Quotes of the Day

“Her internship application was impressive!” — NPR Morning Edition.

On Journalism.

“In this city, talking on the record is so rare, that when someone does it on something important, we make him the story, not what he says.” — AP investigative reporter Matt Apuzzo.

“If you’re a journalist and your first instinct in the Snowden case is to attack him, maybe you should consider a different line of work.” — The New Yorker‘s Ryan Lizza.

Huh? Someone get this woman a manicure. Pronto!

“I bit my nails down too far then painted them a heinous, white-out-esque color. I am scared to remove. Physical pain or sartorial pain?” — Marta, a Capitol Hill communications aide.

Attn: Publicists

“Note to PR folks: I just programmed my Outlook account to delete any message with the words ‘Interview Opp’ in the subject. kthanksbye.” — Mother Jones‘ Josh Harkinson.

Convo Between Two Media Types

This morning’s conversation is between The Daily Caller‘s Alex Pappas and conservative blogger Matt Mackowiack. It transpired at about 4:15 a.m. this morning.

PAPPAS: “Do you ever sleep? You tweet at all hours!”

MACKOWIACK: “I’m sleeping now.”

Columnist gets “fishy” emails

“Dear @BarackObama — I’ve been getting some fishy emails about the NSA tracking my phone calls. That can’t possibly be true, right?” – Washington Examiner‘s David Freddoso.

Politico Playbook Publish Time: 7:56 a.m.

Reporter runs out of gas

“To make my day even more interesting the rental car I got ran out of gas two blocks after I picked up the car.” — Pittsburgh Tribune-Review political reporter Salena Zito, who has also written for TPM.

BuzzFeed Editor tries love, peace and understanding

“:(. Our kids will be teenagers soon enough. There but for the grace of god?” — BuzzFeed Editor-in-Chief Ben Smith to TPM‘s Josh Marshall and BuzzFeed’s John Stanton regarding the story on Sen. Jeff Flake‘s (R-Ariz.) son tweeting racial slurs against blacks and Jews.

And another.

“Glad my parents weren’t personally accountable for the crap I pulled growing up. Kids need freedom to make mistakes.” — Radley Balko, senior writer, HuffPost.

Journo TV habits

“Watching #ImHavingTheirBaby. I love @oxygen for showing tough, courageous decision to carry and put a baby up for adoption. Important.” — MSNBC’s “The Cycle” Co-host S.E. Cupp.

And Trump hates “Modern Family”

“Just tried watching Modern Family – written by a moron, really boring. Writer has the mind of a very dumb and backward child. Sorry Danny!” — America’s know-it-all Donald Trump.

Americans are sick of politics — National politics have been dominating the news lately, and as Salena Zito reports for Real Clear Politics, Americans are tired of it. The piece opens with an overheard couple at a restaurant in Dupont Circle deciding which tourist stop to visit next. Though they had two “Obama for America” tote bags with them, they made it clear the White House was not a place they wanted to see. They instead chose museums and other sites that had nothing to do with politics. Instead of partisan fatigue that occurs frequently in a party’s second term in the White House, Zito says the country is suffering from a bipartisan political fatigue. Starting with the 2012 election cycle, national politics has saturated the media. There was the fiscal cliff dilemma, the controversial gun control bill and now the news cycle is being consumed with the growing list of government scandals. Unfortunately for the sanity of Americans, it doesn’t look like political scandal coverage is going anywhere soon.

How “Verax” leaked NSA information — Speaking of government scandals dominating the news cycle, the newest scandal involving the NSA’s secret surveillance of Americans through large private communications companies has been in the spotlight since the news broke last week. And as of Sunday afternoon, the whistleblower who leaked the information has dominated the headlines as he came forward and identified himself as Edward Snowden. WaPo’s Barton Gellman details his communication with Snowden, or, as Gellman knew him for a while, Verax. The code name is Latin for “truth teller.” The 29-year-old used BRASSBANNER as a code name for Gellman and decided that getting the information out was worth risking being jailed for the rest of his life. Snowden leaked information to the reporter about the data mining operation PRISM, which collects surveillance data from Microsoft, Google, Facebook and other large communications companies, as well as giving Gellman a 41-slide powerpoint detailing the program. WaPo published only four of the 41 slides out of concern for national security. While waiting for the newspaper to consult with government officials to determine the national security risks, Snowden contacted Glenn Greenwald of The Guardian, who broke the story on the NSA’s secret collection of Verizon phone data on Wednesday. Snowden is now seeking asylum in a country with “strong internet and press freedoms,” and hopes global reaction to the leak will be positive so that a country will offer him asylum. If not, he says, he understands he may be behind bars for the rest of his life, but he’s alright with that.

