DC's Most Influential Reporter Cannot Name a Single Hobby On the
Record  There are two ways to tackle the Mark Leibovich profile
of his old friend Mike "Morning-Winner" Allen, and the Politico
celebrity tabloid that Allen composes a newsletter for: how
Politico hurts America and how weird Mike Allen is.  Allen is a
universally beloved mensch who is so sloppy, like an old-timey
reporter. So charming! Everyone loves him! He has gifts for all
and he is so kind to everyone!  He also doesn't ever let anyone
see his home, and he refuses to talk about his father, who, it
turns out, was a crazy far-right John Birch pamphleteer. He
speaks like a politician, in meaningless talking points and
self-aggrandizing (but humble!) platitudes. His bosses, friends,
colleagues—they are all slightly condescending in their praise
of Allen and the fatherly approach they take to making sure he
fills out his expenses and cleans up his desk.  Like, this isn't
normal, or healthy:  In a recent phone call, I asked Allen what
his hobbies w