Bob Novak On Valerie Plame Affair: "The Hell With You"

Bob Novak has been covering politics--and making people mad--for half a century. Now battling a brain tumor, he talks about his illness, the best and worst presidents, and what he'd do differently.

Whether you like him or hate him, Robert Novak's combination of insider dope, political pronouncements, and glowering TV presence have made him a Washington institution. So the announcement in July that he was suspending his newspaper column because of a brain tumor came as a jolt. What other journalist has been tearing up the town with so much relish for the past 51 years?

I spent some time with Novak five years ago for The Washingtonian, chronicling his journey from secular Jew to devout Catholic. Somewhat to my surprise, the scowling, sardonic columnist turned out to be a peach of a subject. He gave me plenty of time in spite of his killer schedule and seemed utterly candid. No subject was off limits.

Read the whole story here.

Comments

[JeanneInMinneapolis]

" How do you feel about Dick Cheney?

I think he"s the most forceful, effective vice president in history.

I like some of the things he"s done. I think he was instrumental in getting the tax cuts through, which I approve of. I"m at odds with his aggressive military policy, but he"s put a new dimension on the vice presidency that I don"t think will be continued and maybe shouldn"t be continued."

Oh Yes, Cheney got the tax cuts for Novak and his pals so even though he knew the "new dimension" Cheney was putting on the vice presidency was wrong and "maybe shouldn't be continued," he abdicated his fourth estate ethics and went after Valerie Plame. Even as he's dying, his attitude is "go to hell." What a pathetic, miserable way to part from his public.

[cruisepuppy7452a]

Everyone should look at the U Tube video on Who Killed former FBI agent John O'Niel. Its very revealing just what the CIA's involvement was regarding 911 and the drug smuggling cartel. Let's just say it names names, connects the dots and some of them are not at all what you think. I had to watch it twice to get all of the details, but wow! Novak did know what was going on, and who was behind 911. If Novak is smart, he will ask for lienency in exchange for info he has on the CIA, Bush administration. Valerie unfortunetly was a pawn used in this dangerous game. Bush and Cheney outted Plame to keep the CIA quiet on what thier involvement was with 911. With Plame outted the CIA didn't want to expose themselves to bad PR. Now both Bush and Cheney will have to explain plenty given what O'Neil's info contains. Like I said, watch the video. Then tell me I was a hysterical female when I told you all what was behind 911. I will tell you I told you so.

[Sean Jacobs - Huffpost Blogger]

He repeats the slur that Joe Wilson had "and no experience in Niger." Anyone who knows Wilson's career as a diplomat in Africa, knows he had ample experiences working with governments in West Africa and the Sahel, including Niger.

[LVGuy]

Even now he seems as arrogant and full of hate as ever.
Very sad.

[jqcitizen]

The "Gridiron Club" and the "Scull and Bones" crowd do not like transparency.

Honesty terrifies both of these organizations.

Novak has now made amends with his health problems, his fancy Corvette and his faith. -Hope you're OK with that Bob.

A new book by Novak will mean about as much as Gov. Palins new wardrobe and a speech at the Governors Conference in Florida.

[jsgaetano]

I think Bob is deluding himself about his role.

He wasn't a champion, shining sunlight onto government... he was a partisan hack, exposing secrets which partisan politicos wanted exposed to forward their own personal agendas.

That's exactly why Novakula remains overjoyed about his role in exosing a CIA NOC and destroying a CIA front operation dealing with Nuclear Non-Proliferation which it took literally over a decade of hard work to build. The CIA has obviously been very tight-lipped on how much damage was done... but even the most optimistic guesses view it as substantial.

Also, not only was that singular HIGHLY important operation destroyed... but so was the faith people in key situations would have in their activities being protected. Novak and Rove did far more than get back at Joe Wilson- they destroyed any trust a potential spy would have in the USA. Who is going to put their life, and the lives of their friends and families, at risk, when they now understand Republicans are more than willing to whimsically destroy them for a percieved political gain in a single week's news cycle?

Republicans have done far more damage to this country than we are even able to comprehend at this time. If they hold any delusions that they will be vindicated by history, it's going to be delayed disappointment. History will show how conservatives have always been on the wrong side of history, no matter what the issue.

[jsgaetano]

What's the statute of limitations on treason? Or hit-and-run?

[jcarrme]

you reap what you sow!!

[queotic]

He said he doesn't think he negatively affected Valerie Plame's life. Let me get this straight - he outs an undercover CIA agent, risks her life and ruins her career, but he doesn't think that's "negative"?

[ninetwelve]

KARMA. GOOD RIDDANCE.

[tbone99]

Godspeed, Mr Novak!,

[naschkatze]

Robert Novak will not be receiving the send-off Studs Turkel received. Quite the reverse.

[Topsailsman]

I can't understand why such a devoted Catholic would be afraid to die. Isn't he going to heaven via the authority of the Church?

[11907281]

No, he's been a closet homosexual most of his life and knows he can't get in.

[bachmantsk]

Your title should read "The Hell with you America" because that's who he really hurt.

[LeftRoss]

Hmm - obsessing on Hell these days, Mr. Novak?

[3dogman]

I hate to pile on, but when I got to, "I don"t think I hurt Valerie Plame whatsoever." I had to stop reading. I took a few minutes to remeber that he not only hurt Valerie, but her husband Joe Wilson, the CIA agency, America's reputation (again), America's Democracy, and everyone else who believes in honesty and fairness.

I won't wish you a faster death, but don't waste any more of my time.

[moongal6]

I applaud you, I couldn't get past the glowing remarks about Dick Cheney.
Puleeeeze.