NEW YORK, August 4, 2005
CNN Suspends Robert Novak
Action Comes After Commentator Swears On Air, Then Walks Off Set
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In this video frame grab taken from television, CNN commentator Robert Novak, center, walks off the set of the live broadcast of the CNN program "Inside Politics." (AP Photo/CNN)
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Robert Novak in this photograph taken in June 2003, was suspended indefinitely by CNN after he swore and walked off the set during a debate with Democratic operative James Carville. (AP Photo/Lauren Shay)
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James Carville in a file photo (CBS)
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Interactive The Leak People and events surrounding the leak of a CIA officer's name.
Only two weeks ago, CNN executives defended their decision to keep Novak on the air during the ongoing probe into the revelation of CIA officer Valerie Plame's identity. In a July 2003 newspaper column, Novak identified Plame, the wife of administration critic and former U.S. ambassador Joseph Wilson, as a CIA operative.
Wilson has said the leak of his wife's name was an attempt by the administration to discredit him. Two other reporters connected to the case openly fought the revelation of their sources, and Judith Miller of The New York Times has been jailed for refusing to cooperate with prosecutors.
Novak has repeatedly refused to comment about his role in the federal investigation.
After Novak walked off on Thursday, Henry said that Novak had been told before the segment that he was going to be asked on air about the CIA case.
"I'm hoping that we will be able to ask him about that in the future," Henry said.
Novak has been a longtime contributor to CNN, taking the conservative point of view during the just-canceled "Crossfire" show.
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Ex-NBA ref Tim Donaghy 
