Quotes of the Day

“Hmm which to choose?” — ABC’s Martha Raddatz with accompanying photograph.

Reader explains “tricks” scribes use to avoid crediting others

On Friday, WaPo‘s Paul Farhi wrote a story on Politico pulling a video that featured Sen. Min. Leader Mitch McConnell‘s (R-Ky.) COS blowing them love kisses. Turns out may that be against Senate rules, as reported by Roll Call‘s Meredith Shiner. So we wrote about Farhi’s failure to adequately cite Shiner and her story.

An Anonymous reader writes in…“Farhi’s failure to credit Roll Call: He use two of the oldest tricks in the book for skating past the explicit crediting of others: Don’t mention at top, but then mention the name of the news breaking organization without crediting them but attributing some small detail to their reporting. Fig leaf covered! The second dodge is when one your “friends” (your editor) tells you, “Farhi, you got beat on something!) Like the immaculate conception, if you hear it from someone else, then it is no longer breaking news!”

Important Question to Ponder: “Does Gray’s Anatomy have to be so bloody?” — FNC’s Greta Van Susteren.

The Observer

“Well, that was a new one: person in our row at Star Trek got up periodically throughout movie to do lunges in aisle.” — Anna Sproul-Latimer, literary agent.

S.E. Cupp finds perfect hamburger

“Found out the @innoutburger by LAX opens at 10:30 am. Plenty of time to grab a double-double animal style before my flight. #Worththetrip” — MSNBC’s S.E. Cupp.

Journo blows off steam

“Getting some aggression out at the driving range….” — Fox News Senate Producer Kara Rowland.

And another tries to recreate his heart attack

“Where is my ambulance? I think this is the widow maker – jk” — Mediaite White House Correspondent Tommy Christopher.

Producer looks to Trumps for finer things in life

“Got fabulous @IvankaTrump shoes this wk & delicious wine from @trumpwinery last wk. They sure make some good stuff. @realDonaldTrump” — WMAL Executive Producer Heather Smith.

Guiding Sophia’s Light

“New Golden Rule 21st Century style: I will do To you before you can do it to me! I will burn you before you can break me. I ain’t no punk.” — Essence and theGrio‘s Sophia Nelson.

See more Morning Chatter…

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Quotes of the Day

SANFORD MEDIA OBSESSION CONCLUDES: “Sanford campaign takes a bigger class picture.” — WaPo‘s Karen Tumulty.

“Love him or hate him, he’s one hell of a grassroots campaigner” — MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough on the newly reelected Rep. Mark Sanford (R-S.C.). Scarborough, later chatting with Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.), promised to take Sanford to dinner when he got to town.

Meanwhile, MSNBC’s Twitter feed appears to hold back on the praise. “In his victory speech last night, Mark Sanford described himself as ‘one imperfect man.’ No argument there!”

Editor-in-Chief calls himself an “idiot”

“As of today, @wcp has gone 0 days without a workplace injury: I just cut my thumb on packing tape dispenser. Because I’m an idiot.” — WCP Editor-in-Chief Mike Madden.

Oh no he didn’t.

“You know who is fat? Hillary.” — Breitbart editor John Nolte.

Father of the Year?

“Headed home from Flint, MI after attending daughter’s wedding shower and niece’s lacrosse game as well as watching #Wings with dad. #love.” — National Journal national reporter Ron Fournier.

Dipshit alert or rightful observer?

“For perspective: Mark Sanford cheated on his wife. Ted Kennedy killed a lady.” — Fox News Contributor and RedState‘s Erick Erickson. The Nation’s Washington reporter George Zornick didn’t seem to enjoy any of Erickson’s commentary last night. He wrote, “There really is no polite way to say this: Erick Erickson is a mendacious dipshit.”

Other reactions to Sanford’s win…

“Sanford wins. Women lose.” — CNN Contributor and Democratic pundit Donna Brazile.

