July 23, 2008
Posted: 12:05 PM ET
Robert Novak is interviewed after the accident.
Robert Novak is interviewed after the accident.

WASHINGTON (CNN) — Journalist Robert Novak hit a pedestrian with his car in the nation's capital Wednesday morning, Washington police Lt. Michael Lockerman said.

Novak continued driving, unaware he had hit the man, he told told reporters for WJLA-TV and the Web site Politico as he got out of a police car.

"I didn't know I hit anybody," he said near the scene of the incident at 17th and K streets in northwest Washington. "A bicycle rider stopped me and said I had hit someone."

Watch: Robert Novak says he 'did know' he hit anybody

Novak said he was cited for failure to yield right of way.

"I feel terrible," said the journalist, a long-time Washington insider who works as a syndicated columnist.

"It was a slight clipping. The pedestrian hurt his shoulder. It was a slight injury, nothing serious," the police spokesman said.

The pedestrian was taken to George Washington University Hospital, and was expected to be treated and released later Wednesday, a fire department spokesman told CNN.

Filed under: Robert Novak


A.C   July 23rd, 2008 2:54 pm ET

Wow….. With all the corruption this guys been through…. Karma works in crazy ways.

A nightingale Sings in Berkley Square   July 23rd, 2008 2:53 pm ET

I feel sorry for Novak, but I don't trust him as he said he didn't remember hitting anyone. Seems almost like the Messiah Obama talking about the lack of progress in the SURGE.

For Obama's edification, the surge is working and has worked and will work. Who does he think he is, parading on the world stage like someone who knows what is happening.

I am shocked that the PRESS even acknowledges his diatribes.

Give me a man with experience and sound judgment like John McCain. Obama is wrong on experience and wrong on judgement. He is strong on blowing with no substance. obama should listen more and pontificate less. What a blowhard.

Le Chat qui fume

rw   July 23rd, 2008 2:52 pm ET

Why is this NEWS?

joe r   July 23rd, 2008 2:47 pm ET

The pedestrian who was struck was 66 years old. Any truth to the rumor that Darth Cheney was riding shotgun & dicky thought the man was Harry Whittington? Hoping to finish the job he started on the infamous hunting trip he told Bobby to "Floor it!"

kim hussein taylor portland, oregon   July 23rd, 2008 2:47 pm ET

"Driving too far to the right again, Bob?"

LOL, good one Phil Newton Murphy

Will   July 23rd, 2008 2:46 pm ET

Glad the pedestrian is ok. But how does someone hit someone with their car and not realize it? Was he looking where he was driving?

Peter (CA)   July 23rd, 2008 2:45 pm ET

I know he hates the common man but what is he going to do…take out one of us at a time?

Craig Nazor   July 23rd, 2008 2:45 pm ET

Some pretty funny comments here! But don't worry about Novak, Bush will have him and his gas-guzzling Corvette off our streets and using public transportation in no time as even he will not be able to afford gas.

keith proctor   July 23rd, 2008 2:44 pm ET

this is news worthy and robert novak is still relevant why?

Karma   July 23rd, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Time to get him off the road… and the air!!

Bob SC   July 23rd, 2008 2:43 pm ET

You guys need to check your facts. Valerie Plame was not a covert agent and she was (outed) by her HUSBAND! This is a free country and everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but NOT THEIR OWN FACTS! Honestly you folks need to stop drinking the Kool Aid and pay attention…there will be a test later. PS facts can be found in your very own Kool Aid journal NY Times check it out.

aguy   July 23rd, 2008 2:43 pm ET

I really enjoy all who say "this is not news" and are posting here anyway.

If you read other accounts, the pedestrian rolled off the hood. How could the prince of darkness not see that?

RPP   July 23rd, 2008 2:42 pm ET

How Can a person claim 'I did not know that I hit someone' and leave the scene and its OK by law?

The Guy   July 23rd, 2008 2:41 pm ET

maybe he thought the pedestrian was a CIA agent.

Ken Pittsburgh, I can, you can't.

My Dog Ate The Nightingale That Used To Sing in Berkley Square   July 23rd, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Funniest story of the year (providing the poor pedestrian is OK)

Sandy   July 23rd, 2008 2:40 pm ET

SOME OLD PEOPLE JUST DON'T KNOW WHEN TO GIVE UP DRIVING.

Heide-Auburn   July 23rd, 2008 2:40 pm ET

Hopefully Novak's backpocket will get hit next.

Matt   July 23rd, 2008 2:39 pm ET

Ever try being a pedestrian in DC? It's a minor miracle I'm still alive–I have close calls on a daily basis!

Mr Buttafuko   July 23rd, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Put this old man in a nursing home where he belongs!

Jer   July 23rd, 2008 2:38 pm ET

This guy should have his license revoked. He is obviously too old to drive. Time for cops to pay more attention to drivers who think they own the road. Pedestrians and cyclists should be applauded for saving gas and not used for target practice.

Love Lawyers   July 23rd, 2008 2:38 pm ET

On cell phone???? Can you say lawsuit .

Bill, Alabama   July 23rd, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Bob Novak should not be driving. Dick Cheney should not be hunting. James Dobson should not be an ordained minister. And George Bush should not be president of this country.

RPP   July 23rd, 2008 2:38 pm ET

Can a person claim 'I did not know that I hit someone' and leave the scene and its OK?

Justin in CA   July 23rd, 2008 2:36 pm ET

I think he is trying to send a message. Watch Out!!!!!

kim hussein taylor portland, oregon   July 23rd, 2008 2:36 pm ET

that's what happens when you're concentrating too hard on trying to keep all your lies and betrayals straight and not on your driving!

karma is a you-know-what, Roberto!

