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.

Quotes of the Day

Uh oh.

“If you receive an Edible Arrangement & 4 mylar Happy Birthday balloons in DC today, your bike messenger just got in a fight w my cabdriver.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

More ragging on Washington

“There is too much wrong with Washington to say ‘So and so represents everything that’s wrong with Washington.’ But it’s Lanny Davis.” — Former Obama speechwriter and The Atlantic‘s Jon Lovett. Davis is former special counsel to President Clinton. He’s a lawyer and TV commentator.

Bumpy ride followed by brisket

“AF1 was wheels up in Denver at 5:09 p.m. local time (7:09 p.m. DC time). The first 15 minutes or so were unusually bumpy, throwing folks around before settling down in time for the beef brisket on Texas toast.” — NYT‘s Peter Baker in a late-night White House Pool Report.

Headline that should make you squirm: “Woman charged with putting menstrual blood in boss’s coffee.” If you must read the story see here. The lede is wonderfully appropriate: “This is not the best part of waking up.” In a strange twist, the story reports that in certain cultures this is a ritual that promotes sexual connection. Yikes.

TV reporter gets cheeks question

“Working in TV gets you questions. stranger asked if I had cheek implants. said no moved on. now wonder… which cheeks we talking about?” — ABC7′s always dramatic reporter Stephen Tschida.

Alec Baldwin wonders about Breitbart’s death

“I asked what killed Breitbart. And all your RW zombies say I ‘mock his death.’ I’m glad these people are a fringe few. Sad.” — Alec Baldwin. To one detractor he replied, “Will, you fool. No one is mocking anyone’s death. What killed Breitbart is the question.”

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

Quotes of the Day

Hey Boybander: Go on vacation already goddamn you!

“Well, @United 1736 into IAH is delayed. Someone better make sure @United 53 is held so I don’t miss my honeymoon transfer.” — Slate economics reporter Matt Yglesias, who is apparently going to annoyingly tweet his entire “vacation.” Over the weekend, he tweeted nonstop in Buenos Aires. His poor bride.  He even felt the need to tweet this: “Vacation day! Step one: coffee. Step two: figure out how to set out-of-office email mess.” This was probably the worst of it: “BREAKING: They have really good steak in Argentina.”

Schieffer’s ultra-polite farewell

“Mr. Basham, I want to thank you for coming on. I wish it could have been under different circumstances, but perhaps there will be time down the road when we’ll have happier things to talk about.” — CBS Face the Nation host Bob Schieffer to former Secret Service Director Ralph Basham on Sunday’s program.

NYT reporter razzes HuffPost

“HuffPost Hill chasing greatness.HAPPY BP OIL SPILL ANNIVERSARY(?) It’s been 2 years since Unbridled Capitalism vomited in the Gulf of Mexico.” — NYT‘s Mark Leibovich, whose Twitter presence has been picking up as of late.

Reporter wants washer/dryer advice

“Anyone have stackable washer/dryers they particularly like or loathe?” — Politico‘s Reid Epstein. FBDC’s Peter Ogburn asks, “WTF is this, ‘This Old House’ or Twitter?” Meanwhile, we still want to know how the week-old new home owner injured himself and wound up in the ER. Anyone with information on this urgent matter please email us at FishbowlDC@mediabistro.com or Betsy@mediabistro.com.

Bathroom trick

“Am I the only one who pretends to talk on my cell before patronizing a restroom at a bar/restaurant where I’m not actually a patron?” — RealClearPolitics‘ Scott Conroy.

Writing trick

“A good way to increase suspense in your writing is to change all instances of ‘obviously’ to ‘ominously.’” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

Breitbart Editor gets pretty personal

“Don’t tell the wife but intentionally mispronounce Spanish words cuz it’s kinda sexy when she corrects me.” — Breitbart.com’s John Nolte, Editor-in-Chief of Big Hollywood.