“Hide your wife, Mark Sanford’s coming back to town.” — Media Matters fellow Oliver Willis.

“Well, I’m pleased that Mark Sanford won. Hopefully, he will bring pigs to the House floor soon.” — Liz Mair, formerly RNC online communications director and GOProud Advisory Board member.

Internal BuzzFeed is “weird place”

“The Buzzfeed reply-all office email chain is a weird place.” — BuzzFeed‘s Kate Nocera.

The Media Critic

“Aside from how I feel about the content, Megyn Kelly at 10 would be a better show than Greta Van Susteren is. almost anything would be.” — Media Matters fellow and professional Fox News hater Oliver Willis. Asked why, he replied, “Because it’s a boring snoozefest.” Better hope Camp Gretawire doesn’t see this.

Dannia Hakki, a publicist who also handles her dog’s pr, lands her pooch on Popville. Her name is QueenTinzy. Seriously. And yes, QueenTinzy has been involuntarily entered into DogBowl2013. See here.

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

Quotes of the Day — State of the Union-Fugitive Edition

SOTU quotes that are fit for a Fishbowl: “I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully.” — brought to our attention by HuffPost‘s Sam Stein‘s Twitter feed. It’s an old quote from former President George W. Bush. And this: “At least there’s no smoked fish joke in this one.” — Mother Jones‘ Nick Baumann.

“The outside of the Dome on SOTU night.” – Roll Call‘s Meredith Shiner with accompanying photograph.

Shut up SOTU clappers, journo wants his Zzzz’s

“Dear applauders: Please stop. I have a bedtime.” — WaPo‘s Chris Cillizza.

Importantish Q to Ponder: “So… Does Senator Menendez shake President Obama’s hand as he walks in? Awkward. #SOTU” — NRSC Strategist Brad Dayspring.

Important Q to Ponder: “So does CNN break away from the burning house to do the State of the Union.” — TPM‘s Josh Marshall.

Important Q to Ponder III: “What’s the over/under on the number of Nicorette patches John Boehner has plastered all over himself right now?” — Times of London‘s Matt Spence.

THE SPEAKER AND THE LOUDMOUTH: “Luke Russert shakes Speaker Boehner’s hand as he walks to the chamber for SOTU.” — NBC House of Representatives Producer Frank Thorp. Boehner affectionately (we think) refers to Russert as the “loudmouth.”

Rothenberg crushes the spirit of political reporters

“Political reporters always incredibly excited by SOTU. Real people not so much.” — Stu Rothenberg, who writes a column for Roll Call, a publication full of political reporters. And then, oddly, he writes, “My first SOTU inside the chamber? 1970 when I was Colby College intern in Ed Muskie’s office. AA gave me ticket.” Um, hey Stu, do real people give a sh-t about this?

Speaking of excitement…

“The hallway outside Sen. Durbin’s office smells overwhelmingly of barbecue.” — Roll Call‘s Shiner of the Illinois Democrat.

And again…

“Just spoke to Gabby Giffords for the first time since the day before she was shot. She looks amazing. Twinkle in her eye and broad smile.” — CNN Chief Congressional Correspondent Dana Bash.

“Senate page just said in Statuary Hall ‘Oh my God. Kelly Ayotte is rocking the mint-green!’ I am partial to Bader Ginsberg‘s red.” — Roll Call‘s Abby Livingston.

“McCain ribbing Kerry as he walks by.” — Politico‘s Manu Raju.

“Rep. Terry Sewell is the most energetic greeter of the House! Urrybody gets a kiss and big laugh and a thousand watt smile.” — BuzzFeed Washington Bureau Chief John Stanton.

“Lots of schmoozing with former colleagues as Secy Kerry makes his way down the aisle.” — CBS White House radio correspondent Mark Knoller.

“Whoever said that politics is showbiz for ugly people was a master of understatement. Or just blind.” — Reason‘s Nick Gillespie.

