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CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Off

Bob Novak, unhappy at being interrupted by James Carville, who then made fun of Novak, said to Carville on the air, "This is bullsh*t" and walked off the set. Crooks and Liars has the video.

The segment began with Novak joking about the Katherine Harris make-up flap. Novak proceeds to political analysis of Harris's chances in the Senate race. Carville interrupts him, and he asks to finish. Carville responds:

Carville: "You've gotta show these right-wingers some kind of backbone, you know, the Wall Street Journal editorial page is watching you show them you're tough."

Novak says "that's bullsh*t. Then he says "Let it go." But, the segment host, Dan Harris Ed Henry, threw the next question to Carville instead of letting Novak finish his answer. So Novak walked off the set.

Media Bistro reports a CNN spokesperson later said:

"Bob Novak's behavior on CNN today was inexcusable and unacceptable. Mr. Novak has apologized to CNN, and CNN apologizes to its viewers for his language and actions. We've asked Mr. Novak to take some time off," a CNN spokeswoman told us.

The AP now has the story.

I think it was purely an ego thing. Although, I haven't watched Novak and Carville much, so I'll defer to those who do:

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  • Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#1)
    by squeaky on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:56 PM EST
    Perhaps a McGuffin. He knew he was going to be asked about Plame but so what...a few more lies shouldn't have sent him off his nut. Maybe he needed to make a scene so they could put him on ice in a showbiz way. Rehearsed from the start.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#2)
    by MikeDitto on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:56 PM EST
    Carville and Novak traded far worse barbs daily on Crossfire for years... I think Novak was intoxicated. He was not acting right (even for Novak).

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#3)
    by Kitt on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:56 PM EST
    I was kinda disappointed. I mean, Carville & Novak have been blistering towards each other and this was so mild in comparison, so I was surprised. Novak had that look of 'no more of this crap.' Don't know what it is. The heat?

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#4)
    by jimcee on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:56 PM EST
    I can't say he was drunk or ill but it was certainly a rather odd moment for the annals of screaming skull TV! I think it could be billed as 'The Dark Prince vs The Alien'. Hey wait, isn't this a remake of a bad sequel? I think ol' Bob should go sailing with Mr Cronkite so we don't have to listen to either one of them for a while. Doesn't anyone retire quietly anymore?

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#5)
    by squeaky on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Jimcee- he did look wasted. I do not have a TV and have never seen Novak live, so I have no perspective on his usual behavior. He was slurring words + that textbook alcoholic storm off. Here is the clip.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#6)
    by Sailor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Actually my fav part was a bit earlier in the transcript:
    NOVAK: No, but I've had the same experience that she did. A lot of my trouble in the world is that they've doctored my make-up and colorized me in a lot of newspapers on my picture. So, I sympathize with her. HENRY: This is breaking news. I've haven't heard this. CARVILLE: Breaking news. Who did it? What paper? NOVAK: Well, I don't. I can't tell you.
    So neither Cruella De Harris nor Novacula can admit they actually look like that. I don't blame them. The last time I saw a mouth like that it had a hook in it. [/Dangerfield] A lot of my trouble in the world is that they've doctored my make-up and colorized me Uhhh, no, committing treason is. Squeaky, you may be right, I'm sure that novak was shocked, shocked that Carville would talk over his comments ... after years of being on Crossfire with him.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#7)
    by jimcee on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Squeaky, He is also into his eighties and may have some other health issues rather than being drunk. Having watched it I couldn't say either way (lest I do a Frist-style video diagnosis), but I would respect his age and at the same time acknowledging he made an a-- of himself. Less said sooner mended on everyone's part. Time for Novak to retire and the Carvellettes to back off because it never looks good to beat-up on an old guy. I suspect that Novak will be relegated to the attic with Helen Thomas as they are both their respective party's crazy uncle and aunt. Bless them both the old cranks that they are.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#8)
    by Kitt on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Novak is a crank; Helen Thomas is a journalist - a real one.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#9)
    by squeaky on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Your compassion is a gift. I will take some of it in. I have seen 80 year olds who are sick and I have seen 80 year olds who were drunk. He sure looked drunk; I would put money on a drinking problem, perhaps the least amongst other problems. 'Beat up on an old guy'...you must be kidding. He does not seem like a nice man, actually what he has done has been downright mean. Again, your point on compassion is well recieved. Thanks!

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#10)
    by Sailor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Kitt, Kitt, Kitt, ya fell for it! first jimcee tried to troll Cronkite, no one bit, and then Helen Thomas. The thread is about 'that poor, poor ole man' novak. He's professionally dead, and physical necrosis will set in soon. The man is a traitor during what our rw friends insist is wartime. (ever seen a taxcut during wartime?)

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#11)
    by roger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Everyone got so upset by Janet Jackson's boob, isn't this worse? Boobs are friendly, here's a professional who can't even engage in civil discourse. Hey Bob, don't let the door hit you on the ......

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#12)
    by squeaky on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Looked like Boobs to me..