A Question to Ponder…“Is saying you’ve endorsed Mitt Romney on a Sunday talk show different from a ‘formal endorsement’?” — Roll Call‘s Ryan Teague Beckwith in reference to Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) on ABC’s “This Week.”

Journo is anti-Earth Day

“Don’t forget to take an extraaaaaaa longgggggg shower today! #EarthDay.” — Ex-Human Events reporter Jason Mattera.

Spotted: Politico‘s Jedd Rosche eating a box of fried chicken strips outside a bar on U St. Friday night. The bar wouldn’t allow him to enter with his meal.

Barfworthy: “I was moved by this video, as I’m sure you all will be, as we think of our own mothers and what they have done for us.” — Ann Romney this weekend in her 11th tweet, otherwise known as Milking the Mom Issue Expedition stemming from RosenGate, which she called an “early birthday present.” Watch the video here.

Eddie Scarry and Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

Just in time for her upcoming appearance in Washington, The Guardian‘s Ana Marie Cox has a new tattoo on her arm. She described it “brand new” and “not subtle” and something “that took a long time to do.” After Wired‘s Spencer Ackerman asked if it was on her lower back, she joked that it was Calvin peeing on the Chinese word for strength – with a rainbow. Then she posted a picture of what is presumably her arm on her space in her Posterous account. Guess she’s feeling patriotic?

On May 1 Cox, who left D.C. last summer, will appear on a panel for an event called “An Evening With the Guardian.” The panel will convene for cocktails at the Longview Gallery in northwest D.C. and will include The Raben Group’s Jamal Simmons, Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Josh Trevino, BuzzFeed and Rolling Stone‘s Michael Hastings, The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball and The Guardian‘s Gary Younge.

The panel will discuss “Post-Truth Politics” and the Media’s Role. The hosts are Janine Gibson, Editor-in-Chief of Guardian US and Alan Rusbridger, Editor-in-Chief of Guardian News & Media.

Post event there will be drinks and hors d’oeuvres.

See the invitation…

Read more

Quotes of the Day

“Senator, the pornographic material has been removed from your desk.” — the note that “Veep” actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus said she left in Sen. Al Franken‘s (D-Minn.) desk on the Senate floor. She broke the news to Jon Stewart on The Daily Show last night.

Perino’s mesmerizing Pack

“The shiny backpack is memorizing [sic] to airport security. Looks great on he X-ray belt.” — Fox News Contributor Dana Perino. We’re pretty sure she meant mesmerizing. As some readers know, we’ve been having some fun with Perino’s sequined backpack this week after FNC’s Greg Gutfeld razzed her about it.

Yeah sure, Eddie

“Guy on bike actually hit me as I was running but my spidey senses kicked in and I was able to minimize the damage to my spinal cord.” — FBDC and The Blaze’s very imaginative Eddie Scarry. We’ll check for bruises later to make sure he’s okay.

Journo gets delayed by buggy, bonnet wearing woman

“Why yes, I did get delayed en route to Lancaster, PA, when I got stuck behind a horse-drawn buggy driven by a woman in a bonnet. America!” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

Leibo’s words of wisdom: ‘”Cartagena could be buzzword for wild behavior in political-roadtrip context. Usage: ‘The staff went all Cartagena at the victory party.’” — NYT’s Mark Leibovich.

Those were the days…

“Just reminiscing that when I covered the Clinton White House, it was the Secret Service that was embarassed [sic] by the president. Times change.” — CNBC’s Eamon Javers referring to members of the Secret Service purchasing prostitutes in Colombia.

Dolly Parton has a fan in the Washington Press Corps

“I’m never going to be a Meryl Streep. But then, she’ll never be a Dolly Parton either. Be true to you! ” — Dolly Parton. This was retweeted by Newsweek senior reporter Daniel Stone. The Hill‘s Amie Parnes then weighed in, saying, “I love that you RTed that.” Stone then felt compelled to reply: “Yep. Anyone who would apologize for RTing @Dolly_Parton aint a real fan.”

