Quotes of the Day

WHAT THE HELL? “Why Nikki, is that a debate moderator on your shoulder?” — The Washington Examiner‘s gossip scribe Nikki Schwab talking to herself with a miniature CNN’s Candy Crowley on her shoulder. So much weirdness here we don’t know where to begin.

Reporter gets “super insidery”

“In super insidery stuff, Steve Scalise brushing back against RSC founders, taking his chairmanship bid to full body.” — Politico‘s super insidery Jake Sherman, linking to this super insidery story.

In other “disgusting” news…

“The disgusting Romney burger (lobster, hollandaise) has SURGED to a lead over the disgusting Obama burger (hot dog, relish) in BGR’s sweeps.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

Priorities.

“I was going to watch the third party debate, but then I realize that I’ll be dead one day and don’t want to waste my life.” — Slate‘s Dave Weigel.

Lucky dog!

“Literally only one other dude on my flight from LGA to Columbus tonight. Closest I get to flying private.” — Politico‘s Ben White.

Journo finds power of love

“Definitely rocking out to Huey Lewis & the News’ ‘Power of Love’ at my desk.” — National Journal “The Hotline’s” Chris Peleo-Lazar.

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

Quotes of the Day

“The tweeties. What are they called? They were blowing up today.” — Actress Rosie Perez on MSNBC’s “Rachel Maddow Show” last night in reference to Twitter.

Oh no he didn’t.

“For the record, Candy pronounces her last name wrong.” — TIME‘s Michael Crowley referring to CNN’s Candy Crowley, moderator of tonight’s presidential debate.

Speaking of Candy…

“Modern campaigns are endless exercises in caution and cowardice. This Candy episode is only the latest example. Toughen up, folks.” — Reuters’ Sam Youngman. In other Youngman news...”With 22 days to go, I need a haircut, some clean clothes and a Keith Richards-style blood change. It don’t get no funner though.”

The Observer

“You know what I think is really screwed up? The number of people commenting on a reporter’s physical appearance. Learn some manners.” — DoubleThink‘s J.P. Freire, disgusted after reading negative comments about Candy Crowley’s weight online. He told FishbowlDC, “Saw a few tweets about it that were so upsetting — and from men too. One thing I’ll never get is some men’s willingness to offer commentary on a woman’s physical appearance as though (a) they’re qualified judges given their own defects (b) they have any taste to brag about (c) they think all a woman has to offer is her looks and (d) anyone would care after such statements. Anyway I was just being indignant.”

Perks: “Nutella giveaway at the Metro. Breakfast of champions” — The Atlantic‘s Brian Fung.

Wisdom is…

“Even the most contrite confession is incomplete without penance, reparation. Our political class needs to learn that — both parties.” — Washington Examiner‘s David Freddoso.

Recipe for a five car pileup

“Surreal. I’m driving and just heard the @washtimes radio ad about me for the first time.” — TWT Senior Op-ed writer Emily Miller.

Journo speaks of computer like it’s human

“There’s something so poignant about my laptop installing updates as I’m about to get rid of it. The poor thing has no idea.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

Quotes of the Day: The V.P. Debate Edition

“Biden is better than Viagra for senior citizens #vpdebate” — ABC’s “The View” and Current TV’s Joy Behar.

Praise for Martha!

“Martha Raddatz already won this debate.” — lawyer and CNN Contributor Rachel Sklar.

“Can we have Martha do the debates at Hofstra and Boca, too?” — New York magazine’s John Heilemann.

“Hold Ryan’s feet to the fire Martha! That’s right!” — D.C. Councilman and former Mayor Marion Barry.

“Asking Martha Raddatz to moderate my Thanksgiving dinner.” — JRC’s Ryan Beckwith.

“Have we mentioned in the past 3 minutes what a great #VPdebate Martha Raddatz is running? Yep.” — Mother Jones.

“Martha Raddatz is doing a great job. Substantive and also maintaining control.” — NBC’s David Gregory.

“Holy smokes does @MarthaRaddatz know her facts or what?” — Photographer Lauren Burke.

Down with Martha!

