Juicy FCC Novak Complaints



(image via CNN)

Our favorite Dickensian villain, Robert Novak, drew some amusing responses recently to the FCC with regards to his mini-meltdown on CNN's Inside Politics. To these responses, The Corsair would like to add one, namely: Mr. Novak: Say it, don't spray it.

But we digress. You just know Carville-the-OverripePumpkinhead specifically calculated his attack to rasp The Prince of Darkness. Whatever the case, Pandora's box, in the form of ill-considered complaints to the FCC, was leashed upon a government agency. You know what that means. TheSmokinggun, FOIA; you figure it out:

"Robert Novak is no Howard Stern. Unlike the King of All Media, when the right-wing pundit decided to perform blue, he did it on cable airwaves not regulated by the Federal Communications Commission. But that didn't stop about 100 concerned citizens from sending e-mails and letters to the FCC complaining about Novak's August 4 CNN outburst. While facing off with Democratic strategist James Carville, the 74-year-old Novak responded to one Carville dig with, 'Well, I think that's bullshit, and I hate that.' He then walked off the 'Inside Politics' set (the on-air tantrum led to Novak's suspension from the network)"

Here are some chestnuts from the FCC complaints, via TheSmokinggun.com:

"I would like to file this complaint concerning the August 4, 2005 CNN broadcast of CNN Inside Politics where Robert Novak used profanity. This is very disturbing. What if my neighbors children were present when this was broadcast? Worse yet, what if my pregnant friend was here watching at the time? This precious, unborn child would have been irreparably damaged by hearing this word and it would have happened in my home."

Er, technically an "RV," which is where we imagine the letter writer lives, is more accuartely construed under the classification "transportation device" rather than, oh, say, "home." I'm just saying ... More:

"On today's Inside Politics, Robert Novak was obviously drunk, surly and he swore ('bulls**t') before he staggered off the set. This was during the time of day when children would be home, as well."

More here.