Quotes of the Day

“It’s all about willpower. … I became a vegetarian. I started working out.” — MSNBC’s Al Sharpton last night on how he shed pounds to Ed Schultz. Schultz began the segment on New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie‘s weight issue by telling Sharpton, “You used to be one big dude.”

Writer has “terrifying flashbacks”

“Watching the Buick commercial where the dance instructor pairs the tallest girl with the shortest boy is giving me terrifying flashbacks.” — Megan McArdle, special correspondent for Newsweek/The Daily Beast.

Scarred for life?

“No breast slips…no nipples, no thongs. They’re keeping it clean.”– NYT Communications Asst. Jordan Cohen‘s mom to Jordan regarding the Grammys.

The self-aware blogger 

“I have been venting in about 6 people’s text messages today. I need to sit down and woosah.” — Javonni Brustow, blogger.

TV reporter finds his inner Britney Spears

“Close call at gym. Britney’s ‘Gimme More’ came on. Started shimmying my shoulders. Caught myself before anyone noticed, I, I think.” — ABC7 reporter Stephen Tschida.

Politico reporter gets in Jose Canseco’s virtual grill

Jose Canseco: “Your value is not how good you are it is how you make others better.”

Jake Sherman, Politico: “Is this why you deceived mlb by doing steroids?”

Shhh cabbie!

“I am not in the mood, talkative cab driver.” — The Daily Caller Taylor Bigler.

The Piers & Dana Show and meet the new members of the FishbowlDC Fan Club Board. Read more

Quotes of the Day

WISH YOU LIVED HERE? “My view while riding the Bay Trail today.” — Markos Moulitsas, editor of Daily Kos, who lives in Berkeley, Calif. and is a weekly columnist for The Hill.

“Because I was wrong at the top of the lungs,” — GOP Pollster and Pundit Dick Morris‘s explanation for why he was canned by Fox News, as told to CNN’s Piers Morgan last night.

Journo Love

“I am always in awe of the gorgeous & talented [PBS Political Director Christina Bellantoni] @cbellantoni, looking ravishing in blue tonight as a co-host of this Congressional dinner.” — Roll Call‘s Meredith Shiner. The Washington Press Club Foundation Dinner was held last night. CBS Chief White House Correspondent Major Garrett was the emcee.

“Politico girls wear color.” — Politico‘s Ginger Gibson, who appeared in the above photograph with her coworkers Rachel Bade (center) and Juana Summers (right) at the Washington Press Club Foundation Dinner.

Ouch!

“Would have been far more fun to have actual polling experts make fun of Dick Morris instead of someone who clearly knows nothing. #thisisCNN” — Media Matters’ Justin Whitehouse, reacting to Morris’ appearance last night on CNN.

And now, a little praise for Piers

“Thanks to @piersmorgan for broadcasting my tweet: ‘If Dick Morris can be fired for being wrong and dumb, that means no pundit is safe.’” — Politico‘s Roger Simon.

The roller coaster continues…

“You’re all part of the problem, people tweeting about Dick Morris. Just know that.” — Logan Dobson, research analyst, The Tarrance Group, a GOP polling firm.

“Dick Morris is still an asshole who needs a good solid ass-kicking #CNN” — GOP Consultant and HuffPost and StoneZone blogger Roger Stone.

How often does Gavin Newsom Google himself?

“Never. For me, digging into all the negative stuff out there is just too distracting.” — California Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom in a Politico “Answer This” questionnaire by Patrick Gavin in which he also admits that he never skimps in cost on hair gel. Hey, at least he admits it. Read the full interview here.

Politico Playbook publish time: 9:13 a.m.

Wanted: Publisher

“WWR seeks publisher to turn history tweets into a book of colorful presidential stories/facts. Big marketing platform. westwingrpt@gmail.com” — Paul Brandus, author of WestWingReports, columnist, The Week.

Cat defiance

“Cat blatantly peed outside litterbox in front of me. Dislike of emergency litter (dirt) or anger over yesterday’s vet visit?” — Anneke Green, former TWTer who now works for the White House Writers Group.

Conservative Radio Host Laura Ingraham: “Dept. of Who cares? What’s on Michelle Obama’s playlist?” Ingraham was reacting to this feature in People mag.

Speaking of FLOTUS…

“Last week, we picked Napa cabbage in the garden. Now, we’re using it to make kimchi in the kitchen. Make it at home.” — First Lady Michelle Obama.

