular Mike Barnicle.

The Heckler

“Michael Hastings on MSNBC? What — he couldn’t find a general to get fired this morning? #MSNBCFail” — The Daily Caller‘s TV writer Jeff Poor on BuzzFeed‘s Michael Hastings.

Convo among broadcast journos

This morning’s conversation is among ABC President Ben Sherman, Senior WH Correspondent Jake Tapper and ABC Senior Political Correspondent Jonathan Karl. Oddly, Tapper’s tweet on the bean incident has disappeared. Strangely Sherwood’s first bean tweet can’t be found, but he has a few subsequent remarks on it. Karl’s tweet remains intact.

SHERWOOD: I put that in the same category as lima beans.

TAPPER: I have studiously refrained from bringing up the shocking lima bean incident in a public venue.

SHERWOOD: Do not snub the butter bean!

KARL: The lima bean revelation was a shocking one.

In other Jake Tapper news… “1 month from today my book THE OUTPOST, comes out. More than 2 years in the making, I’ve never worked harder on any project in my life…1/2″ — Tapper.

Quotes of the Day

“He’ll be insufferable now.” — MSNBC “Morning Joe” Contributor Mike Barnicle reacting to TIME‘s Mark Halperin role in “Game Change” winning four Emmys last night. Halperin wrote the 2010 book that later became a movie with New York magazine’s John Heilemann.

Luke says Dad is among the ghosts

“.@brainsalsa Great shot. He’s there with the ghosts Bruce mentions.” — NBC’s Luke Russert, in reference to a picture from a Bruce Springsteen concert. After Salsa wrote and told him he’s in the front row of a Springsteen concert and misses Luke’s dad “a ton,” Luke tells his new acquaintance that Tim Russert is among the ghosts. Um, creepy?

Arianna says buon giorno to HuffPost Italy 

“Arrived in Rome for the launch of L’Huffington Post Italia.” — AOL-HuffPost Editor-in-Chief Arianna Huffington.

Important Q’s to Ponder: “Why am I sitting in traffic in LA at 7:30 on a Saturday? Don’t people have somewhere to be already?” — Politico‘s Ginger Gibson.

Scribe notices peculiar blend of hotel guests

“Interesting vibe in my hotel. 3 conventions going on: funeral directors, financial planners, Rwandans” — WaPo‘s Karen Tumulty.

Dowd dismisses Stuart Stevens

“You get the sense that the strategist considers himself cooler than the candidate, that he’s too hip to walk through fire for Mitt and that he lacks confidence that Romney could be a better campaigner. He treats Mitt like a cardboard cutout, never asking him to risk anything or pushing him to be big, bold and inspirational.” — NYT Columnist Maureen Dowd in reference to Mitt Romney‘s Campaign Strategist Stuart Stevens in her Sunday column.

Reporters get shaft on Romney plane

“In the 2 hours the press was off Romney plane in SD, a new curtain has been installed to separate the reporters from the staff section.” — NBC News’ Garrett Haake.

Ana Marie unveils her weekend plans

“Boyfriend has mysterious journey planned for bday: ‘wear comfortable clothes, bring toiletries, and something nice for later.’” — The Guardian‘s Ana Marie Cox.

Speaking of the weekend…

“Rihanna, thanks for being the song in my head. Cheers to the freakin’ weekend… I drink to that, yeahh yeahhh.” — Politico Publicist Olivia Petersen.

Preacher Sophia gets prayed up  

“Boy do I have a whole LOT to say-God is doing some stuff in and for me. It’s kinda scary, crazy, wonderful. When I get back 2 VA will share!” — Essence and theGrio.com columnist Sophia Nelson.

Self-appointed media critic

“This MTP roundtable is really good. @JoeNBC vs.Bay Buchanan is exquisite.” — Politico Capitol Hill reporter Jake Sherman temporarily parts with his Phish obsession to watch MTP.

Noteworthy: AP‘s Kasie Hunt appeared on the Fox News Sunday panel for the first time this weekend.

In an unusual twist this morning, a Washington conservative reporter’s insults to MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” have landed him an invitation on the show this week. So far, it’s not formal — the bookers haven’t called and scheduled the Town Car. But Willie Geist said pointedly on air that he wanted Lewis on this week. He also called him “our friend from The Daily Caller,” so feelings aren’t hostile.

The discussion on “Morning Joe” this morning has centered on GOP Presidential hopefuls. Guests have included Newsweek/The Daily Beast‘s Editor-in-Chief Tina Brown amidst other liberal leaning journalists, including “Hardball” Host Chris Matthews, host Mika Brzezinksi and branding specialist Donny Deutsch, who made a valid point about the weirdness of Herman Cain‘s hat and got unfairly ragged on by the Peanut Gallery.

Speaking of valid points, Lewis’s tweets peaked the curiosity of Geist, who praised the reporter for his criticisms and read two in full: 1. “Great diversity on MoJoe right now: The left and the FAR left — all diagnosing the GOP’s problems.” 2. “MoJoe cast discussing GOP candidates the way anthropologists might discuss a remote tribe just discovered deep in a rain forest somewhere.”

