Carville v. Novak
Writing by treason on Wednesday, 24 of August , 2005 at 7:07 pm
This happened weeks ago, and I elected not to comment on it because 1) it didn’t seem to make much sense, and 2) I expected it to become the BIG story and get so much coverage that I wouldn’t even have to mention it.
It really is a non-story. James Carville and Bob Novak were on a CNN show together (Inside Politics, specifically) and suddenly Bob yells the word “bullsh*t” and storms off the set. This was not surprising. What’s surprising is that people who share a set with James Carville don’t do this more often.
I’ve seen Mary Matalin come close a few times, but she probably just held back and slapped him in the car on the way home.
Now as far as I can tell, they were discussing Katherine Harris’ plan to run against Bill Nelson for his Senate seat in Florida. Democrats, who still haven’t quite gotten over the 2000 election, are still spiteful and mean about Harris. Generally Liberals get testy if someone pokes fun at a woman who isn’t glamorous or carries a few extra pounds. Unless, of course, it’s them making the comments and they’re about a conservative. There was no sensitivity when they mocked Harris’ makeup or Linda Tripp’s appearance. Long after Rush Limbaugh dropped a lot of weight, the Left continued to call him “fat.”
And we’re mean-spirited?
In a nutshell, Carville said to host Ed Henry that Novak has “got to show these right-wingers that he’s got backbone, you know.” Then, to Novak, “The Wall Street Journal editorial page is watching. Show ‘em you’re tough.”
Novak replied, “Well, I think that’s bullshit, and I hate that.” Then he got up and left the set.
This was very similar to a situation on FNC a while back. I can’t even remember what was being discussed, but Susan Estrich, who used to be a fixture on FOX, attacked Bill Kristol. Usually Bill can shut someone down with a fact or a witty remark, but this time he was visibly pissed. He went off and accused her of lying and attacking his integrity. She tried to gloss over the situation with humor, but Bill wouldn’t let it go. All I could think was: “Hey, Bill - why weren’t you this feisty during the ‘92 campaign?”
But that’s neither here nor there. All I know is I see more of Bill on FNC now and I haven’t seen Susan in eons. But no one was suspended, publicly humiliated, or made to apologize — like Novak.
Novak said that Carville’s remarks were unacceptable and questioned his integrity. “I overreacted … I just got a little frustrated.”
Says CNN: “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 his actions.”
So what about Carville? He can continue to provoke guests and not get reprimanded? Well, of course. Those on the Left can push for freedom of expression all they want, but suddenly they favor censorship when the other side expresses itself. I feel like I should quote Dick Cheney’s “advice” to Patrick Leahy here.
But I’m sure James hears it from Mary every day.
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