Quotes of the Day

“You can suck my ass.” — E!’s Chelsea Handler to CNN’s Piers Morgan last night after he suggested she wasn’t a very good interviewer and saying, “I can help you.”

Uh oh.

“Unusually high number of critical replies to my column today from folks who haven’t read/understood it. Maybe my fault.” — NationalReviewOnline‘s Jonah Goldberg.

Reporter encounters stinky train

“A @wmata train filled w/ wet sheep would smell less like wet sheep than one filled with drenched people in suits.” — Dave Levinthal, senior political reporter for Center for Public Integrity.

Columnist gives props to Stewart for interviewing skills

“Points to Jon Stewart for being tenacious in his questioning of Al Gore about Al Jazeera.” — Politico‘s Roger Simon.

Editor blames mullet hairdo

“It’s always the people with mullets who break out the checkbook at the grocery store.” — Fox News Contributor and RedState‘s Erick Erickson.

Journo mixes up days of week

“Informed sources tell me that today is in fact Wednesday. Everything else about the last tweet was right though.” — National Journal‘s Scott Bland, who had written, “On Tues, Patrick Murphy appeared in a House Maj PAC video. On Thurs, he sent a fundraising email deploring the Citizens United ruling #FL18.”

Unimportant Q to Ponder: “There’s your friend. You guys speaking these days?” Anonymous journalist to FBDC last night at The New Republic launch party glancing toward Slate‘s Dave Weigel at the other end of the frigid room. More on the party coming up…

Politico Playbook publish time: 6:51 a.m. Morning Oopsy: While Playbook’s author screams loudly in his first item that he was “exclusively” reporting the upcoming Gridiron dinner speakers, the news of Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar being among the speakers was reported three weeks ago. Gov. Bobby Jindal as the GOP speaker was new. A special Happy Birthday to Politico‘s media writer Dylan Byers, whose birthday was exclusively reported in Playbook this morning. We’re even giving him these special chocolates.

 Senator brushes off reporter

“Tried to speak to Sen. John Kerry after his farewell speech but he wouldn’t let me finish the question.” — The Daily Caller‘s ambush video reporter Nicholas Ballasy.

Freelancer regrets uncontrollable tweeting… Read more

CNN’s Anderson Cooper may not have the combativeness of Piers Morgan on the subject, but come Thursday he’ll be in Washington to host a town hall from George Washington University.

The topic: Gun control.

More details to follow.

AC360′s Town Hall: Guns Under Fire airs at 8 p.m.

Quotes of the Day

“No one cares what’s said on Sunday talk shows, Martha.” — NPR’s Steve Inskeep on the ABC “This Week” roundtable, joking to host Martha Raddatz. The joke is in reference to Sec. of State Hillary Clinton‘s remarks before Congress last week in which she said appearing on Sunday talk shows is not her preferred way of spending her Sunday mornings.

Reporter robbed of copy of Advise and Consent

“To whoever stole the $3 copy of Allen Drury’s Pulitzer-winning but out-of-print Advise and Consent off my doorstep: I hope you enjoy it.” — Kasie Hunt, political reporter, NBC News. Hunt told FishbowlDC the book was in a box from Amazon. So far, no leads.

Senator’s parents are named what? 

“In his opening remarks, Biden took note of the presence of the senator’s parents, Moon and Verna Landrieu, as well as many of their nine children and 37 grandchildren. ‘I love these Landrieu family gatherings,’ he said.– A weekend White House VPOTUS Pool Report referring to Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.).

Comedian puts McCain on level of Applebees

“Dear @ThisWeekABC : Bragging about an ‘Exclusive’ interview w/ @SenJohnMcCain is like bragging you scored a table at Applebees.” — Lizz Winstead, comedian and co-creator of “The Daily Show.”

The Geek Squad

“Sitting behind @daveweigel. I can see his computer screen. It’s just a waterfall of raw code like in the matrix.” — NationalReviewOnline‘s Jonah Goldberg in reference to the most wildly popular Boybander around town outside WaPo‘s Ezra Klein. Slate‘s Weigel was spotted at the National Review summit Friday night, where he was standoffish.

Important Q to Ponder: “Which interview serves up more softballs to Obama, TNR or 60 minutes?” — Blake Hounshell, managing editor of Foreign Policy magazine.

Time for better dreams?

“My dream on my next trip to New York: meeting @chrislhayes. My likely reality: missing #uppers because I stayed up too late.” — Jesse Taylor, founder and editor of Pandagon.net. He was previously an internet consultant for Jerry Springer‘s political group, Make Ohio Blue.