It seems like whenever @PaulRyanVP is getting on a roll, Martha ‘Obama attended my wedding’ Raddatz cuts him off.” — The Daily Caller‘s Matthew Boyle, who added, “Martha ‘Obama attended my wedding’ Raddatz shouldn’t be allowed to moderate any more debates in future. She’s failed.”

“THE MARTHA AND JOE TAGTEAM INTERRUPTING RYAN.” — Conservative blogger Robert Stacy McCain.

“I’m sorry, after tonight I cannot support the Lehrer-Raddatz ticket.” — National Review‘s Jim Geraghty.

A compliment and an insult for Martha

“The thing about @MarthaRaddatz is she’s a reporter, not an anchor.” — Slate‘s Farhad Manjoo.

Debate fallout: Top Thoughts 

“Crossfire: VEEP edition.” — NYT‘s Nick Confessore.

“Old guys acting like a jerk ain’t cool. Think Romney’s jeans-wearing is also silly, for what it’s worth.” — Washington Examiner‘s Paul Bedard.

“Biden translation: I’ve been boys with Bibi since you were in diapers little buddy.” — CBS’s Kaylee Hartung.

“Biden is noticeably more loose. More folksy. Ryan has been solid..and his little interjection just now showed some life.” — NationalReviewOnline‘s Robert Costa.

“There is a real hair-product gap between the Obama-Biden and Romney-Ryan tickets.” — The New Yorker‘s Ryan Lizza.

“Biden is seriously annoying. Shut up dude.” — The Daily Caller‘s Paul Conner.

“Biden basically uncorking every line liberals wanted Obama to use.” — Slate‘s Dave Weigel.

“Fair to say Biden is speaking with details and Ryan in broad platitudes. Reflects their backgrounds on this subject matter.” — HuffPost‘s Sam Stein.

“This is better than Jerry Springer!” — Reason magazine’s Peter Suderman.

“I think Biden thinks he had his Lloyd Bentsen ‘you’re no Jack Kennedy’ moment with his “you’re kennedy now?” line. He didn’t.” — NationalReviewOnline‘s Jonah Goldberg.

“It is frightening right now how much Joe Biden reminds me of my dad (also from Scranton)” — NYT‘s Ashley Parker.

“Amazing Ryan is keeping his cool. I’m not onstage and Biden is starting to piss me off.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

“Biden is going full-Biden tonight.” — RealClearPolitics reporter Scott Conroy.

“Seriously, Biden is just schooling young Ryan…fun to watch tho” — Media Matters‘ Eric Boehlert.

“What’s weird: Biden a little too loose, Ryan a little too tight.” — WaPo‘s Chris Cillizza.

“Biden fueled up for debate last few days on M&Ms, animal crackers & Gatorade. Sugar high appeared to kick in around 8:59 ET”  — West Wing Report‘s Paul Brandus.

“You have to admit, Biden is on fire.” — UVA Political Science Prof Larry Sabato.

“The Biden smile. its like a thousand snarky hate daggers” — BuzzFeed Washington Bureau Chief John Stanton.

“I think they tightened @JoeBiden’s hair plugs a little too much tonight.” — TownHall‘s Derek Hunter.

“Biden has mastered the art of answering the subject (and not the question), which is very effective in debates.” — The Week.com‘s Marc Ambinder.

“I’m 47 and not rich. I’m going to need Social Security, fuckers.” — WashingtonStakeOut.com  blogger Sam Husseini, who is also Comm. Director for the Institute for Public Accuracy.

“This debate is terrible. It is not a matter of who wins. It is a matter of this is just the kind of politics people hate.” — GOP Pollster Dick Morris.

“How this debate differs from fish: It takes three days for a fish to start stinking.” — Reason magazine’s Nick Gillespie.

And now, Chris Cillizza for the Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

“The pumpkin spice latte is the Raul Ibanez of coffee drinks. It’s not always around but when it is, it’s very, very good.” — WaPo‘s Chris Cillizza.

Photo Credit: A parade of compliments poured in for the above Reuters photograph of Joe Biden and Paul Ryan. 

Quotes of the Day

“It’s so hard to talk these days.” — FNC’s Greta Van Susteren in reaction to V.P. Joe Biden‘s “gaffe” yesterday.