Juana attends ‘Nerd Happy Hour’

“Epitome of #nerdhappyhour w/ @ZekeJMiller, @evanmc_s and @ethanklapper.” — Politico‘s Juana Summers. As most know, Zeke Miller works for BuzzFeed, Evan McMorris Santoro for TPM and Ethan Klapper is at HuffPost.

Yesha on the phone

“My friend on the phone, ‘I’ve had sex with 3 women’..umm…thanks for that info…you’re not my type…she’s ridiculous.” — D.C. web designer and blogger Yesha Callahan, who later added, “She’s such a weirdo.”

By the way…HuffPost‘s David Wood, who won a Pulitzer, has a fan at Politico. It’s his wife, Assistant Managing Editor Beth Frerking.

Cryptic Convo Between Two Journos

Politico‘s Jonathan Martin to no one in particular: “Why won’t xxx apologize to xxx for xxx.” And this: “Xxx is saying xxx bc they don’t want to talk about xxx.”

Leibovich to Martin: “It’s a sign of desperation.”

Martin: “Mark Leibovich, it’s sad that xxx is turning to desperate negative attacks…’sad’ is good. ‘disappointing’ my fave. ‘unfortunate’ not bad.”

Leibovich: “Jonathan Martin, I’m finding all of this deeply troubling. I’m desperate to change the subject.”

Fish Poll Results: Yesterday we asked what you thought of DNC Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz‘s (D-Fla.) new hairstyle and color. Most of you like it. In fact, 60.23 percent chose “Love it. She looks good with straight hair.” A reader named “Gussley” wrote in the Comment Section, “Hair, like chests, should be neither too big or totally flat on a woman.”

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

Feeling lonely and pathetic? Blame Facebook.

The Atlantic‘s second annual Culture Issue is out today and the cover story, by Stephen Marche, explores the affects social media like Twitter and Facebook are having on the mental and physical health of individuals as well as their impact on society. New research suggests these mediums, despite enhancing connectivity, are driving people toward narcissism and loneliness.

Also in the magazine:

• “American Mozart: The Genius of Kanye West,” by David Samuels– This one’s a goodie. At a recent fundraiser in New York City, President Barack Obama is asked to pick between rappers Jay-Z and Kanye West. He picks Jay-Z and says this of West: “He is a jackass. But he’s talented.”
• “How to Make a Hollywood Hit,” by Nicole Allan– An inside look at the “strategic ‘rules’ that Hollywood is following to appeal to the largest audience worldwide.”)
• “The Tea Party Takes Japan,” by Molly Ball– Seriously, there’s a small group trying to make the Tea Party happen in Japan.

Quotes of the Day

Ouch!

HBO comedian Bill Maher performing last night at Rockville, Md.’s Strathmore auditorium: “To me, John Boehner feels female. He wears a lot of bronzer and cries a lot. I need to see his d!@k. The short form.” (Maher in a riff on Republicans saying President Obama feels foreign.) More on the show later…

George preps for Katie

“Hey @katiecouric, George is getting ready for you! He’s doing push-ups, wearing an algae face mask and getting a pedicure! #GMA” — Ali Wentworth, author of the new memoir Ali in Wonderland, comedian and wife of ABC “This Week” and GMA host George Stephanopoulos.

WTF: Reporter did what?

“Fed a dachshund some bear meat. Enjoy little dog. That would never happen in the wild.” — Politico White House reporter Byron Tau. In June of 2011, Tau’s affinity for dogs was questioned when he cracked on Washingtonian for their “hard hitting” story on Beagles. But Tau’s innocence was proven. See here.

Procession of TV losers

“Current TV replaces Keith Olbermann with Eliot Spitzer. Who’s next, John Edwards?” — TWT Senior Opinion Writer Emily Miller.

The Media Observer

“Between Grassley vs. History Channel and Chambliss vs. C-SPAN, Republicans have chosen some odd parts of the media to be mad at.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

April Fools’ Tentativeness

“When deciding to go with the fake news story for April Fool’s Day, never forget the audience’s capacity not to grasp comedy.” — Mark Joyella, Digital Producer for CNN’s Erin Burnett‘s Out Front.

