Matt Cooper, Near-Felon or Near-Card?

The New York Observer makes the case for Matt Cooper, legendary DC funnyman. In the process, iron-stomached correspondent Leon Neyfakh plunges readers into the grim demimondes of both live comedy performances and Washington "humor." Here's a snapshot of the Coop, monitoring the work of his protegee, Roll Call columnist Mary Ann Akers, as she floated a few gay marriage jokes at the National Press Club:

According to Tim Howe, who has produced several gigs featuring Mr. Cooper, the embattled Time reporter stayed in the back of the room, pacing back and forth and listening intently as Ms. Akers performed.