“He’s gotta recognize that he’s gonna be double teamed. Jim Lehrer is part of the cultural left so Mitt is going to have to communicate past Lehrer and past Obama to reach the American people.” — Fmr. Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich on FNC last night.

Not enough black journos on air tonight?

“@rolandsmartin we need a black room twitter debate team tonight since none of us will be on AIR–get some #WashingtonWatch peeps together.” — Preacher Sophia Nelson of theGrio.com, Essence and USA Today.

In the category of bright ideas…

“Today, I think I’ll work on a column giving Mitt Romney some advice because I want people to know how smart I am.” — DoubleThink‘s J.P. Freire.

Journo in-fighting between two guys named Alex

Salon‘s Alex Pareene: “I hope TheDC doesn’t uncover shocking video of me saying soda instead of pop on east coast.” The Daily Caller‘s Alex Pappas replied, “Don’t worry, no one cares about you.”

Speaking of that video…

• “Impressive in dumb-as-a-box-of-rocks category: Hannity calling non-news Obama ’07 Hampton video ‘a bombshell abt to be dropped’ on WH race” — CNBC and NYT‘s John Harwood.

• “If Obama haters think I’m going to expend a ton of energy on this issue, they are nuts. This amounts to nothing.” — CNN Contributor and Washington Watch host Roland Martin.

• “Oh lawd.. someone send me a link to TEH VIDEEOOHH!!” — Michelle Ray, Social Media Director at Conservative Daily News. It’s here.

• “Why are liberals so shocked that Fox News, Drudge, and Tucker Carlson practice racist demagoguery? Like being shocked sky is blue.” — David Zirin, Sports Editor at The Nation.

And Breitbart.com editor blesses Drudge, rips MSM

“Squirm, corrupt media, squirm! #GodBlessDrudge” — Breitbart.com’s John Nolte.

Mitt Romney’s Lunch: The Nasty Aftermath

“Can someone please interview the Chipotle worker? I can’t stop giggling. I want to know everything about him.” — National Journal’s Elahe Izadi.

“Romney’s Chipotle order: burrito bowl, pork, rice, black beans, guac, salsa (per pool report)” — HuffPost’s Amanda Terkel.

Important Q to Ponder: “Seriously, why the fuck are people tweeting Romney’s lunch? Who gives a shit?” — Daily Kos’ Markos Moulitsas.

“Per pool, Romney is having Chipotle for lunch. He and Sen. Portman both had pork burrito bowls with guacamole.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

Depression is…

“Sort of depressing to drive around KC and see a liquor store named after Harry Truman.” — Slate‘s Dave Weigel.

Optimism is…“We’re ALL gonna lose in Nov no matter who wins!” — Reason mag’s Nick Gillespie.

The Observer

“Oh good. HuffPost Live will also be live-streaming debates. This brings the total number of news outlets covering the debates to everyone.” — TVNewser‘s Alex Weprin.

Pet Peeves

“People who break embargoes, that’s that shit I don’t like.” — Wired‘s Spencer Ackerman.

Necessary Tweet of the Day

“Fuck man I totally feel for a free Southwest Airline ticket voucher spambot thing on facebook fuck fuck fuck.” — InTheseTimes labor journo Mike Elk.

Convo Between Two Journos: MEOW

The Daily Caller‘s TV reporter Jeff Poor writes, “Question: Why is @BuzzFeed working so hard to get to the smoking gun in this video? You guys can’t wait until 9 pm? Go have dinner… Relax.” To which Politico‘s Shermanator (Jake Sherman) replies, “Yep, you mustve. when someone says publicly they have something that will make news, if u dont chase it, u should find a new job.”

ABC’s Walter involuntary spams followers

“Hello Tweeps. I am not DMing you about some sort of “bad stuff” written about you. It’s spam/hacking.” — ABC’s Amy Walter.

Peter Ogburn and Eddie Scarry contributed to this report.

At most networks, the media relations team is hypervigilant (read: bordering on psychotic) about the pictures used to rep the talent. Let’s just say we may have once used a picture of CNN’s Wolf Blitzer with makeup pads over his eyes that nearly made the entire building blow up. At Current TV, however, the worse you look, the more glorious life appears to be. It’s like a contagion to find the conceivably assiest photograph for the daily email blast. We can see their internal meetings now in which they pass around goofball pictures and shoot milk and diet coke through their noses as they laugh and laugh. Whichever photograph leaves tears streaming down their faces wins.