Journo irritated by weather

“What the hell is that symbol on Monday, & why will it be 70 one day, snowing 2 days later?”– PBS Political Director Christina Bellantoni.

Spotted: Radio host for 94.7 FreshFM Tommy McFly in the toiletries isle at Target in Columbia Heights.

Unnecessary Tweet of the Day

“Anyone else realize New York is sexist? If there’s a Man-hattan shouldn’t there be a Woman-hattan???” — Ron Meyer Jr., spokesman for American Majority Action.

Peter Ogburn and Eddie Scarry contributed to this report.

Convo Between Two Journos… Read more

Daily Caller Editor-in-Chief Tucker Carlson knows how to stir things up on Twitter. He once tweeted, “Palin’s popularity falling in Iowa, but maintains lead to become supreme commander of Milfistan,” which resulted in a twit-pology, including the line “Apparently Charlie Sheen got control of my Twitter account.”

Well, he’s at it again.

Last night he tweeted, “The administration boasts about sending women to the front lines on the same day Democrats push the Violence Against Women Act.”

The response was quick and negative, mostly containing the word “idiot.”

But his next tweet set of an even bigger shit-storm. He wrote, “Feminism’s latest victory: the right to get your limbs blown off in war. Congratulations.”

Goldie Taylor, MSNBC contributor and self-described “social critic,” which just reeks of self-important bullshit, went off. She was very upset and tweeted, “Oh my goodness. Tucker Carlson, who never once considered enlisting, now chastising women who do… #MarinesDontWearBowties.” How she knows whether Tucker ever thought of enlisting, seems based on the bowtie or the cha cha he once performed on “Dancing With the Stars.”

Goldie wasn’t done. But she didn’t make much more sense than that. She retweeted someone asking if Tucker, since his thinking is so old fashioned, ever owned “a black?” Which she followed with, “That last RT is the delight of my life!” to the person who asked. I guess that is what a “social critic” does – charge racism at the drop of a hat.

What Tucker tweeted is sure to elicit hate, what Goldie followed up with was stupid. Carlson may later clarify what he was trying to say. But you can’t fix stupid.

Surely Goldie will get face-time on MSNBC to discuss Tucker’s tweets, which he may apologize for, so she will make money off of it (which may be why she bothered obsessing on it in the first place) because the thoughts of a “social critic” quick to cheer the race card over what Carlson tweets is more “newsworthy” to MSNBC than four dead Americans in Benghazi and the Obama administration’s unwillingness to be open and honest about it.

While both crossed the line, I can at least see where Tucker is coming from. Goldie, on the other hand, embracing a charge of racism so flippantly says more about her than anything Tucker said about women in combat.

CORRECTION: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that Goldie Taylor never served in the military. She was an active duty Marine. We sincerely regret the error.

Quotes of the Day

BIRTHDAY WISHES: “Happy Birthday to the love of my life.” — Chef Geoff Tracy, a.k.a. Mr. Norah O’Donnell, husband of the CBS morning show anchor. Tracy included the above photograph, that we can assume is youthful Norah.

TV reporter fails to get beach condo because of dog

“Bought furniture for new beach condo. Then board rejects me cuz of dog. Now delivery guy wants to know where to take it… depressing.” — ABC7′s Stephen Tschida.

Breitbart V. BuzzFeed: “journalisty” warfare

“Over 5 mos I have never seen @BuzzFeedBen do a single journalisty thing to dig for more answers on Libya. Only block. Amazing achievement.”  — Breitbart.com Editor John Nolte, who always has a harsh thing or two to say about BuzzFeed Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith.

Journo spills coffee on Bill Press’ carpet

“Always fun to chat with Bill Press on his @bpshow. WWR apologizes for spilling his coffee on the carpet.” — Paul Brandus, an independent White House reporter who writes West Wing Reports.

More Beyoncé fallout

“Rep Greg Walden told me yesterday he asked Beyonce why she took out her earpiece. “It was all static,” she told him. True story.” — Gerrit Lansing, Digital Director at the NRCC, former flack to Reps. Peter Roskam and Paul Ryan.

“Good news – if the voice continues to malfunction, Beyonce’s offered to lip-sync for me tonight. #CNN” — CNN’s Piers Morgan.

“I just don’t know what’s real anymore. #beyoncegate” — Washington Examiner gossip scribe Nicki Schwab.