“VP Biden has a scratched cornea, reports NBC, which is why he is wearing glasses.” — The Hill‘s Emily Goodin.

Politico Playbook Publish Time: 7:43 a.m.

The Jokester Caucus

• “Press will now begin attacking Rubio for drinking problem.” — USA Today‘s Paul Singer.

• “I’m sure I’m going to dislike this but at least Beyonce is performing.” — Logan Dobson, before the SOTU address began.

• “When is halftime? Where is Beyonce?” — FNC’s Greg Gutfeld.

• “Who’s the fat lump of shit next to Mrs Obama? #SOTU.” — Anthony Cumia from the Opie and Anthony radio show.

• “Marco! Pollo! Marco! Pollo! Fish out of water!” [Insert Rubio Joke Here] #Rubioing.” — Syndicated columnist and Bullfight Strategies’ Karl Frisch.

• “What’s the opposite of 5-Hour Energy? Boehner’s had two of them, at least.” — Bloomberg Business Week‘s Joshua Green.

The Critics

“Really pathetic and sad reflection on media-culture that taking a drink of water can overwhelm everything else.” — Christian Heinze, founder of Prez16.com. Seconded by NRSC Spokesman Brian Walsh, who said, “Exactly.”

Oh, but wait: “Jesus… the water sip blew the whole speech. Was on board until then but he blew it. Cue SNL.” — Jason Killian Meath, President, GOP Media Firm.

“The problem with this speech is a.) we already knew what was in it and b.) little of it is new.” — Politico‘s Ben White.

“I like Rubio’s remarks thus far, dislike the dry mouth. Get the man a water. Let’s hear some solutions.” — Conservative radio host Dana Loesch.

“Was leaning off camera to get water really better than obviously needing one?” — WCP Editor Mike Madden during the GOP response of Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.).

“Rubio keeps grabbing at his face. What’s with that?” — Baron‘s D.C. Editor James McTague.

“Huh, Chris Matthews voted for George W. Bush. You can admit that on MSNBC and still have a job? #MSNBCAfterDark” — U.S. News & World Report‘s Robert Schlesinger at 12:19 a.m.

Gratitude is…

“SOMEBODY PLEASE GIF THAT AWKWARD WATER BOTTLE GRAB, RIGHT NOW!!!!!!!!!!!! wowowoowowowowoowowow” — WaPo Express’ Clinton Yates.

“Water grab! Thank God.” — ABC News’ Nico Hines.

“Rubio has serious case of drymouth. Thank god he just took a sip of water.” — Roll Call Senate Editor Emily Pierce.

Jeff Zucker, give this man a raise! 

“CNN has every story covered tonight. On CNN-US: SOTU coverage. On HLN, continuing live coverage of Calif. Manhunt.” — CNN Washington Bureau Chief Sam Feist.

Wardrobe Change

“I just changed into flats because it is SRO in the House press gallery. #SOTU” — TWT‘s Emily Miller.

The sharp-tongued observers… Read more

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

The co-writer of Washington Examiner‘s Yeas and Nays gossip column Jenny Rogers is heading over to Washington City Paper as its Assistant Managing Editor. WCP tweeted the news last night.

Rogers’ move comes after just 10 months with the Examiner. Isn’t that a little premature? Before the Examiner she worked for the Titanic TBD.

“We actually originally wanted to hire Jenny for this job more than a year ago, when she was at TBD, but we wound up not being able to fill the position at all due to budget constraints,” WCP Editor Mike Madden told FishbowlDC. “Her work at TBD was great — lively, creative, and smart coverage of whatever they threw her onto. I’ve read her Yeas and Nays stuff since she went to the Examiner and liked it, as well, and I’m very glad we’re able to hire her now.”

As for her current boss, the Examiner‘s Executive Editor Stephen Smith, he’s cordial about Rogers’ short-lived tenure at the paper. “I would have been surprised if Jenny had left to take a job similar to the one she had here,” he said, “but she had a chance to do something entirely different, assigning and editing pieces and writing some cover stories of her own.”