In all seriousness, to promote its prime time lineup, Current’s obviously hilarious media relations team blasts video clips. Accompanying each clip is a brief on what happens in the video and a screen shot. Incidentally, the shots seem to capture the most unflattering moments for guests and hosts appearing on the liberal cable channel. To be sure, we’ve reached out to them for comment on the selection process that goes into choosing the stills.

But for now, we’ve rounded up the 14 best of the worst pictures from over the course a month. Enjoy!

Bridget McCormack, as seen on the Sept. 20th edition of The War Room, hosted by Jennifer Granholm. McCormack is the sister of actress Mary McCormack (West Wing) and is running for the Michigan Supreme Court. One question: Is she perfecting her frog impression?

UPDATE: The fine people at Current’s media relations department have responded to us in an “official statement.” They write: “Consider this an open invitation to appear on The Young Turks.  We’ll make sure to book Vogue’s retoucher for your appearance… We hear they work wonders. Best, the ‘hilarious’ Current media relations team.”

NBC’s Meredith Vieira, as seen on the Sept. 19th edition of Say Anything with Joy Behar. Meredith’s face does not do this in real life.

Bloomberg‘s Josh Barro (left) and The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball as seen on the Sept. 19th edition of Viewpoint, hosted by Eliot Spitzer, who has his eyes half closed. Maybe since he’s host they might have a alternative shot of him with his slits for eyes as wide open as they’ll go?

James Carter IV, President Jimmy Carter‘s grandson, as seen on the Sept. 18th edition of The Young Turks, hosted by Cenk Uygur. Carter is the researcher who helped uncover Mitt Romney‘s infamous “47 percent” video and here, he appears to be unsure that he’s on television, or on Earth for that matter.

Read more

 Quotes of the Day

“When did fact checking and journalism go their separate ways?” — Comedy Central Daily Show Host Jon Stewart to NBC Newsman Tom Brokaw, who appeared on the show last night. His reply: “Everything is so compressed, everything happens with warped speed.”

Speaking of fact checking…“Unfortunately when you look at some of the fact checking, they’re partisan, which is not what a fact check is supposed to be.” — FNC’s Steve Doocy on Wednesday morning. At which point Gretchen Carlson chimed in, “It’s kind of sad when you have to have a fact checker to check the fact checker to check the fact checker, but anyway…

Yeah, anyway, The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball gets snappy about facts, saying, “Why is everyone so sure facts don’t matter? Journo self-loathing? Or do we think voters are stupid & illiterate?”

From one reporter named “Ben” to another: Are we fighting?

“Top #DNC2012 moment: running into @BuzzFeedBen and having him ask: ‘Are we fighting about something on Twitter? I can’t remember.’ No!” — Politico‘s Ben White who is referencing BuzzFeed Political Editor Ben Smith.

Journo takes backhanded stab at the Romneys

“You know what this first lady knows nothing about? The price at the pump when you fill up a couple of Cadillacs.” — MSNBC’s Richard Wolffe.

An Important Q to Ponder: “Michelle has become a terrific speaker. But why should that matter — or whether Ann Romney loves her husband — in picking a president?” — Washington Pollster  Stu Rothenberg.

Reporters geek out on C-SPAN

“There is nothing better than the old convention clips playing on @cspan. Love hearing these old speeches.” — WaPo‘s Aaron Blake.

“C-SPANis running clips of past Democratic keynotes. Gotta say, I’m digging the trip down memory lane as #DNC12 is about to convene.” — Jennifer Dlouhy, energy reporter for The Houston Chronicle and Hearst Newspapers.

Rave Reviews for Michelle

“Michelle speech offers a devasting contrast of where the Obamas came from with Romney’s privilege without uttering one nasty word. #DNC2012″ — WaPo Columnist EJ Dionne.

“Will be surprised if Dems don’t switch to live video from White House of Pres Obama and daughters applauding FLOTUS speech.” — CBS White House Radio Correspondent Mark Knoller.