Editor sees brighter side of frigid temps

“In this weather I could win Olympic gold in speed-walking.” — Katie Kovach, Copy and Production Editor for CQ Roll Call. But more importantly, she writes, “Figures that right when I get home a neighbor starts playing a musical instrument and two dogs howl along.”

Blogger out of sorts

“JESUS. Someone bring me a latte. I was NOT prepared for all this today.” — Washingtonian‘s Javonni Brustow, who is editor of TheDCPundit.com and a blogger for PopGlitz.

Miguel Bloombito likes Justice Scalia’s hat…

Read more

Quotes of the Day — Inauguration aftermath

“Wow. CNN. Inaugration.” — CNN’s John King with the above photograph.

A nod to C-SPAN

” @cspan easily wins the award for best Inaugural Parade commentary – by having none and just letting viewers enjoy it.” — House Maj. Leader Eric Cantor‘s (R-Va.) Dep. Chief of Staff Doug Heye.

Michelle Obama’s bangs: Yay or Nay?

CNN’s Piers Morgan: “Am I allowed to not really like the bangs? I don’t really go for the bangs.” His colleague Erin Burnette disagreed: “I love them.”

Speaking of the first lady…

“Want. That. Coat.” — PBS’s Gwen Ifill.

Important Q to Ponder: “Has someone called Aretha Franklin’s hat for comment on Michelle Obama’s bangs?” — The Atlantic‘s Molly Ball.

Uh oh. “Jon Stewart is going to have a field day with this inauguration coverage. #dailyshow” — The Hill‘s Managing Editor Bob Cusack.

Dance Twins

“Obama and I apparently have the same dance style. I don’t know who should be sadder about that. #inaug13″ — Mandy Jenkins, Interactives Editor, Digital First Media.

The Angry Blogger

“Why the hell has my phone kept ringing today? I offered commentary. Did I declare terrorist action on Washington and am unaware? Ph-ck!” — Washingtonian‘s Javonni Brustow, who also editor of ThePundit.com and a blogger for PopGlitz.

The Observers

• “Pelosi got a cheer at 7th and Penn. Boehner and Cantor didn’t. Almost like this crowd is Dems. #Inauguration.” — WaPo‘s Ben Pershing.

• “Once again, some Republicans are ruining this day simply because they can. Please stop complaining. It’s not just abt you. It’s abt us all.” — Democratic pundit Donna Brazile.

• “Watching the Benediction WWR cannot help but think of the burden that any president must bear. No one can truly understand – except them.” — Paul Brandus of WestWingReports.

Speaker Boehner Crying Watch: “Speaker Boehner wiping his eyes after lunch prayer.” — HuffPost‘s Jen Bendery.

Backhanded sarcastic compliment for CNN

“CNN winning the timefill before the parade with ‘how did you come up with those hats?’” — TPM‘s Evan McMorris-Santoro.

 Is Fox News getting stale?

“What about Fox News’ viewers? Are they going to go along like sheep? They now have no network that represents their perspective on what seems to be a key issue for Obama’s second term. Is it time for a new Fox?” — The Daily Caller‘s Mickey Kaus in a short post on his view that Fox News is going too far left and has a stale lineup.

In case you care about POTUS’ limo: “The windows in the President’s limo are not tinted. It’s easy to see him when he drives by.” — Former White House Press Sec. and pundit Ari Fleischer.

ABC reporter has Inauguration version of Modern Seinfeld, a USA Today reporter takes an intense picture, HuffPost ladies pose with Paula Abdul and more… Read more

On ABC’s political drama “Scandal” this week, we’re treated to the almost-full return of Fitzgerald Grant as commander in chief. Previously, an attempted assassination had left Grant hospitalized with a concussion.

In this episode, the problem arises when Grant prematurely steps back into the Oval Office, still suffering difficulties with his motor functions. Nonetheless, he holds a presser in which he plans to answer questions. He thinks it’s the best way to go despite the protests of his mistress and crisis public relations aide Olivia Pope.

But when a reporter asks if there is any sign of PTSD or any other health-related problems that will impair his judgement as president, Grant takes a long pause and gulps his water. What followed was a harrowing monologue on how “weakness is our strength.”

Here’s how that would play out in real life…

Read more

CNN’s Piers Morgan was eviscerated on his show last week by Breitbart’s Ben Shapiro. Ever since, Piers has been itching for a rematch. The former UK tabloid editor has been attempting to taunt Shapiro on Twitter since the two squared off in hopes of getting a second bite at the apple. For now, the apple is ready to be bitten tonight.

But will it really happen?

Read more