Compared to the vanilla swirl Yeas and Nays serves on a daily basis (ex. this story about a new carousel at the National Zoo), WCP gives Rogers an opportunity to go nuts, particularly when it comes to D.C.’s racist favorite councilman Marion Barry.

Rogers told us… Read more

Exit Polls are apparently the flakes of dirt under our feet and in the cracks of our toes, the regurgitated fish food not even fish want to eat nearing their last breath of life. HuffPost‘s Senior Polling Editor Mark Blumenthal wrote Tuesday morning, “Hard as it may be, you should try to ignore them, at least until the polls close. And even then, take the underlying vote estimates with big grains of salt.” You getting the picture?

On Tuesday afternoon as exit polls began surfacing, journalists on Twitter had rather graphic metaphorical descriptions for the polls very few respect.

The New Yorker‘s David Grann remarked, “Exit polls are like poisoned mushrooms to a starving man.” And New York magazine’s Jonathan Chait chimed in, “I swear I was going to write drinking seawater in a lifeboat.”

The Takeaway’s congressional radio reporter Todd Zwillich then entered the fray, saying, “It’s not just an exit poll, it’s a PRELIMINARY exit poll. The Double-Stuf Oreo of nothingness.”

And YG Action Fund’s Brad Dayspring, ex-flack to House Maj. Leader Eric Cantor stepped up, saying, “The exits seem way off compared to the activity being seen on the ground and reported from key areas. Again, take exists as a morsel of info.”

Soon Iowahawkblog‘s David Burge had something to say about these loathsome polls. He wrote, “Exit polls: the asbestos-laced leaded paint chips of the political playground.”

And in summation, Washington City Paper Editor Mike Madden seemed to wrap up the collective sentiment, saying, “Am basically treating the early leaked exit polls as if they were imaginary numbers. No point even thinking about them.”

Throughout the relentless storm last night, reporters in Washington and beyond expressed deep concern for CNN’s breakout star, Ali Velshi, who spent much of the day and night knee and waist deep in water. On his birthday, no less. At one point shirtless pranksters joined him in the water. TVNewser has the video. Let’s hope the network gave him a change of clothes.

“Ali, I’m glad to see you in one piece, quiet frankly,” remarked CNN’s Soledad O’Brien to Velshi early this morning in an interview with the correspondent who appeared to be in the exact outfit he wore last night — dark sports pants, red pullover, sneakers, baseball cap.

“CNN, please let Ali Velshi live.” — HuffPost‘s Sam Stein.

“I’m going to collect donations to help Ali Velshi with what is undoubtedly a serious case of swamp foot. #aliisahero#10hoursinthewater.” — Will Cain, CNN Contributor and columnist for TheBlaze.com.

“Why is CNN having Ali Velshi standing in the middle of a barren intersection?” — CNBC and NYT‘s John Harwood.

“Dear CNN, et al: get your reporters out of the water. You look stupid.” — NationalReviewOnline Contributor Greg Pollowitz.

“Now CNN is making Ali Velshi stand in the hurricane during a commercial break so they can come back to him afterwards. Amazing.” — Washington City Paper Editor Mike Madden at 4:14 p.m. At 10:30 p.m. Madden added, “CNN, seriously. You have tortured Ali Velshi enough. Whatever he’s done, he will never do it again. Let him go inside.”

“I’ve concluded that Ali Velshi has the world’s strongest legs, and a brilliant sound man.” — CNN’s Piers Morgan.

“ALI WE GET IT. IT’S BAD OUT THERE.” — Politico‘s Kate Nocera (who couldn’t get away from all-caps messages throughout the night.)

“I really want to hear Chris Christie’s reaction to what Ali Velshi is doing right now.” — NPR Elections Producer Arnie Seipel.

“Amazing reporting by Ali Velshi from Atlantic City under terrible conditions. (It’s also his birthday.)” — CNN Senior Digital Producer Steve Krakauer.