See our third pick… Read more

Quotes of the Day

“I don’t know where zoftig ends and Dunkin Donuts begins.” — HuffPost and MSNBC’s Howard Fineman on New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie weight loss in reaction to an intro from Touré who used the word “zoftig” to describe the governor even thought the word is supposed to apply to pleasantly plump women. In Yiddish, the word means “juicy.” Fineman continued, “I would bet that he does master it because having the desire to be President is even stronger than the desire to eat donuts. So I think he will do that and it’ll help make him a good story, at least initially.”

Bachmann bails on Congress 

“Shorter Michele Bachmann: I’m smart enough. I’m good enough. And doggone it, people like me.” — WaPo‘s Karen Tumulty.

“Just me, or does Michele Bachmann’s music and cadence here channel Delta’s in-flight safety video?” — Daily Caller and The Week‘s Matt Lewis.

“In a rare 6:05AM appearance, @mikeallen joins us to discuss Michele Bachmann.” — Morning Joe.

“How cool would it be if Bachmann could ride out of Congress on a giant eagle?” — Politico‘s Glenn Thrush.

Weiner Police Returns

“I can’t even have a conversation on this set without you all losing it.” — MSNBC “Morning Joe” Co-host Mika Brzezinksi on broaching the topic of ex-Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) running for mayor of New York. Mika turns into the Weiner Police whenever Weiner’s name is on the rise. One thing is clear: Mika is just not that into Weiner.

Ask Judy Today at 1:30 p.m.

“Questions for @JudyWoodruff? She’ll answer during a live chat tomorrow at 1:30 pm ET. #AskJudy” — PBS NewsHour.

Blogger finds girls to be a mystery 

“Right. My eldest daugher [sic] graduated summa cum laude, but I don’t understand girls.” — Conservative blogger Robert Stacy McCain.

Producer in search of propane

“So here I am. Racing the clock to get more propane while a partially-cooked red snapper hangs out on the grill awaiting my return.” — FBDC and Bill Press‘ Producer Peter Ogburn.

Who could it be?

“Overheard: ‘I’m writing a story…what they they called … the little ones…’ ‘Blog post?’ ‘Blog post!’ — Politico lobbying and campaign finance reporter Byron Tau.

TV correspondent gets weight-conscious

“My German childhood nickname translates to ‘FAT.’ Sso when a co-worker asked ‘what do you weigh… 190?’ you can understand my angst.” — ABC7′s Stephen Tschida.

Read more Morning Chatter…

Read more

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

 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

From USA TODAY‘s Jackie Kucinich, who writes, “Good to know…”

Travel Taunting: “Shockingly large number of air travel rookies today. Guy from Bloomberg: ‘Do I have to take my laptop out?’” — National Review‘s Jonah Goldberg. Wino Watch: “Dulles bar near gate to Tampa uncorking vino already. Here comes the press!” — Washington Examiner “Washington Secrets” writer Paul Bedard.

Ana off the wagon?

“@ananavarro: In my mathematic formula: Should always pack more shoes than days for a convention. Same holds for bottles of wine.”#approve — The Guardian‘s Ana Marie Cox. Ana Navarro is a Republican pundit for CNN.

Deep Travel Thoughts: “Try to not point out flaws in stupid shit on airplanes right after boarding if you want your flight to take off on time. Or at all.” — House Oversight Committee Chairman Darrell Issa‘s (R-Calif.) Press Sec. Becca Glover Watkins. And from Sen. Orrin Hatch‘s (R-Utah) Comm Dir. and Senior Advisor Antonia Ferrier: “Airports on little sleep is a bad idea.”

