David Zurawik, the Baltimore Sun’s TV critic, didn’t even wait a full 24 hours after Robert Novak’s death to launch a stinging criticism of the former Crossfire host on the newspaper’s website on Tuesday. Zurawik lamented the apparently contaminated state of political discourse on cable TV and placed much of the blame on Novak in the blog entry titled, “Robert Novak on cable TV: A Polarizing Presence.”
The critic began by announcing his intention to focus on the conservative’s television legacy, instead of his “place...on the political and journalistic map.” He then when right into his attack on Novak, which read like a thinly-veiled critique of the Fox News Channel: “Novak titled his 2007 memoir, ‘The Prince of Darkness,’ and he was indeed a very dark force in cable TV news contributing mightily to the toxic culture of confrontation, belligerence and polarization that so defines cable TV and American political discourse today. There is no way to be nice about his impact on cable TV during its formative years -- and his contributions for the worse to the tone and style of what passes for political conversation today.”
Zurawik then ventured to remind his readers about the 2005 on-air incident at CNN which book-ended Novak’s long career at the network, all the while praising current CNN president Jonathan Klein for moving the network away from the columnist’s “dark force.”
There are some things we shouldn’t forget, like the ugly way Novak’s career ended at CNN when he used vulgar language on-air and then stormed off the set. The backstory was that he knew a question was coming from host Ed Henry about his role as the first journalist to disclose the identity of CIA operative Valeria [sic] Plame. That was in August of 2005.
Novak was suspended by CNN and left the cable channel in December of 2005 when his contract was not renewed.
The backstory here: In January of 2005, shortly after taking over as president of CNN/US, Jonathan Klein cancelled “Crossfire,” which Novak once co-hosted, and set out on a mission to do what he could to move CNN away from a toxic cable talk show formula defined by confrontation and insult rather than information and discussion. TV and the nation are in Klein’s debt for that effort, which included moving away from the likes of Novak.
The TV critic ended his blog entry by giving Novak one of the biggest insults, at least from the left side of the political spectrum- he compared the conservative to Nixon in the 50s, possibly hinting that Novak was a bit like Joe McCarthy: “I am sure Novak’s colleagues from the cable TV shows on which he appeared over the years...will have warmer recollections of the man. But I am talking about Novak’s sneering TV persona and the role it played in reaching back to the dark political style of the 1950’s Richard Nixon -- and leading us to the polarized, angry space that cable TV and the conversation of American politics now inhabits.”
Even the liberal CNN, who, as Zurawik noted, chose to not renew Novak’s contract, paid tribute to the veteran columnist. That might give you a hint as to how much class, or lack thereof, the TV critic has.
[H/t: Jason Rantz, executive producer for the Phil Hendrie Show]
—Matthew Balan is a news analyst at the Media Research Center.
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If his name were "Kennedy"
August 18, 2009 - 17:25 ET by RR GOPIf his name were "Kennedy" the tone would be vastly different.
I can only imagine the down the leg thrillisms we'll get from our beloved MSM when Rather kicks the bucket. In fact, they probably have everything typed, loaded and ready to go.
Basically, just substitute "Cronkite" (or maybe even "Michael Jackson") with "Rather". Seems to make little difference anymore.
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 86% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
True, RR...
August 18, 2009 - 17:53 ET by Secret ConservativeAnd if you shuddered at the reinvention of Michael Jackson this summer, just wait until Chappaquidick Ted leaves this mortal coil... Geez! They've already released "Teddy - The Movie!"
Robert Novak
August 18, 2009 - 17:51 ET by Secret ConservativeHe didn't "invent" the confrontational news/opinion program, he just had the guts to disagree with the leftist idiots who tend to populate those programs on CNN, BSNBC and the like. When everyone is on the same page, there is no disagreement. People like Novak changed that - and for the better, I might add.
One thing I will not forgive Novak for - in spite of all the accolades - is his part in the whole Valerie Plame affair. He sat back and smugly refused to name his sources - even to state unequivocally that they were NOT from the White House - and ruined a man's reputation and career, contributing to the media frenzy of Bush and White House bashing while enjoying his position at the center of it. All he had to do was say that, while he would not reveal his ACTUAL source, he would say it was NOT someone from the White House - and he would not do that until it was too late. Shame on you, Mr. Novak.
sc... If I remember
August 18, 2009 - 18:03 ET by bigtimersc...
If I remember correctly he stated he couldn't so so until after the trial or some-such...it irratated me as well, I do understand where you are coming from.
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
Colin Powell
August 18, 2009 - 18:18 ET by doug1950or Richard Armitage either one could have spoken up as well and put the skids on the whole affair and did nothing. Seems a lot of people who knew including the S.P. were on a witch hunt and had their own alterior motives or revenge agenda.
The TV critic like so mnay
August 18, 2009 - 17:59 ET by jkwtradingThe TV critic like so many others on the liberal side are just seeing people awakening from a 40 year sleep...and now pushing back.
in the 60's TV was mild but always subltely for the D's as the years went by and the mask came off as to their alleiginace, the gloves began coming off from the other side.
so slowly but surely the D's are under assault right now and do not like it... they are also too soft to actualy have a good fight with anyone.so as this fight lingers their passions will flame as all they have is words and vocal cords...they do not dare use physical force.
a first punch by the D's and the knockout after is soon to follow.
Well.....