“Always trying to remember: completely ridiculous things I hear on 4/1 prolly aren’t true #winning.” – TPM founder and Editor Josh Marshall, who prolly should use the word “probably” if he doesn’t want to sound like he’s from Hee Haw.

“The funniest part about April Fools’ Day to me every year? The constant misspelling of the actual title.” — WaPo Express‘ Clinton Yates.

Sightings: On Friday night, Townhall.com’s Kevin Glass was spotted enjoying a beer with a  friend at Millie & Al’s bar on 18th Street. On Saturday night Politico‘s Jedd Rosche was spotted at a college-themed party near U Street.

WaPo Gene Weingarten’s ingenious idea

“Twitter should offer a 20-second ‘undo’ option. A cooling-off period for drunks and hotheads.” — WaPo humor columnist Gene Weingarten, who can be quite the bitch on Twitter and over email.

Is bacon really good with everything?

“I was kinda expecting the @FreeBeacon to change its name to the Free Bacon and write stories about bacon and how CAP uses ‘Bacon-first’” — Matt DeLuca, Communications Strategist for New Media Strategies.

Journo consumes heart attack-worthy cuisine

“Just perpetrated a High-larious April Fools on my heart: wolfed down a bubbling crock of jalapeno-laced cheeseburger dip #coronaryhereIcome” — Roll Call HOH’s Warren Rojas.

Journo Love

“Jake Tapper with striped suit, haircut and oh, yeah, real talent does a great job anchoring the ABC World News” — Politico‘s Roger Simon.

Peter Ogburn and Eddie Scarry contributed to this report.

In an entertaining clip, NJ‘s Major Garrett and The Atlantic’s Molly Ball reminisce about their experiences as reporters on the Vegas strip long before covering this presidential election. They didn’t live and work there simultaneously. Major spoke of his big (and only) win playing the slots alongside his sister. Molly shared stories of a memorable character, a former mayor, who walked around with a showgirl on each arm.

Quotes of the Day

Journos ding victory night music

“Did not anticipate I would be in a sweaty ballroom full of Republicans rocking out to ‘Pump Up the Jam’ tonight. Life is full of surprises.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

“Music at Gingrich party is essentially a Casey Kasem grab bag from 1992 (i.e. atrocious)” — CNN’s Peter Hamby.

“Gingrich event a sauna cum mosh pit Must be 400+ people crammed into this small event room at Hilton #scprimary” –  Mail Online‘s U.S. Exec. Editor Toby Harnden.

Radio host blames dreams on Buffy

“Alarm went off this am, reached over to turn it off, and said calmly, ‘Well, clearly she’s possessed.’ #weirddreams #watchingtoomuchbuffy” — WMAL’s and Daily Caller‘s Mary Katharine Ham.

Whoops!

“With me are two experts, the co authors of Game Change…TIME‘s Mark Halperin and New York Magazine’s John Halperin.” — MSNBC’s Chris Matthews on Saturday night. John’s surname is Heilemann.

Reporter calls out the pundits

“Pretty much every pundit + journo in America has said Romney certainly will be nominee. Will the whole lot of ‘em reverse course tomorrow?” — RealClearPolitics’ Erin McPike.

Irony…“Newt, humbled by tonight’s results, is now explaining how stupid everyone in Washington is.” — National Review Online‘s Jim Geraghty.

Bold admission

“Ok, i’m done for the evening RT’ing about things I have no firsthand knowledge of.” — NBC Washington cameraman Jim Long.

Another reason for Newt to hate the media

“Odd delay. Newt announced, then…..nothin” — PBS’s Gwen Ifill.

“Even in victory, Newt can’t help but be a gigantic dick.” — NYT Magazine Contributing Writer and Men’s Journal Contributing Editor Stephen Rodrick.