“A quad of talent in Tampa.” — NBC Audio OP Steve Mitnick. The photograph includes NBC Correspondents Chuck Todd, Kelly O’Donnell, NBC News Senate Producer Libby Leist and NBC Producer Doug Adams.

Tampa Hair and the fight against humidity

“Getting hair and makeup done for @CNN with @crowleyCNN in an hour. Artists putting up a valiant fight against humidity.” — WaPo‘s Karen Tumulty.

“Uh oh forgot my flat iron. There is going to be some serious crazy Zito hair going on in Tampa.” — Pittsburgh Tribune-Review‘s Salena Zito.

Speaking of a good blowdry…

“I can probably put down blowdrying rain-soaked shoes as one of the few things I will not miss about living in this city.” — Former TWT White House reporter Kara Rowland, a gradate student at the London School of Economics.

What could possibly go wrong? “Renting a car for the next two weeks. Haven’t driven in something like 3 years.” — Ashley McCollum, press manager for BuzzFeed.

Tampa-wear: What should she wear?

“Packing for Tampa. Help me out, tweeps: What does one wear to a hurricane?” — BuzzFeed‘s newest scribe Rebecca Berg.

From L to R: Benjy Sarlin, Sara Libby and Evan McMorris-Santoro. “Good morning Team @TPM! #travel buddies.” — Roll Call’s Meredith Shiner.

Hurricane Watch: “Hurricane, meet Hurricane. Speaker Newt ‘I will be the nominee” Gingrich on my plane to Tampa.’” — The Hill‘s Managing Editor Bob Cusack.

Poor Howie! Alone with a bagel.

“The sad sight of Howard Kurtz eating a bagel alone in a Holiday Inn at 7am.” — The Guardian‘s Richard Adams. Meanwhile, Howiella is en route to Tampa. “On a flight to Tampa with @BobCusack and @thehill Editor-in-Chief Hugo Gurdon.#partytime” — The Hill‘s gossip scribe Judy Kurtz (a.k.a. Howiella, Howlma, Howeesha, etc..)

Huh, really?  

“If you are a political reporter, Tampa is the place to be this week. #protip” — Newsweek‘s Eli Lake.

Corn lost, pissed without MSNBC

“And this damn hotel doesn’t have MSNBC. Just Fox and CNN. Figures. We’re blowing the joint this AM.” — Mother Jones D.C. Bureau Chief and MSNBC Contributor David Corn.

WORLDS COLLIDE

“Sitting next to @BretBaier on flight to Tampa. A very nice guy. By the way, live @CNNSitRoom 6PM ET today. He’s not live today.” — CNN’s Wolf Blitzer.

Hallelujah! TBD Twitter account officially sinks. Who cares that it happened two weeks after its death?

Radio host is all ears

“I talk on the radio but most impt thing I do is listen, esp on matters of Race. And if you listen carefully you even hear what’s left unsaid.” — NPR’s Michele Norris.

The admission: “Going on CNN’s ‘Reliable Sources with Howard Kurtz’ this morning to say regrettable things I will certainly try to weasel out of.” — Politico‘s Roger Simon.

Journo needs The Weather Channel

“Seems to be getting windy in Tampa this morning. What’s that about?” — CNBC and NYT‘s John Harwood.

A new airport game: Spot the Reporter

“ON WAY TO TAMPA: 20-something girls near me in airport were briefly playing ‘spot the reporter.’ Guess lack of ‘press’ hat disguised me?” — CNN’s Lisa Desjardins.

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

Quotes of the Day

Uh oh. Blogger calls Ann Romney b-word

“How many more times does Ann Romney need to come off like a bitch before she stops getting a free pass?” — liberal blogger Jimmy Zuma, who writes the D.C. Water Cooler for Technorati, a weekly column for the Tuscon Sentinel. He also writes for the blog Smart v. Stupid.

This is an awkward moment?