“Is it gauche to wonder why #FLOTUS beloved dad didn’t try riding #dressage to help alleviate his #MS symptoms? #justasking” — Editorial Promotions Manager at Chronicle of Higher Education‘s Amy Alexander.

“I’ve never heard such a well delivered speech by a first lady ever.” — CNN’s Anderson Cooper.

“Barack Obama always jokes that Michelle gives the better speech. I’m starting to think that’s actually true.” — WaPo‘s Ezra Klein.

“Notice how FLOTUS makes her strong points without raising her voice. Very effective. #dnc2012″ — Mother Jones D.C. Bureau Chief David Corn.

Oh no she didn’t! Jo Anne Reed (a.k.a. Mrs. Ralph Reed) kicks Obama to the curb during FLOTUS’ convention speech: “Michelle Obama loves her husband more today than four years ago…well at least someone does…we don’t!!”

Meanwhile…CNN’s Lisa Desjardins announces that FLOTUS’s pretty orange sleeveless frock was designed by Tracy Reese. And HollywoodLife.com Editor-in-Chief Bonnie Fuller puts in a giant plug for the First Lady’s well-toned arms: “Michelle Obama has set sleeveless trend 4 all of female newscasters.”

The Eyebrow Observer

“Tim Kaine’s eyebrow is out of control.” — The Daily Caller‘s Matt Lewis.

The Random But Nonetheless Poignant Observer

“I see both Malia and Sasha are rocking skinny jeans after 10pm.” — ABC7′s Jummy Olabanji.

Funky reporting admission

“A source told me tonight that he has ‘personal knowledge’ of everything he told me. That’s comforting.” — Politico‘s Jake Sherman.

Quotes of the Day

“The AIR CONDITIONED porta-potty at the CNN Grill #rnc2012” -- BuzzFeed‘s John Stanton. Really, double sinks?

If fat jokes offend you, don’t read this.

“Oh my god you guys, the FATTEST PERSON WE HAVE EVER SEEN just walked onto the stage. Ha ha ha! 10:36 — Did you see him walk on stage? Waddle waddle waddle, whee! 10:38 — Chris Christie’s parents were the poorest people who have ever lived. Mom took 64 buses to work, and made no money, ever… 10:40 — When is he going to smash an ice cream cone in some joe’s face on the boardwalk? 10:41 — Liquified ham sandwiches are being sent up his butt via a reverse-enema, every three seconds. This could backfire quite literally!” — Jim Newell for Wonkette. See the full live blog for evening.

Other Christie commentary…

“People are talking about Christie not mentioning Romney like it was an oversight. Pretty sure these speeches are written in advance.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

“SPOTTED: @DanaBashCNN on the massive screen onstage beside Chris Christie.” — ABC’s Jonathan Karl. We’re pretty sure this isn’t a fat joke.

“Hoping that by speech’s end, Christie will have taken off his suit coat, dress shirt and tie, revealing only a sauced stained wife beater.” — Clear Channel’s Colby Hall, who can’t resist.

“I would say I love this speech, but I guess I just respect it.” — Reasons‘ Peter Suderman mocking Christie for saying he prefers respect to love.

The Complainers: “Whatever is being projected on the screen behind Gov. Chris Christie is vertigo-inducing.” — Marketplace’s David Gura. And Ezzy on acid: “Feel like the blue mist swirling behind Chris Christie is about to coalesce into a Genie.” — WaPo‘s Ezra Klein.

Reporters drool over N.C. Gov. Nikki Haley

“Ooo. I like Nikki Haley’s necklace a lot.” — HuffPost‘s Amanda Terkel. Terkel also gushes, “Nikki Haley’s suit is fantastic too.” And our own Eddie Scarry has an unusual “How Can I Make This About Me” moment last night, writing, “I remember seeing Gov. Nikki Haley come speak to auditorium at my school when she was a candidate. Maybe 15 people showed up.”

As compassionate as it gets.

“Reasons NOT to stay at the office during evening newscasts. The cleaning crew vacuums without any clue that they’re disrupting work.” — the ever compassionate conservative Tim Graham of Media Research Center last night at 7:19 p.m. Graham occasionally tweets (or toots) about passing gas.