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#13)
    by Kitt on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Kitt, Kitt, Kitt, ya fell for it! first jimcee tried to troll Cronkite, no one bit, and then Helen Thomas. The thread is about 'that poor, poor ole man' novak.
    Oh man, jimcee insulted Walter Cronkite too!?! Just a tad cranky today - having one of those Novak days.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#14)
    by jimcee on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Sailor I'm no troll and you know it. I am not sticking up for Novak just pointing out that it is impossible to know what caused his outburst unless of course I was as omniscent as Squeaky appears to be. I just am an old fashioned kind of guy and was raised to respect my elders. The reason I brought up Cronkite and Thomas in my post is because they have become abit infeebled by age and it appears Novak has joined their ranks. Why they can't all just retire quietly already I can't figure out. Sure they have the right to express their opinions but they all hurt their respctive sides as well as their reputations when they come off as idiots. I can respect their past accomplishments and revere them in their dotage but it would be a lot easier if they would just all go sailing.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#15)
    by MikeDitto on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    He's not in his 80s, he is 74 years old.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#16)
    by jimcee on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Mike Ditto, Well then by all means beat the hell out of him! Afterall he's only seventy-four. C'mon he can take it! Be a man kick that old dudes a** he deserves it! Sheesh.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#17)
    by squeaky on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    OK forget about compassion on this one. Novak is a public figure, ans a powerful one to boot. He set out to destroy someones career because Rove said she was fair game. Wake up from your stupor. Save your kindness for the nursung home, the powerless and downtrodden; Novak is certainly none of these...athough he does seem pathetic, maybe that is what is pulling your heartstrings.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#18)
    by Che's Lounge on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    He's still in the arena by choice. He can retire anytime. So when he creates a s**tstorm, he better be ready to take the flak. Stick a fork in him. He's done.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#19)
    by squeaky on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Check out josh marshall. He just posted a link from Crooks and Liars which shows a Who's Who on the table during the Novak piece. At least it looks like the book. + more

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#20)
    by jimcee on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Che, Your right he is there by choice but I think the this is a 'no mas' moment for Novak in the ring. Using your metaphore, Novak is looking more like a Jerry Quarry then a George Foreman although seventy-four is a pretty good run. There comes a time to retire the gloves and I think we saw it today in regards to Mr Novak. And no my compassion is not misplaced because it doesn't affect me either way. My heart-strings have been tugged till they're slack before this. I think it is always better to go out on a high-note and not a low one. Mr Novak went out at about 50 hertz.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#21)
    by The Heretik on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Eighty or seventyfour? Novak's behavior in this incident speaks for itself, no matter what mitigating factors anyone wishes to inject into discussion here. Novak has much to anwer for, whether he comes back to CNN or not. I doubt he will. He has also marked himself as vulnerable. Anyone in the hyena pack of "journalists" who hasn't wanted to take a nip at him previously because of a sense of professional collegiality will now take a bite.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#22)
    by squeaky on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    josh marshall posts that Who's Whodoes list Plame: "I recently read Wilson's entry in Who's Who myself, and I can confirm that indeed "Valerie Elise Plame" is named as Joseph Wilson's wife." Atrios thinks Novak keeps glancing at the book on the table. It makes sense that he would bolt, maybe he never actually checked, although josh has a different take.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#23)
    by MikeDitto on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Jimcee: I wasn't making a point, just correcting an inaccuracy. He is 74, not into his 80s. By SCOTUS standards, that's just middle-aged.

    He wasn't drunk -- his performance before Carville cut him off was perfectly enunciated and lucid. What he is is facing jail. Cutting him off so he would self-destruct like that was deftly done, and he DESERVES it. Backbone to Novak ... get out of the studio, traitor.

    but they all hurt their respctive sides as well as their reputations when they come off as idiots. ...it would be a lot easier if they would just all go sailing.
    Well sheeit, in that case is there room on that yacht for Dubya and Rummy, too?

    Oooh and I forgot Dick "GFY" Cheney...

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#28)
    by Aaron on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Bob Novak is the biggest punk in journalism. He's a real Neanderthal with the manners of a goat.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#29)
    by squeaky on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:57 PM EST
    Paul-Since i have nover seen him live before the clip, Did he always slur his words so badly? it seemed like his tongue was a bit behind in the race to utter. Looked drunk.

    Just because the jerk side of Novak slips out now doesn't mean it hasn't been there for about 60 years. I can't wait to wave bye-bye.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#31)
    by roger on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:58 PM EST
    All in all, I'd like to thank Novak for keeping the Plame story front page news. Good job Bob!

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#32)
    by desertswine on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:58 PM EST
    Hopefully the next time we see this traitor will be in a court room, prior to his being thrown in the tank.

    Squeaky, Novak always sounds a little drunk (to me at least). He does have a weird tendency to slur words and choke on vowels, but he seemed a little slurrier than usual in this case. I don't know what it means. Probably nothing. It's more likely he wanted to get out of there before Plame came up, but there had to be a better way of doing it than this...right?

    Well you heard it here first. The makeup conversation set him off because..... His secret life has now been outed. He is either (1)Ann Coulter or (2)Katherine Harris in drag.

    Re: CNN Puts Novak in 'Time Out' After Set Walk-Of (none / 0) (#35)
    by Sailor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:01:58 PM EST
    Can't be ann coulter; ann coulter is ann coulter in drag;-) jimcee, I didn't say you were a troll, just that you were trolling chum hoping for a hit. It is an allusion as befits my handle.

    You're right sailor; can't be Ann. Ann Coulter could never be--I can't believe I'm going to say this--as lucid and fair as Bob Novak.

    One of the few people who seemed to be able to put Novak in his place was Margaret Carlson who appeared with Novak on CNN's Capitol Gang...