“That awkward moment when you wonder who that wonderful smelling guy is and realize you put on men’s cologne this morning.” — Nicole Young, recovering journo.

Reporter rethinks post-election R & R

“I’m changing my post-election vacation plans. Was thinking beach. Now I’m thinking padded walls and soothing music.” — Reuter‘s Sam Youngman, who also wrote within the last 24 hours, “The Ryan train is slowly but surely getting me closer to home and some clean laundry. Ohio today, Virginia tonight. #lovetheroad.”

God we miss ex-TBDer Julie Westfall

“The really important thing is that @ErikWemple beat @FishbowlDC on this.” — Ex-TBD hag Julie Westfall on WaPo Erik Wemple writing the story that the pub he used to the edit is officially finito. We’re glad Westfall, who has all the warmth of a Ginsu knife and was known for having difficulties getting along with her TBD colleagues, has her priorities straight on what is really important. Westfall was most recently working as an associate editor for KPCC.org at Southern California Public Radio out in LA. Though her  website doesn’t clearly reflect it, she just began a new job with Journal Register Company/Digital First Media, now home to a slew of ex-TBDers including Jim Brady, Steve Buttry, and Jeremy Binckes. Oh, and she loves news and loves Twitter! Congrats for that, Julie and the countless things you brag about on your website regarding all your revolutionary contributions to TBD. Update: WCP first reported the news of TBD‘s official demise at 2:42 p.m. Wemple came in at 3:15 p.m. and heavily cited WCP for previous reports on TBD, but never indicated they broke Wednesday’s news. Wemple’s story was significantly superior, included a first-person account and a quote and confirmation from WJLA’s VP and GM Bill Lord.

Journo seeks and gives guidance

“Earpiece no longer working on six-month-old iPhone. Suggestions?” — Slate‘s Dave Weigel. Also… attention editors: “A media org could do worse than to sublet an Ohio apt for a month and park a reporter there.”

Be safe BB!

“Good morning. Gorgeous morning here – heading out for a run-thoughts on the day?” — FNC’s Bret Baier.

Words to live by…

“One very important thing I learned about my job is that it is never about me or how lousy I was treated. But it is all about my cowboy boots.” — Pittsburgh Tribune-Review‘s Salena Zito.

Peter Ogburn contributed to this report.

Quotes of the Day

Reporter gets scolded by stranger

“A crazy lady at the bus stop started yelling I was torturing her by using my iPhone. It tortures me too lady!” — Politico‘s Kate Nocera.

Tapper gives Aniston/Theroux his blessing

“Jennifer Aniston didn’t ask me what I thought about Justin Theroux, but I approve.” — ABC News White House Correspondent Jake Tapper.

The Observer

“The Counter-Narrative is kicking the Narrative’s ass today.” — NYT‘s Mark Leibovich.

A randy viewer to WaPo Columnist and MSNBC Contributor Jonathan Capehart: “@CapehartJ Kissing you on the lips for that article and don’t go wiping it off either.” He replied, “ROFL! No, ma’am.”

MSNBC host employs nickname for Paul Ryan

“At this hour, Blue Eyes is headed to Vegas.” — MSNBC’s Karen Finney filling in for Martin Bashir Tuesday afternoon.

AnonymASS Tipster…

“Umm, it’s Tuesday. Dipshits.” — a lovely reader writes in to tell us we had “Monday” on a Tuesday story. Indeed, the brilliant reader was right and simultaneously an asshole.

Speaking of assholes, too far?

“That’s mean, NY Post refers to Chris Christie as NJ’s “supersized governor.” Give the guy a break #Hotlinesort” — NJ “The Hotline’s” Editor-in-Chief Reid Wilson.

Journo’s home hit by tree

“Apparently there was a storm that went thru Pittsburgh and a tree was hit by lightening and hit my house ” — Pittsburgh Tribune-Review‘s Salena Zito.

Eddie Scarry contributed to this report.

Quotes of the Day

Boybander Heaven: “Looks like a smug hipster had an accident on my TV screen.” — The Daily Caller‘s TV writer Jeff Poor with accompanying photograph.While subbing for MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow last night, Rep. Ezra Klein (D-WaPo) interviews Chris Hayes, Maddow’s long lost twin.