Meanwhile, journos, others melt for Ann Romney.

“Only flaw of this speech: We may have nominated the wrong Romney.” — National Review‘s Jim Geraghty.

“Wow, Ann is looking gorgeous.” — Heritage Foundry writer Lachlan Markay.

“Honestly, Ann Romney looks stunning.” — Eddie Scarry. (Eddie, are you okay?)

“Now some ground rules ya’ll this is a nice lady, and she has MS. No mean jokes or Ima have to wreck you on Twitter.” — Sophia Nelson, a columnist who writes for USA Today, Essence and theGrio.com.

“There’s something sort of Hollywood about Ann Romney.” — LAT‘s David Horsey.

“Democrats are watching Ann Romney and slowly dying inside. Heh heh heh.” — Breitbart.com editor John Nolte.

“I find it very refreshing to hear from a prez candidate’s wife who isn’t badmouthing her hubby publicly all the time.” — Conservative author Michelle Malkin.

“Ann Romney tonight: gracious, intelligent, kind, firm, truthful, incisive. A home run. Juan Williams — what an embarrassment for FOX.” — Americans for Prosperity Prez Tim Phillips.

“Ann Romney will play huge. Ameica [sic] loves her.” — Conservative radio host Laura Ingraham, who meant to write “America.”

“Ann Romney delivers the best speech of the night so far.” — WaPo‘s Jonathan Capehart.

The Anti-Ann Dissenters

“Am I the only one who thinks Ann Romney is a little too cheerful talking about all these sad people?” — HuffPost‘s Christina Wilkie.

“Dude this speech by Ann Romney is kinda creepy…” — InTheseTimes.com Labor journo Mike Elk.

“Ann Romney is so polished that I am actually afraid of her.” — Colby Hall.

“Nancy Reagan red. What a fashion shocker.” — Baron‘s James McTague.

“I believe Ann Romney’s outfit is Sudafed red.” — HuffPost‘s Elise Foley.

And another thing, boogers?

“This host is arguably the least funny human I’ve met. He’s telling booger jokes. BOOGER JOKES.” — BuzzFeed Washington Bureau Chief John Stanton on a comedy show at the GOP National Convention. Stanton also observed National Journal‘s funnyman Matt Cooper doing standup: “Matt Cooper now telling Chris Christie jokes. Cause they’re both fat. And no I’m not joking.”

Journo endures snoring neighbor

“Dispatch from Clearwater: I am awake at this hour because I can actually hear the snoring from the room next door to me. #paperthinwalls” — TPM‘s Erin McPike at 3:16 a.m.

Meanwhile, another scribe is knee deep in chicken fingers

“Admire reporters who are on trail full-time & don’t keel over. 2 days in, I’m a pile of chicken finger baskets & Coke cans.” — HotAir’s Mary Katharine Ham.

File this under life’s little F.U.’s

“I should have more followers than Luke Russert.” — Comedian Joe Mande. The tally: Mande has 43, 489; Russert clobbers him at 105,988.

Peter Ogburn and Eddie Scarry Contributed to this report.

Quotes of the Day

You’ve been warned.

“I swear if Pepco hits us with a rolling brown out I’m marching on Potomac and lighting every rich person I find on fire. Fair warning.” — Soon to be Buzzfeed Washington Editor John Stanton, who, if played by Tom Hanks might look like this.

TV journo in heat

“Have no a.c. and two HOT dogs! and I don’t have a drop of chilled Sauvignon Blanc in the house. THAT IS STRESS!” — ABC7′s ever dramatic Stephen Tschida. That same day he wrote, “In a house built in 1870 with no air conditioning. I truly am a HOT MESS!”

TWTer gets the Rachel

“Just realized why my new haircut seems so familiar. I think my stylist gave me ‘the Rachel.’ gasp.” — TWT‘s Anneke Green.

Priorities.

“Fresh round of accidental unfollows. If I victimized you with one, sorry! Happy Sunday.” — Politico‘s Ben White.

“You think you’ve got problems? Just realized forgot to bring yoga clothes to Aspen.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

Luke Russert weighs in on impending Tom-Kat divorce

“Katie Holmes to me will forever just be a sweet #Catholic girl from Toledo. I blocked out the last 5 years.” — NBC’s Luke Russert.