NBC’s ‘MTP’ can’t be psyched about this…

MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell‘s advice for Newt on the eve of his Sunday “MTP” appearance: “I would cancel Meet the Press immediately.” The Rev. Al Sharpton: “I think he will blow it in the one-on-one interview.”

Quotes of the Day

Journo love

“Alex Burns. Maggie Haberman. We love you both.” — MSNBC’s Alex Witt on Sunday afternoon to guests of the program Politico‘s Burns and Haberman.

Is Jason Linkins a 13-year-old with a drinking problem?

“Damn it! I promised myself that my ‘work bourbon’ would last until the New Hampshire primary was over.” — HuffPost‘s left-wing media reporter Jason Linkins spent the weekend trying to be Hunter S. Thompson and failing miserably. On Sunday morning he adds, “The winner of this debate is vodka.” Still later he says simply, “Drink” and links to a music video. 

Huntman’s Mandarin falls flat

“I was in the press room, actually, last night during that debate and the press kind of erupted into laughter at that so I’m not sure that moment went over very well.” — RealClearPolitics‘ Erin McPike on MSNBC Sunday afternoon in response to a question on Jon Huntsman‘s use of Mandarin in Saturday night’s debate.

Melinda tires of the ass kissing

“Is Chris Matthews thinking David Gregory will be his boss someday? Enough, already…” — WaPo‘s Melinda Henneberger.

HuffPost reporter gets shout-out from Eva Longoria

“Eva Longoria just retweeted me. I mean, that’s cool.” — HuffPost‘s Jennifer Bendery.

Bad form: Reporter RT’s himself

“RT @MikViq: Basically, Romney is saying that IF he could correct the SuperPAC ads he would, but since he hardly knows these people, he can’t.” — NBC’s Michael Viqueira. To be fair, Viqueira is not a serial self RTer. This is the first act of this nature that we’ve seen from him. But why do this ever?

JMart pricks Newt, Pinocchio and WaPo

“Love that Newt is still turning to washpost Pinnochios [sic] as pushback. Plays well in Laconia.” — Politico‘s Jonathan Martin.

Muffin metaphors

“Ever since Peggy Noonan called Newt Gingrich ‘an angry little attack muffin’ all I see is a screaming blueberry muffin when he talks…” — MSNBC Contributor and Daily Beast Columnist Meghan McCain.

WaPo‘s conservative issues blogger Jennifer Rubin assesses the weekend: “Loser: Diane Sawyer winner: people who can’t stand Huntsman.. he’ll be gone soon.”

Reality Show Confessional

“I miss Herman and Michelle.” — WaPo‘s Dana Milbank.

Ball puts debate moderator’s hair on notice

“John DiStaso wins Best Early-State Mullet category.” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball of the Union Leader reporter who helped moderate the NBC debate Sunday morning. And FNC “Redeye” host Greg Gutfeld suggests this: “After debate, David Gregory’s hair is having brunch with John Huntsman’s hair.”

Sick designer on the loose

“Throat hurts + fever + headache + congestion = me today #justshootme.” — Washington Business Journal Designer Timothy Wong. (This was Sunday; hopefully he’s on the mend today.)

Erick Erickson issues “apology” to ABC

“Dear ABC News, I was wrong. You set the bar for stupid so high in last night’s debate even NBC did better than you.” — RedState.com’s Editor-in-Chief and CNN Contributor Erick Erickson.

Headline on a story by CBS Political Director John Dickerson on Slate: My Baloney Has a First Name, It’s M-I-T-T

Weekend drive-thru

“Wendy’s drive-thru in Vienna, VA. Apparently, tonight, this is how I roll. #suburbanadventures #withajrbaconcheeseburger” — Capitol File Editor-in-Chief Kate Bennett.

Rules and more rules

“Just announced in press file ‘we have a little bit of security issue outside.’ Taking folks over to the spin room in groups of 10. Really?” — Reuters‘ Sam Youngman in New Hampshire.