As Geist read the tweets, Mika initially remarked,  “Uh oh.” Willie said, “Not an unfair critique.” And Mike Barnicle: “That’s true actually.” After he read the second tweet, Willie added, “One hundred percent true.” And Mika: “It’s a nicer look at things than the ones I am getting.” Barnicle scolded Mika for reading hateful tweets: “Why are you reading those?”

The conclusion, however, came from Willie: “Let’s get Matt Lewis on this week.”

Quotes of the Day

Journo compares TV hits to sex life

“I think I’ve done more life [sic] tv and radio interviews in the last year than I have had sex.” — Labor journo Mike Elk.

The temptations of working at home

“Main problem with working at home: it’s 4 p.m., and I think that maybe it’s time for happy hour. #badidea.” — DCist’s Martin Austermuhle.

Weigel at war with Comcast

“Hey, @comcast — that’s 6 calls in a week asking me to expand my service. I’m a ‘no.’ Stop calling.” — Slate‘s Dave Weigel.

Question of the Hour: “Willie, how’s your ass?” — MSNBC “Morning Joe” Host Joe Scarborough to Co-host Willie Geist on this morning’s program. “Same as yesterday if you really want to know the truth,” Willie replied. (Whatever you’re thinking, Geist broke his tailbone.) Scarborough continued, “How long are you not going to be able to sit down?” Geist: “They say about six weeks.” Mike Barnicle chimed in, “Special underwear?”

Editor laments beloved pumpkin spice latte

“Sad I can’t enjoy a pumpkin spice latte this fall because it’s not sugar free. Hey @starbucks, you should work on that.” — NJ “The Hotline” House Race Editor Jessica Taylor. Taylor explained that sugar is off limits. “Sadly no, it’s a medical thing for now,” she said. “So Splenda it is for me.” Tuesday marked the return of the fall-themed latte. The Hill‘s Howeesha (a.k.a Judy Kurtz, daughter of infamous Howie K.) begs to differ on the allure of this pumpkin magic: “Love me some #Starbucks, but all this brouhaha about pumpkin spice lattes is nutty. Only place I prefer pumpkin is in pie form. #highonpie”

Publicist experiences raindrops as lullaby

“Is again apparently substituting thought for sleep–but the sound of the raindrops are a lovely, almost musical lullaby.” — D.C. uber-publicist Wendy Gordon in an overnight Facebook update.

A writer’s dark reaction to Italian murder

“You know what I care less about than an American convicted of murder in Italy? Because I don’t.” — Conservative writer and TownHall.com Contributor Derek Hunter. News outlets reported Tuesday that prosecutors may review DNA evidence in the murder case that convicted Amanda Knox of killing her British roommate Meredith Kercher.

Just after dawn this morning, MSNBC “Morning Joe” Host  Joe Scarborough used a phrase on his  program that would have made a certain senator’s ears perk up.

“What Harry Reid just said wasn’t true – he pulled a Cornyn,” said Scarborough.

The former Republican congressman turned TV host got into a public scuffle with National Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee Chairman Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) last week when The Hill‘s longtime Managing Editor Bob Cusack wrote a story quoting Cornyn saying that he had suggested to Scarborough that he run for Senate in Florida. Cornyn and the NRSC denied it, saying the journalist must have misunderstood. Scarborough confirmed it.

Hence a phrase is born.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) drifted into the fray of the new phrase by saying that everything is just fine with Social Security. “He just said in two decades we’ll take a look at it,” said an incredulous “Morning Joe” co-host Mike Barnicle. “He’ll be 140.”

We called Cornyn’s Washington office for comment, but “due to high call volume” they cannot answer the phone or accept messages at this time. We also checked in with NRSC Spokesman Brian Walsh.  Stay tuned…

UPDATE: Walsh commented to FishbowlDC: “We’ve moved on.”

Politico Playbook author Mike Allen showed up to MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” this morning with a white bandage positioned awkwardly along the bridge of his nose.

Hosts Mika Brzezinski, Willie Geist and Mike Barnicle and guest Tom Brokaw didn’t quite know what to make of it. Clearly it had to be addressed.

Willie broached the injury gingerly. “Mike, there’s geninune concern out there, the e-mails, you want to come forward and say?” Allen replied, Luckily, unlike VandeHei I don’t get by on my looks,” he said referring to his Executive Editor Jim VandeHei.

In the meantime, Brokaw remarked, “You look like you’re answering a casting call for Hannibal Lecter.” Barnicle, meanwhile, wondered if he had been hunting with former Veep Dick Cheney.

Allen ultimately explained that the injuries were a result of a hunting trip with Politico Editor-in-Chief John Harris and VandeHei (something to do with VandeHei’s aim.) Mika asked if the injuries were serious, if his nose was broken. “I don’t need stiches,” he replied, “but two and a half hours in the urgent care though.”

They said they loved him and hope he recovered soon.