DNC (releases strong statement) on the Robert Novak Incident

[truthpusher]

http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/usnw/20050805/pl_usnw/democratic_national_committee_on_the_robert_novak_incident304_xml

Democratic National Committee on the Robert Novak Incident
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1 hour, 27 minutes ago
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WASHINGTON, Aug. 5 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Following is a release from the Democratic National Committee:

If You Can't Stand The Heat...That's Bull---t!

After Robert Novak used vulgar language on live television and stormed out of CNN's studio yesterday, CNN called the action "inexcusable and unacceptable" and suspended him indefinitely. The suspension comes after prolonged pressure on Novak, who is at the center of a federal probe into the leaking of a CIA officer's identity.

Novak got up and left the show before CNN anchor Ed Henry could ask him questions about his role in the growing scandal that has involved top White House officials, including Bush confidant Karl Rove. Henry told his audience after Novak's on-air tantrum, "Bob Novak obviously left the set a little early. I had told him in advance that we were going to ask him about the CIA leak case. He was not here for me to be able to ask him about that." "Apparently, Robert Novak was afraid to answer questions in an open forum or perhaps he had to meet with his lawyer," said Democratic National Committee Communications Director Karen Finney. "Either way, he needs to come clean about his conversations with Karl Rove, 'Scooter' Libby, and any other administration officials, and help get to the bottom of this breach of national security."

If Novak had stayed, here are some of the questions Henry could have asked:


The Questions Bob Novak Thought Were Bull---t


Question 1: During his last appearance on CNN, why did Novak lie to CNN Anchor Candy Crowley when asked if he had ever spoken to Karl Rove on the record? Novak Says He Never Talked To Rove on the Record - But He Did. In an interview with Candy Crowley, Novak was asked whether he ever told Karl Rove about Valerie Plame's status as a CIA agent. He replied, "I can't tell anything I ever talked to Karl Rove about, because I don't think I ever talked to him about any subject even the time of day, on the record." But he has printed on the record quotes from Rove in at least two op-ed pieces - one on the Iowa caucuses, and the other on judicial nominations. (CNN, 7/26/05; The New York Post, 5/3/99, 6/18/99)

link to more:http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/usnw/20050805/pl_usnw/democratic_national_committee_on_the_robert_novak_incident304_xml

link to complete statement: http://news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/usnw/20050805/pl_usnw/democratic_national_committee_on_the_robert_novak_incident304_xml

[NYCGirl]

1. Good for the DNC. They've really done their homework! NT

[DURHAM D]

3. Ok - finally Novak - now Candy Crowley needs to be deep sixed.

[Name removed]

5. Deleted message

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[DURHAM D]

6. Very funny. Thanks. n/t

[Junkdrawer]

2. Yeah, if I were Rove, I'd want Bob away from a microphone...

for a loooong time. And, whadda know, CNN does just that.

[Dr Fate]

4. The DNC (Dean) needs to go on TV and talk about this. n/t

I'm not sure how many people read "releases" on yahoo,- but its a great start.

This story needs to be told to the Red Staters and non-political junkie types.

[DURHAM D]

7. Yeah, and he needs to talk about Novak's history

of while talking about Repug victories, etc. he says "we". He has always postured as a journalist - denying that he is a party hack. Yesterday just before his meltdown he referred to the Senate election in Oklahoma as "we" elected Coburn . . .

The media has allowed him that lie for 30 or 40 years. Time to talk about it.

[Dr Fate]

8. Cussing on air is an "interesting" story for non-political types .

It would be a great opportunity for DEMs with media access to use it to get the Plame story in the papers this week.

I hate to be a downer, but DEMs never seem to do this when they are handed a "scandal" on a silver platter- (See DSM, Gannon, etc)

I hope they jump on this- and not just on "releases" on websites that only other Liberals read.

Yahoo is a good start- but I'd like to see Dean and others talking about this on TV- it could get more people paying attention to Traitorgate.

[back2basics909]

9. I was really impressed

Nice one DNC! This is the kind of thing we need.

[Dr Fate]

10. It's the kind of things "they" (Swing voters) need.

"We" already know all this stuff.

"They" need to be told about it too- and "they" dont read DNC "releases"- "they" read their local papers and watch TV news.

I would rather DEMs with media access "say" things instead of "release" things.

If a talking point falls in the woods and only DUers hear it, is it still a talking point? :)

[back2basics909]

12. .. actually..

That is our job. I guess you missed the script. The reason "they" get so many "hits" in the press is the echo chamber. Thats not their job, we have to create enough steam to get the press interested.

This is good amunition.

[Dr Fate]

13. It's everyones job. DUers cant get on network & cable TV shows.

Sure, we need to do our part in spreading the word- I think we do.


I am saying that DEMs with media access saying this into microphones and in front of interview cameras is better than "releases"- thats all.

I dont even know what a "release" really is supposed to do in todays media culture- its bascially a gamble as to whether a "release" will be repeated by the GOP owned media at all. Thats why I say its more effective to SAY your talking points on TV as opposed to "releasing" them.

At least Yahoo actually picked this one up- most "releases" languish at the DNC website.

[wryter2000]

11. Awwwwright!

I was afraid it was going to be "Novak used a dirty word!"

[Dr Fate]

14. Dont forget to rate the story. n/t

n/t

[movonne]

16. done

[truthpusher]

18. Statements and/or releases usually can not be rated.

[Dr Fate]

19. Heh- thats the one thing you can do with them-IF Yahoo picks them up...

...thank goodness Yahoo picked it up- as I said, most of these "releases" languish at the DNC website and are only seen by "the choir."

It's great when they do "pick them up"- but more certain to be heard if said in front of mics & cameras on TV shows.

Point not taken! Rate it- mabey we can turn this "release" in to somthing others will see.

[skip fox]

15. Conason on Rove's departure:

Today Joe Conason speculated (on The Al Franken Show) that Novak's abrupt departure yesterday from the CNN talk show was due to his apprehension (and thus possible knowledge) that something was about to happened. Conason speculated that somne of his testimony might conflict with that of others (thus opening HIM to perjury?), but it may be signs that the investigation is nearing its end and that multiple indictments are possible.

[VegasWolf]

17. Yes, and the DLC is unsure what to say about Novack! nt

[Eloriel]

20. No, they're QUITE sure

they don't want to say anything -- for now -- unless they can think of some way to defend him. :P