Washington Post's Dave Weigel Resigns After Mocking Conservatives

Washington Post blogger Dave Weigel has resigned amid controversy over comments he made regarding the conservatives he covers.

The resignation stemmed from remarks Weigel made on an off-the-record list-serv called "JournoList," founded by Weigel's friend and colleague Ezra Klein. This is essentially an exclusive forum for liberal reporters and bloggers to share tips and compare notes. (Not surprisingly, the question over who leaked Weigel's comments has become a hot topic among Washington journalists).

The rumpus started on Thursday, when FishbowlDC disclosed some of Weigel's e-mails, in which he made derogatory remarks about a number of conservatives, including Matt Drudge. Weigel also mocked The DC Examiner -- and went after the Examiner's highly respected reporter Byron York, writing: "I'd politely encourage everyone to think twice about rewarding the Examiner with any traffic or links for a while. I know the temptation is high to follow up hot hot Byron York scoops, but please resist it."

Weigel, who was hired by the Post three months ago after blogging for the Washington Independent, promptly issued a semi-apology on his Post blog, noting (among other things): "I stand by that reaction but apologize for belittling Byron York." Apparently, it was not enough -- though there's no indication that Weigel was fired. Washington Post Communications Director Kris Coratti e-mailed Politico's Ben Smith on Friday, saying, "Dave offered his resignation and we accepted it."

Weigel's apology was the second he had issued on his Post blog in less than two months. The first came when he expressed regret for referring to people who oppose gay marriage as "bigots." Apparently, that mea culpa was a tactical move -- betraying the fact that he hadn't really mended his ways. On Friday morning, Weigel awoke to a Daily Caller headline reading: "Suspicions confirmed: E-Mails reveal Post reporter savaging conservatives, rooting for Democrats."

Examining the Fishbowl DC and Daily Caller columns, it is clear that Weigel is frequently and harshly critical of the conservative movement he is paid to cover. When Rush Limbaugh, who had annoyed liberals by saying that he hoped the Obama presidency "fails," was rushed to the hospital with chest pains, Weigel e-mailed his liberal pals: "I hope he fails." Weigel also referred to former House Speaker Newt Gingrich as "an amoral blowhard," called Pat Buchanan "an anti-Semite," and characterized Ron Paul supporters as "Paultard Tea Party People."

Weigel also accused Drudge of "gay-baiting, lying, and flubbing facts" and said, "This would be a vastly better world to live in if Matt Drudge decided to handle his emotional problems more responsibly, and set himself on fire."

Upon learning that James O'Keefe had been arrested in a caper involving Sen. Mary Landrieu's office, Weigel responded:

"HAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH."