Washington has always had a pretty healthy amount of self-loathing. Mark Leibovich amounthealthylothe Change image and share on social
Washington has become this place that people don't leave. It has become this permanent feudal class. Mark Leibovich classfeudalleave Change image and share on social
Politicians, in many cases - their moral code will be dictated by what can get them reelected, what they can get away with. When you're out of office, I guess you're freed from those checks and balances. Mark Leibovich balancecasecheck share on social
I violated, apparently, an unspoken rule that we are supposed to take care of our own. Frankly, if that invites discomfort, I welcome it. I don't think there's enough discomfort in journalism, especially in Washington. Mark Leibovich apparentlycarediscomfort share on social
I have always been a big meta guy because I think the way journalism is practiced in Washington, and the way everyone sort of cohabitates in the same fishbowl is ultimately a bigger part of the story than people outside of the fishbowl really know. Mark Leibovich bigcohabitatesfishbowl share on social
When you live in Washington, D.C., you do get a sense, in a very direct way, of the durability of our government and really, the greatness of the American system. Mark Leibovich americandirectdurability Change image and share on social
I like to be read. That's most of what any writer could want. Mark Leibovich readwriter Change image and share on social
I've always tried to walk a line between being incisive and acerbic, but not mean. Sometimes I'm going to tip over the line a little bit, but that's usually a line I try not to cross. Mark Leibovich acerbicbitecross Change image and share on social
I have been a print reporter my whole career. It's all I ever wanted to be. I specialize in political profiles. I have probably profiled hundreds of people over the years, people in very powerful positions. People don't always like what I write, but most people still talk to me. Mark Leibovich careerhundredpeople share on social
But 'This Town' is official Washington. It's political Washington. It's not the Washington that clogs New York Avenue. It's not the Washington that lives in Gaithersburg. It's not the Washington that accounts for most of the population. 'This Town' refers to the people who think they run your country. Mark Leibovich accountavenueclog share on social