August 18, 2009 - 18:01 ET by Gecks.....It seems to me that David Zurawick is a bitter, middle-aged, balding man who could only dream of having the integrity of Robert Novak. Robert Novak was a real reporter when D.Z. was still pooping in his diapers. Now a days, most "reporters" who work for lib papers spout thier personal opines in thier work, making them nothing more than an editorial piece. Robert Novak was above that. Oh, he had his opinions, but he didn't let them interfere with his unbiased reporting.
David Zurawick is an ass-monkey....of absolutely no use.
"Your right to Life, Liberty, and the Persuit of Happiness ends at my front door, and my wallet!"-Me!
You forgot something, Gecks
August 18, 2009 - 19:58 ET by steve2526.....It seems to me that David Zurawick is a
bitter, middle-aged, balding man who could only dream of having the
integrity of Robert Novak....
....and who writes for a second-rate rag. Using his column as fish wrap is insulting to the fish.
A member of the right-wing media
Zurawic, Dancing With The Stars is calling.
August 18, 2009 - 18:23 ET by pocomocoI believe what Zurawic did is called 'dancing on a grave'.
Liberals excel in this type of terpsichore.
Robert Novak
August 18, 2009 - 18:24 ET by doug1950Ive heard of, David Zurawik, I have not. Every pointed headed liberal wannabe journalist tries to grab some attention hoping perhaps they will get some face time on the tube or even be invited by the WH to join the other loser journalists they have hired on to handle the excess work in the mail room.
SPOT ON...
August 18, 2009 - 22:14 ET by danybhoyExactly doug1950, nobody knows who the hell this David Zurawik is, or when he dies, was. Novak was a legend, he was damn good at what he did, & did'nt seem to care about his dark evil image. Hell, he played it up the "Prince of Darkness" label for what it was worth. That actually showed that he had a sense of humor, something most people who hated Novak never had to begin with.
RIP Bob, hope they have Corvettes wherever you go in the next life.
"...How blind can you be, don't you see...
...that the gambler lost all he does not have..."
Nightwish
I commented on this slug's blog...
August 18, 2009 - 19:19 ET by Indiana JoeAs follows (starting with a quote from a previous poster):
"Is there anything ever that can be posted on the internet without some right wing anti-Obama rhetoric being thrown in? You guys are starting to sound like you live in Iran."
No, in Iran you get jailed for criticizing the government. Sounds like you'd agree with that concept... NOW. A year (or 6) ago, nothing could be posted on the Internet without some left-wing anti-Bush rhetoric being thrown in. Hertz donut.
This is amazing. Novak spoke his mind, he called it like he saw it. And that wasn't always the way it was supposed to be seen. It's obvious from comments like this that that bothers quite a few "enlightened" people.
Plame was "outed" by Armitage. The witch-hunting prosecutor KNEW this from virtually the beginning of the investigation. It was a BIG SCANDAL when it was thought it could be linked to the Bush WH. After it was finally revealed WHO did the actual "leaking," it became a Saturday Night Live punch-line: "Never mind."
That seems to be the "problem" with media reports today; when the stink isn't coming from the right place, the motto is "never mind."
The comments seemed to run about 50/50. Really, I shouldn't have even given this POS the dignity of replying. Those who know me from here can imagine how I could have gone on... and on... and on. ;^)
<edit: DAMN, I forgot to mention the NYT leaking the Top Secret plan Bush had for tracking the terrorists through bank accounts. A LOT of the leftists there were howling about "traitor" Novak leaking Plame. I thought mention of the NYT "non-scandal" might open a few eyes. Or shut a few mouths, either is good.>
"Of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people, commencing demagogues and ending tyrants." - Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 1
IJ... Excellent! I more
August 18, 2009 - 19:21 ET by bigtimerIJ...
Excellent!
I more than mean that too.
I haven't had time to look it up...but it seems to me Novak was fired/let go/quit with his back and forth on CNN where he dared to utter a cuss word...and walk out of his exasperation with...either Carville or Begala with Blitzer as host?
I'll look later.... been busy here at the home place.
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
Thanks again, BT
August 18, 2009 - 19:25 ET by Indiana JoeGlad to hear you're busy. Means you're still truckin'. ;^)
Signing off. Have a good evening.
"Of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people, commencing demagogues and ending tyrants." - Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 1
You as well IJ.
August 18, 2009 - 19:29 ET by bigtimerYou as well IJ. ;-)
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
Send Your Comments To David Zurawik
August 18, 2009 - 19:39 ET by BlueCat57Please let David Zurawik know what you think of his wonderful tribute to Robert Novak at david.zurawik@baltsun.com
or you can leave a comment at his blog post. Follow the link in the NB post.
Zuriwak
August 18, 2009 - 21:32 ET by NorthCoasterObviously Zuriwak lacks class.
fair and balanced wins again...
August 18, 2009 - 22:44 ET by puredmashiei listened to the panel at the end of bret baier's fnc evening news and robert novak was praised by each member of the panel (fred barnes, juan williams and charles krauthammer). all three praised the late novak, and williams choked back a tear in mentioning novak's widow. it was an example of bipartisan class that i'm sure none of the hard left saw.
swing hard in case you hit it.
pm... Yep, I didn't catch
August 18, 2009 - 22:56 ET by bigtimerpm...
Yep, I didn't catch this today, but I can see Williams choking back a tear as he was a regular on Crossfire for a long time too.
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
Aw...I miss
August 19, 2009 - 11:24 ET by StarAZI miss Capital Gang. A lot. Watched it for years and years. Novak was at least a reporter (Todd, Matthews, Maddow, note).
Another Pot v. Kettle story
August 19, 2009 - 10:42 ET by mattmAnother Pot v. Kettle story by a lib weenie.