Franklin Foer, a longtime writer for The New Republic, was recently named editor of the venerable political magazine. A fourth generation Washingtonian, he's authored a book called, "How Soccer Explains the World," (which we heartily recommend), and his writing has appeared in a host of publications, from The New York Times to Spin. Mr. Foer was good enough to take a few of our questions, on blogging, city life, and those cursed Chelski footballers.

What's your fondest memory of growing up in Washington?

Check this: I have got a baby girl. And she's a fifth generation Washingtonian. I have a tremendous connection to D.C. -- and love for it. Nothing makes me madder than to hear outsiders, especially New Yorkers, dump on the place.

It's amazing to see the life-cycle of a city and all the unexpected twists contained within. My grandparents had a small grocery store on Florida Avenue, just across from the old Kilimanjaro Club. So, I remember when Adams Morgan was a pretty sketchy place. They were routinely robbed at gun point. Honestly, I never expected the urban core to rebound as strongly as it has.

Now, I'm just riffing. My fondest memories? Running around the alley in back of my family's old house on Reno Road. It seemed both safe and full of mysteries -- abandoned cars, fenced in backyards, housewives sunbathing. Alleys are quintessential D.C. There's an excellent academic social history on the life and times of the D.C. alley.

You recently expressed some concern on The New Republic's blog, The Plank, that D.C. might be returning to the "bad old days." For long-time Washingtonians, is it harder to feel that D.C. has turned a corner in its fight against corruption and crime? Do you think there is some danger of regression, post-Williams?

There's some danger of regression. But I was mainly wisecracking about the return of Marion Barry and his issues. Mostly, I think that the city has broken free from its worst corruption, and I don't see that returning.

Many prominent publications have alternately tangled with and embraced blogging as part of their journalistic package. Do you think political magazines and newspapers have begun blogging because it enhances what they do, or because they feel they have to blog to keep up?

Blogging actually creates a big opportunity for the New Republic. We can use the web to comment on topic A, and that liberates the magazine from an obligation to be super-timely. It allows the print magazine to be true to its essential self -- a place where you have the time and space to produce the highest-quality, most definitive political journalism.

Has blogging changed the quality of national political discussion?

Yes -- in some good ways and bad ones, too. The blogosphere has been essential in fact checking newspapers and magazines. If you say something crap on TV, a blogger will identify that crap. This seems a clear good. On the other hand, all of political opinion is rushing in the direction of instant analysis. This is a tragic development. I have watched blogging destroy many fine minds -- as they lose their ability to refrain from tapping out the fiirst thought that springs to them. Sometimes your first thought isn't your best thought.

You're a young guy, and you've already had lots of success in journalism. Having just been handed the helm of a major political magazine, I imagine you probably don't want to look too far ahead, but do you see yourself trying some other careers in the future (politics, television, or fiction writing, perhaps)?

Let me tackle the massive job in front of me, first. I can barely imagine what we'll put in our next issue.

What are a few of your favorite places to eat, drink, and see a show (any kind) in the city?

I stuff myself at the Nora's bar, Parkway deli, and my grandmother's house in Wheaton. Because I have a thirteen month baby, I don't see shows.

What's your take on voting rights for D.C.?

Damn straight. Voting rights, now! D.C. gets screwed all the time -- and especially when Republican control the national government. But I'm not optimistic that our colonial status will come to an end any time soon.

Are you ever recognized around the city? Asked for an autograph?

Girls are always hurling their panties at me. It's so annoying.

I ask because the copy of "How Soccer Explains the World" that I read was borrowed from a friend who'd gotten you to sign it. On the Metro, I'd let the front cover hang open so everyone could see, even though it said something nice about Liverpool, and I'm a Chelsea fan. From before Roman. But enough about me. So, who do you think will advance from Group E in the World Cup?

My kind words about Liverpool were mostly to suck up to a buyer of my book. They're ok, I suppose. But Chelsea gives me a rash. Their coach, an arrogant little fellow from Portugal, sends me into fits of apoplexy. You've just taken a perfectly pleasant interview and put me in a foul mood.

Are there other books in the works?

Now that I have to run a magazine, I don't think so.

Picture of Franklin Foer is from Harper Collins, taken by Taisie Berkely.