Posted 8:55 AM by Gene

And speaking of ditch (!), Little Howie Hairshirt finds himself a new hero -- the JERK!

If David Gregory seems like a bit of a showman in the White House pressroom, it's worth noting that, as the son of a Broadway producer, he grew up meeting the likes of Richard Burton, Rex Harrison and Henry Fonda.

Let's see: the first was a roaring drunk, the second a tyrannical megalomaniac, and the third gave us Hanoi Jane. We can see how it rubbed off. Howie Hairshirt is DENSE.

And then there's this classic balancing act:

Gregory is emerging as the Sam Donaldson of the Bush years, the outspoken, aggressive, smart-aleck correspondent serving as a symbol for conservatives who detest the press and liberals who want reporters to crusade against the White House.

Just what he needs, Howie Hairshirt: an ego boost. Howie, have you considered retiring? THAT would save your employers a LOT of money -- and your readers the cost of TUMS.

(Via the inevitable ROMY)