The Politico’s gossip columnist Anne Schroeder (formerly of Capitol File) had Washington media insiders all over town laughing with glee (and embarrassment) yesterday. 

Not only was her debut column (which she literally had two months to work on) a dud, she created a strange video of herself lurking about the Politico’s office to boot! In fact, the video quickly became the most viewed content on the new Web site – I’m guessing because it’s so bad. In it, she brags about being hung over while writing, frequently going to bars to chat up sources, and being a “busy girl” with “eight arms.” Plus, as of this very minute, the site’s editors still have her name spelled wrong.

“It really is all about interpersonal relationships, at the end of the day,” the cliche-loving Lloyd Grove protege announces within said vid. “Sometimes you can see my Jack. You can’t see my Ace.” Schroeder also says she sees herself as a combination of Maureen Dowd and Dave Berry. Ahem.

At one point in the video, a circus announcer booms that one of her biggest scoops was about Jessica Simpson thinking the Interior Department Secretary decorates the White House. Um, that’s the best story of your career? And you worked at the Washington Post? How sad.

One Schroeder pal who asked to remain anonymous said the video made her cringe with embarrassment. Another media insider summed the whole train wreck up best: “horrible!” 

Better luck in the future, Anne. Break a leg — or, an arm, I guess, in your case. You’ve got eight of ‘em!