Robert Novak: Suspended by CNN

The Washington Post has CNN Suspends Novak After He Walks Off Set.

CNN suspended commentator Robert Novak indefinitely after he swore and walked off the set Thursday during a debate with Democratic operative James Carville.

The live exchange during CNN’s “Inside Politics” came during a discussion of Florida’s Senate campaign. CNN correspondent Ed Henry noted when it was over that he had been about to ask Novak about his role in the investigation of the leak of a CIA officer’s identity.

A CNN spokeswoman, Edie Emery, called Novak’s behavior “inexcusable and unacceptable.” Novak apologized to CNN, and CNN was apologizing to viewers, she said.

“We’ve asked Mr. Novak to take some time off,” she said.

A telephone message at Novak’s office was not immediately returned Thursday.

Carville and Novak were both trying to speak while they were handicapping the GOP candidacy of Katherine Harris. Novak said the opposition of the Republican establishment in Florida might not be fatal for her.

“Let me just finish, James, please,” Novak continued. “I know you hate to hear me, but you have to.”

Carville, addressing the camera, said: “He’s got to show these right wingers that he’s got a backbone, you know. It’s why the Wall Street Journal editorial page is watching you. Show ’em that you’re tough.”

“Well, I think that’s bull—- and I hate that,” Novak replied. “Just let it go.”

As moderator Henry stepped in to ask Carville a question, Novak walked off the set.

Interesting that the MSM is all over this story. But, the Air America Scandel has received little press play. Why aren’t the New York Times and Washington Post asking Al Franken to explain his role in the theft of federal funds from a Boys and Girls Club? More on Novak is in the Gray Lady…..

The New York Times has Novak Walks Off Live CNN Program.

Robert D. Novak, the syndicated columnist whose unmasking of a C.I.A. operative touched off an investigation about a possible leak, stalked off a live appearance on CNN yesterday afternoon after James Carville, the Democratic strategist, accused him of trying to make a particular point “to show these right wingers” that he had “backbone” and was “tough.”

And yet another story in the New York Times After CNN Outburst, Novak Told to Take a Break

The veteran political commentator and newspaper columnist has been under fire in recent months for his role in the identification of CIA operative Valerie Plame, the wife of former ambassador and Bush critic Joseph Wilson. Novak’s column identified her, but he hasn’t been under the same scrutiny from the leak investigators that jailed New York Times reporter Judith Miller and forced Time reporter Matthew Cooper to testify before a grand jury.

Novak’s involvement hasn’t been determined, and he has refused to discuss the matter publicly. That has drawn criticism from many quarters, and it was just two weeks ago at the Television Critics Assn.’s summer press tour that CNN executives said they backed Novak.

While neither Henry nor Carville acknowledged Novak’s departure in the segment, Henry noted near the end of “Inside Politics” that the columnist had left the set early.

“I had told him in advance that we were going to ask him about the CIA leak case,” Henry said. “He was not here for me to able to ask him about that, and hopefully we’ll be able to ask him about that in the future.”

The Leftie MSM is happy to spread this story of a veteran journalist “losing it”. And emphasising his role in the Karl Rove, Valerie Plame Flap. They did the same when Rush Limbaugh had his problem with oxycontin and drug addiction.

But, then again, the New York Times is investigating the adoption records of Supreme Court nominee, John Roberts.

Do these left-wingers have NO shame?

The Prince of Darkness had a melt-down. Give him some time off…. and please Bob…..move to Fox News.