Weather woes

• “Still no power, but the basement was nice and cool so I sept well. The prospect of not having power for a week is no fun.”– NBC Washington’s Jim Long.

“I won’t say being without power all yesterday was great, but being off the electronic leash wasn’t entirely awful, either.” — Center for American Progress’ Matt Duss.

• “Filling up at swamped gas station had a Lord of the Flies feeling. Woman got out of her car and screamed at guy who cut in line.” — Roll Call‘s Steven Dennis.

“It’s like someone played ‘he loves me, he loves me not’ with power outages in #Alexandria.” — WaPo Express‘ Sara Schwartz.

• “Air conditioning is out at the gym. I have always wanted to try hot yoga….here is my chance.” — CNN’s Jen Scoggins.

“Clearing storm debris from my yard has caused a perspiratory event of mythic proportions.” — National Review‘s Jonah Goldberg.

• “In case yall were wondering, @DailyCaller data center got hit by storm. We’re working as fast as we can to get it back up.” — The Daily Caller‘s Matthew Boyle plays spokesman over the weekend.

“In her book @AliEWentworth says to straight to the Four Seasons during disasters. I have power but I still want room service.” — Publicist Courtney Cohen, former producer for ABC’s “This Week.”

• “Would not be surprised to come home to find my cat doing the backstroke in the toilet for relief. Poor thing. Come on, power!” — Conservative journo Mary Katharine Ham.

“Why have we lost our electricity in #Bethesda 30 hours AFTER the big storm? (So much ice cream, so little time.” — WaPo Book World Editor Ron Charles.

• “At 6pm there is a 95% chance of more T-storms in #DTSS #SilverSpring – tie up those tomatoes!” — Kathy Jentz, Editor of Washington Gardener Magazine.

“Big storms in dc! Wow – apparently -80 mph winds clocked. Listening for a freight train sound to grab the kids and head to the basement.” — FNC’s Bret Baier.

• “Holy shit. Biggest storm I’ve ever seen. Trees down, power out, huddled in the basement. Scary. #Bethesda” — Brett Haber. You lost us at Bethesda, Brett.

(Photo credit above left storm picture: CBSNews.com.)

Luke invites Chuck over for a swim

“Hey @chucktodd go take the guest room at @LukeRsmom house. AC working. Kids welcome. Pool open till 10.” — NBC’s Russert to his colleague Chuck Todd.

Meanwhile…Politico‘s Shermanator Jake Sherman spent the weekend — where else? — at a Phish concert near Milwaukee: “Midwest phish. Alpine valley.”

How to Make It All About Me

“This is how I work with no power. This storm is freaking me out.” — The Daily Caller‘s Michelle Fields.

“Though I ended keeping from puking reading #FASTANDFURIOUS coverup plan docs, I was screaming through newsroom. Sickening people.” — The Daily Caller‘s Boyle.

Thanks for the memories…

“Remember showing @SavannahGuthrie around DC bureau on one of her 1st days @NBCNews and now she’s a Today Show anchor! BIG congrats!!” — CBS’s Christine Delargy.

Grief porn…“So sad to hear about Nora Ephron. I had a few meals with her and she was as great as I imagined her to be.” — NJ‘s Matt Cooper. Cooper’s not alone. “I sat next to Nora Ephron at dinner just a month ago. She was funny, charming, & full of life. A light went out tonight. RIP, Nora.” — MSNBC’s Willie Geist. And this: “I got to cook for Nora Ephron once. Man, it made me scared.” — NYT National Editor Sam Sifton, who wrote this piece about making meatloaf for Ephron in 2009.

WaPo finally has good excuse for techno difficulties

“Send us your storm photos — we would’ve asked sooner, but storm knocked this feature offline.” — WaPo, which shockingly had online difficulties during the hurricane storm that hit D.C. this weekend. Who would believe WaPo would otherwise have web issues?

Howeesha flees Washington

“Leaving DC’s #stormageddon for the city that never sleeps…and hopefully has power to boot. DC –> NYC” — The Hill‘s gossip columnist Howeesha Kurtz (a.k.a. Judy Kurtz, daughter of you know who.)