Self-appointed Media Critic

“Warren Buffett and @MorningJoe should get a room.” — Mail Online U.S. Executive Editor Toby Harnden.

Life at White House like bowl of cherries

After White House Press Sec. Jay Carney told FNC’s Ed Henry during a Monday briefing that he was cherry picking numbers, Reuter‘s Sam Youngman had a bright idea: “If there isn’t a jar of cherries in the booth for @edhenryTV by the end of the day, I’ll be disappointed in the wh press corps.”

Important Question to Ponder: “But how does Washington feel about Joan Rivers?” — Politico‘s Dylan Byers. Rivers appeared at Sixth & I Synagogue last night to celebrate the release of her new book, I Hate Everyone…Starting with Me.

Idiots on Twitter: This one’s for you

“I have to admit that I have been stunned by the amount of people who tweet or email opinions about a story who clearly did not read story.” — Pittsburgh Tribune’s Salena Zito.

The Observer

“Just saw a guy with one of those steel suitcases handcuffed to his wrist – Hope Diamond? Nuke codes? Never know in DC.” — FNC’s Shannon Bream.

Arianna weighs in on sleep again

“Maybe we need to expand ‘Friends don’t let friends drive drunk’ to “Friends don’t let friends drive sleep-deprived.” — HuffPost/AOL’s Arianna Huffington, who insists that humans need seven hours of sleep. That’s one more hour than Politico‘s Exec. Editor Jim VandeHei insists upon for avid sleeper Mike Allen.

Real Life Bullsh!%t

“Officially Monday now = full glass of water spilled on mouse pad and my shorts ripped down thigh as they caught on doorknob- lkg fwd to Tues!” — Kathy Jentz, editor of Washington Gardener Magazine. 

(A Sprinkling of Things We Think You Ought to Know…)

Roll Call HOH’s New Offspring Feature – In a new occasional series, HOH will introduce readers to the offspring of lawmakers. This means grandkids, nieces, nephews, spouses of pols who grew up on the Hill and now work here.

A Journo Reacts to Nancy Grace Wardrobe Malfunction… “Headline: Nancy Grace suffers wardrobe malfunction on ‘DANCING’ My reaction?: Nothing could make me click onto that link.” — Pittsburgh Tribune‘s Salena Zito.

Reporters Attack Washington Examiner Editorial: A couple of Washington journos took the Washington Examiner to task for a Tuesday editorial exalting the benefits of driving a car. “If you don’t drive a car, you hate freedom,” bristled Politico‘s Byron Tau on Twitter. And ThinkProgress’s third tier Boybander Matt Yglesias, with his personal bit.ly account, also weighed in, saying, “Car exhaust fumes are toxic, no matter how much the Washington Examiner dislikes trains.” Read the alleged offending editorial here.

Turtle Journalism…It’s never a surprise at this point that certain sections of WaPo lag behind like tortoises that actually don’t win any race. Yesterday “The Reliable Source” rewrote a story about Prince Charles brushing off media tycoon Joe Allbritton regarding his cookie company. The story had already been written by both the London Times and the Daily Mail — both published about it on Sunday. WaPo cited the Times and then proceeded with their own independent reporting — some of the answers to which were already in the Daily Mail. They reported that a spokesman for Clarence House, a royal home that shares the grounds of Buckingham Palace, said he didn’t know how much Allbritton had invested. But the answer: $750,000 (Daily Mail). Their link on the London Times doesn’t lead to the story because readers have to pay a pound to get inside. Read the WaPo story here. And for the Daily Mail read here. (Full disclosure: FBDC aggregated the story on Monday. We’re not crying attribution foul as the London papers broke the story.)

Story Deserves Prominent Treatment: Roll Call has an intriguing, short, online-only story today about a stray shooting that landed bullets inside the home of a Capitol Hill staffer named Raj Barhwani who lives there with his wife, Jessica. One bullet was found in their newborn’s bassinet. Read here. We got the locks taken off the paywall for this one.