CNN has suspended rightwing commentator Robert Novak indefinitely after he swore and walked off the set Thursday during a debate with Democratic strategist James Carville. The incident happened during CNN’s “Inside Politics” during a discussion of Florida’s Senate campaign. CNN correspondent Ed Henry, who was hosting the show, noted when it was through that he had been about to ask Novak about his role in the investigation of the leak of a CIA officer’s identity. Here is what happened.
Novak: Just let me finish what I’m going to say, James, please. I know you hate to hear me Carville: He’s got to show these right-wingers that he’s got a back bone, ya know? Wall Street Journal editorial page is watching. You show 'em you're tough… Novak: You know I think that’s bull__it. And I hate that. Just let it go.”
Host Ed Henry said at the end of the broadcast “I’m sorry as well that Bob Novak left the set a little early. I had told him in advance that we were going to ask about the CIA leak case, he was not here for me to be able to ask him about that. Hopefully, we’ll be able to ask him about that in the future.” A CNN spokesperson called Novak’s behavior “inexcusable and unacceptable.” She said Novak had apologized to CNN, and CNN was apologizing to viewers, saying that CNN asked Novak to take some time off.