FishbowlDC Interview with <em>National Journal</em>'s Kristin Roberts

We haven't laughed out loud while reading someone's answers to our FishbowlDC Interview survey in a long time, but we sure did when we read Kristin Roberts'. This lady is sharp! She's also shares our love of disco fries and disdain for Jenny McCarthy (she's a public health menace!) -so she's all right in our book. Roberts has been Managing Editor for National Journal since October of last year, and as such has been responsible for NJ's reporting across all its platforms -digital and print. Before that, she spent 11 years at Reuters, holding many positions, ultimately becoming news editor and deputy bureau chief for their Washington bureau. But without further ado, ladies and gentlemen: the FishbowlDC Interview with Kristin Roberts... Name something every journalist in DC does that drives you crazy. Criticizes other reporters, so I won’t. You’re about to be served your last meal. What will it be? Disco fries. 2014 will be the year of the ____? Slapdash over-analysis. If you were a carbonated beverage, which would you be? Why? Mexican Coke. I’m rarely sweet, but when I am, it’s the real deal. You’re developing a signature scent. What would you call it? Eau de rondelles d'oignons frites. Who or what inspires you? My father. (It’s cliché to say mother, but father’s ok, right? Seriously though…) He works hard. He cares about people. He’s kind to strangers. He is generous. I can’t match him in any of those things. But I don’t like to disappoint him, so I try. What’s your favorite band, song or musical genre? Freestyle. If you don’t know, go to Jersey and find out. What word(s) do you routinely misspell? Apparently, I mispell "misspell." Also, Chris Christie, and that’s Charlie Crist’s fault. My right hand types faster than my left, so without autocorrect, I would misspell everything. What swear word do you use most often? I never curse. Ask anyfuckingbody. When and why did you last laugh so hard you had tears in your eyes? James Franco in Spring Breakers: “I got gold bullets. Motherfuckin' VAM-pires. I got Scarface. On repeat. SCARFACE ON REPEAT. Constant, y'all!” How often do you Google yourself? Now, to be clear, when I Google “Kristin Roberts,” I’m not Googling myself. I’m Googling all the other people named “Kristin Roberts.” I’m keeping track of how many of us live in D.C. So, sure, I Google them fairly regularly. But not me. If you could influence journalism in one way right now what would it be? I would get reporters to understand that important journalism and epic traffic are related. Not related like second cousins who get together every other Thanksgiving. I mean like sisters or spouses. They not only can coexist, they can thrive together. Ever been arrested? No. I found the HBO show Oz to be an exceedingly effective deterrent. What and where was your first job in journalism? Bureau of National Affairs. Charles Puffenbarger, a real journalist who taught at GW and was a true mentor, suggested me for an entry-level reporting/editing job. It was fun and I’m grateful he nudged me into this line of work. What’s your most embarrassing career moment? Leaving the Miami bureau. I mean really, who does that? What’s the worst thing you’ve ever said to an editor (or vice versa)? Me, speaking to a senior editor: “Where do you buy your crack because it’s obviously pretty potent shit?” Who should just call it a day? Jenny McCarthy. Pitch us the next big reality TV show. Bitcoin miners. Miley: yeah or nay? Nay.

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FishbowlDC Interview with National Journal's Kristin Roberts

Patrick Tutwiler

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Patrick Tutwiler