“Why can’t CNN just put a hologram of Ali Velshi in the middle of all that water?” — Blake Hounshell, managing editor of Foreign Policy magazine.

“I’ve never had a desire to stand in the middle of a storm to tell someone else not to come outside. I can do that from a studio! LOL” — CNN Contributor Roland Martin.

Quotes Of The Day

JOURNO LOVE: “Political dream team – the two best campaign embeds in America hard at work in Celina, OH” They are Emily Friedman and Shushannah Walshe. — ABC’s Jonathan Karl.

The Self-Appointed Weatherman

Our resident trusty weatherman, FBDC’s Eddie Scarry, reports, “PSA: Hurricane residue in Washington today; really, REALLY rainy, high of 53F.”

Everyone‘s a weatherman, right? “Light-to-moderate rain early this morning across D.C. Some ponding on the roads, but the rain will get heavier as the morning goes on.” — NJ “The Hotline’s” Polling Editor Steven Shepard.

Baier Vomit

“Both kids 5 & 2 wanted ‘hurricane stories’ at bedtime 2nite as Sandy approaches. I have covered 14 of them but bedtime versions take finesse.” — FNC anchor Bret Baier.

Waffling Hurricane Humor

“Q: What do you call a frozen waffle in a hurricane? A: #Sandy Eggo” — Mediaite White House Correspondent Tommy Christopher. We hope he tries Knock Knock jokes as the day wears on.

Do Not Piss Ethan Off People

“It’s not funny to send false information about this storm to trick people. Grow up, Twitter.” — HuffPost Social Media Editor Ethan Klapper.

Priorities.

“Love the bangs @WeatherKim!” — NBC Washington’s Angie Goff at 4:30 a.m.

Sherri Shepherd shares hurricane anecdote we could’ve done without

“Trying to get things ready re hurricane – Filled up the bathtub w water and Jeffrey promptly took his clothes off and got ready to jump in!” — ABC “The View’s” Sherri Shepherd.

Editor teaches son to shave

“Taught my son how to shave tonight. Time really does fly. #memories” — The Hill’s Managing Editor Bob Cusack.

Journo dreams of Bobby Brown, Whitney Houston

“I had a dream last night that @FreeBeacon was purchased by Bobby Brown. Whitney was still alive and I had to explain sequestration to her.” — Free Beacon‘s Adam Kredo.

Weather Hype: OH MY GOD, it’s a Hurricane!

(see the best of the best after the jump… Speaking of hurricanes, what’s Lindsay Lohan saying about the impending storm?) Read more

 Quotes of the Day

FOOD, LIQUOR, WEDDING CHAPEL, CLEAN ROOMS: “What more does anyone need really?” — NPR’s Ari Shapiro on the road in Nevada. He also wrote, “Food, liquor and clean rooms are the three pillars upon which a strong marriage can be built.”

Journo says TV anchors were once trusted news figures

“Sometimes, in life, you just have to suffer in silence.” — Ariana Pekary, radio producer for The Bob Edwards Show.

Writers squabble over mayo

“Mike Elk, Mayo is the greatest thing ever.” — U.S. environmental and labor historian Erik Loomis, blogger for Lawyers Guns & Money.

“I have always hated mayo, its the worst.” — InTheseTimes labor journo Mike Elk.

Anchor begrudgingly reports dangers of licorice

“FDA says too much black licorice could cause a drop in potassium levels leading to heart problems #halloweenjoykill.” — Steve Chenevey, ABC7 morning/noon news anchor.

Reporter offers warning to White House

“On the Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno, the president promised ‘candy for everyone’ at WH Halloween. I’ll be sure to follow up and report back. And it better not be that funsize twix and smarties stuff. I want the good candy.” — NBC News political reporter Shawna Thomas.

See what a local editor is bitching about and whose ass CBS’ Gayle King is kissing after the jump… Also, which journo is freezing at work? Read more

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.