Toss another Novak on the barbie, mate

Grizzled old fossil and GOP shill Bob Novak seems to be coming unglued at long last because of his involvement in the outing of Valerie Plame and its related damage to our national security efforts. Novak is well over the hill, so I suppose some might forgive him a few "senior moments" but he apparently went into total meltdown on CNN this week. The result?

We've asked Mr. Novak to take some time off," [CNN spokeswoman Edie Emery] said.

Ooops. What was it that got Bob in hot water this time? He was in a conversation with Democratic Party spokesman James Carville (who, in all fairness, can drive anybody over the edge when he gets on a roll) when he apparently uttered an expletive and walked off the set in the middle of a show.

The incident occurred Thursday as Novak and Democratic operative James Carville were handicapping the Senate candidacy of former Florida Secretary of State 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.

Well, at least Bob's still got the right wing squarely in his corner, eh? So things shouldn't be too bad for him.

Ooops again. Not so fast there, Sparkey.

Sen. Arlen Specter: Novak column was a malicious attack on 'revered' staffer

THE ROBERT NOVAK syndicated column dated July 21 libeled Ms. Bettilou Taylor, who is one of the most respected, really revered, staffers after serving 16 years in the United States Senate. During that time, she has been my top aide on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education, which I chair. For her superb work in assisting in allocating $146 billion among important social programs, many, including senators, call her Sen. Taylor.

The Novak column falsely and maliciously accuses her of conflict of interest by orchestrating a hearing to grill Kenneth Tomlinson, chairman of the Board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) while her husband consulted for the Association of Public Television Stations.

When you've got Arlen Specter coming after you, you're in trouble if your bread is traditionally buttered with GOP lovin'. Sorry, Bob, but I think it just might be time to get down off your ancient, high media horse and leave the business to "spend more time with your family" or whatever the excuse du jour is.