Amtrak Complaint Desk

“Y didn’t @Amtrak alert passengers to issues B4 we boarded? Train 99 said all on time when left NYC, but tracks were still closed.” — founder of the political blog PunditMom  Joanne Bamberger, who contributes to Politico‘s Arena section.

“For the record, not traveling this weekend,” wrote avid traveler complainer Steve Buttry, noting that Amtrak declared Philly and D.C. service suspended due to weather. Buttry is the Community Engagement Director for Digital First Media.

A Happy Birthday to WaPo‘s Jonathan Capehart. They sung to him during his appearance on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” just before he weighed in on Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise‘s marriage troubles, saying he felt the marriage was a five-year contract. “She decided five years, I have an option to get out, I’m getting out!”

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

Quotes of the Day

Incest Desk: On Sunday Politico‘s Senior Political Reporter Jonathan Martin appeared on NBC’s “Meet the Press” as part of the roundtable. The uncomfortably cozy part is that the executive producer is his wife, Betsy Fischer Martin. On a scale of 1 to 10 we give it a 8. The rap on Martin from bookers is he has shown up late to TV interviews and sometimes misses them entirely, so in some cases has fallen out of favor. But not with MTP.

Press Sec. makes plea for patience

“I have almost 5,000 unopened emails. Please bear with me.” — Becca Glover, Press Secretary for Chairman Darrell Issa‘s House Oversight Committee.

Sports bra/spandex spotted in Capitol basement

“Overseen in Capitol basement: Woman wearing a sports bra and spandex shorts. Really? During votes w/ senators coming and going, no less.” — NJ‘s Amy Harder.

Journo employs devious tactic

“I’m too bored to disagree with you, so I’m going to let you win the argument so easily it will be totally unsatisfying.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

Reporter feels left out in the cold

“Am I the only journalist who did not watch #TheNewsroom last night?” — HuffPost‘s Sabrina Siddiqui.

Scribes cope with D.C. traffic

“On Sherman Ave, that scene out off Planes, Trains &Autos – ‘YOU’RE GOING THE WRONG WAY!’” — The Washington Examiner‘s David Freddoso.

“Note to self: it’s impossible to overestimate traffic in DC or to underestimate how drivers handle it. #WhyDidITake9thStreetTunnel??” — CNN radio reporter Lisa Desjardins.

Spotted: FNC’s Bret Baier Either slowly jogging or quickly walking with a stroller on Foxhall Road. He was wearing an Under Armour type shirt, pushing a stroller and looking chunkier than he does on TV. — Peter Ogburn

Consultant sees positives in travel snafu

“My LAX Virgin flight is an hour delayed. But LSG SkyChef guy just loaded the galley with the speed of a NASCAR pit crew. Impressive.” — GOP Consultant Mike Murphy.

Quotes of the Day

“The Oval Office at night” — by West Wing Reports. (@WestWingReport)

Reporter doubles down on double down usage

“Not long ago, the vast majority of all ‘doubled down’ usages were in baseball stories–til it became an abused Washington political cliche.” — WSJ‘s Neil King.

Vocabulary overload

“Used the word ‘miasmic’ on the radio this morning. Taking the rest of the day off.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball. Definition from The Free Dictionary: “a noxious atmosphere or influence.”

Dicking Around

“When a person extends himself to another in a trusting way.. makes her less likely to hold back & less likely to cheat.” — CBS Political Director and Slate‘s John Dickerson, who links to this piece on the science behind cheating, cruelty and greediness and other issues of morality.

Begala bashes the predictors

“Since some idiot predicts a brokered convention every cycle and it never happens, let me predict one for 2016 and get it out of our system.” — CNN Democratic pundit Paul Begala.

Publicist wants to cool off turned on computer

“Can someone make a computer that COOLS OFF when (overly) turned on? My lap and I would BUY THAT.” — Rachel Cothran, a publicist who also writes the ProjectBeltway fashion blog.

Words to live by…

“There are big ships and small ships. But the best ship of all is friendship.” — Sophia Nelson, who is increasingly become one of my favorite Fishbowl characters. It’s like she’s the anti-Washington, swooping in to vaccinate everyone.