HavingFun   July 23rd, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Driving test for anyone over age 60 once every 2 years, over age 70 once every year

Cindy   July 23rd, 2008 2:35 pm ET

Poor Bob… he's having such a bad week. Glad to hear the pedestrian will be ok.

Ogden   July 23rd, 2008 2:29 pm ET

Ken Pittsburgh writes: "can you spell L-A-W- S-U-I-T-E"

Evidently not.

seldon   July 23rd, 2008 2:29 pm ET

easy, folks.

the pedestrian did look a little like joe wilson, after all…

Phil Newton Murphy, Oregon   July 23rd, 2008 2:28 pm ET

Driving too far to the right again, Bob?

ANA G. LOS ANGELES. CA   July 23rd, 2008 2:28 pm ET

lol How could he not know

Cyrus - NY   July 23rd, 2008 2:27 pm ET

Old man should give up his license.

Lorna, NY   July 23rd, 2008 2:27 pm ET

There should be an age where a person have to retake the road test and the eye test.

texas DEM   July 23rd, 2008 2:26 pm ET

is this guy related to laura bush?

David from Ohio   July 23rd, 2008 2:25 pm ET

I almost got clipped once when I went to school in D.C. I hope the guys O.K. I don't like Novak's political views but he certainly didn't mean to hit someone. I'm really not sure why this on the political ticker just because it's Novak.

Don Russell   July 23rd, 2008 2:25 pm ET

Was it Valerie Plame's husband?

ClintonDem4Cynthia08   July 23rd, 2008 2:25 pm ET

Was the pedestrian Hillary Clinton? Vote Cynthia McKinney in 2008.

ARB   July 23rd, 2008 2:25 pm ET

learn how to spell ken pittsburgh…..its LAWSUIT.

Otis   July 23rd, 2008 2:24 pm ET

I can hear Jon Stewart now….

Independent-woman-4-Obama   July 23rd, 2008 2:23 pm ET

TEXAS TRAIL DOG— I AGREE WITH YOU!!! Why isn't Congress going after Cheney & Novak for treason? Publicizing the name of a CIA Agent is treason…….. but…… no one in Congress has the backbone to do what is right! Bush/Cheney and their cronies have broken the law but they will get away with it!

What a nut Novak is!

Scott, Wichita   July 23rd, 2008 2:21 pm ET

Ken Pittsburgh July 23rd, 2008 2:10 pm ET

can you spell L-A-W- S-U-I-T-E

You can't

How is this political news? I can understand maybe in the US section, but not on the political ticker

Rise America Rise   July 23rd, 2008 2:16 pm ET

Even if the pedestrian was John McCain, this would not be news. Comon CNN, I'm sure Barack did something more noteworthy that this. Heck even a good John McConfused gaff would be more newsworthy.

Jack   July 23rd, 2008 2:16 pm ET

"The pedestrian must've been a liberal who planned this" -

that's what conservatives and their kool-aid drinking followers who listen to talk radio will be saying about this

Phil   July 23rd, 2008 2:15 pm ET

umm, if you dont know you hit a person with your car–you should'nt be driving.

Rave   July 23rd, 2008 2:15 pm ET

This reminds me of Cheney shooting his friend.. :-)
Age, Age, Age… my friends..
This man couldn't drive his car properly or notice that he struck someone.. Image what McPain could do to this country.. Got my point ??
There is plenty of youth and talent in this country and we are in desperate need of it.
OBAMA (2008 -16)

David   July 23rd, 2008 2:14 pm ET

Q. I wonder if I did the same thing, and used the same excuse, would I just be cited for "failure to yield the right of way"?

A. Be for real.

Montana is Obama Country   July 23rd, 2008 2:13 pm ET

Hit & Run

Failure to Yield

Leaving the scene of an accident

is a start for tickets than need to be issued.. Please don't give him any special treatment because of who he is.. That would be unjust to the person with bodily injury.

Also check to see if he was using his blackberry or cell..

Bob   July 23rd, 2008 2:13 pm ET

First he outs a covert CIA operative's cover and now he hits a pedestrian. What's next?

ali   July 23rd, 2008 2:12 pm ET

bush/cheney trying to discredit him for spilling his guts on rove.

JohnS   July 23rd, 2008 2:12 pm ET

Angry Grampi Novak is frutrated that his friend McCain is not doing well.

Doug, New Jersey   July 23rd, 2008 2:12 pm ET

Novak seems to be doing a 180 of Lieberman. ;)

If you have driven in blue states and red states frequently then you will get that.

Ken Pittsburgh   July 23rd, 2008 2:10 pm ET

can you spell L-A-W- S-U-I-T-E

Jim G pa   July 23rd, 2008 2:09 pm ET

He didn't know he hit anybody? The cops swallowed that excuse?
How pathetic..

Marge Hibbing Mn   July 23rd, 2008 2:08 pm ET

Hitting someone is terrible. But has anybody ever tried to drive down a street near the capital and the Federal Triangle. You can hardly get your car thru the congestion. People do not pay attention to Walk –and especially "DON'T WALK" they think the streets are for them only.

KEITH SMITH   July 23rd, 2008 2:06 pm ET

no doubt a graduate of the dick cheney school of driving and shooting.

Ponce de Leon   July 23rd, 2008 2:06 pm ET

Given how obnoxious Novak has been to people throughout his career, I have no problem saying this …..

If you are so old and out of touch that you could hit someone with your car and claim to not even know you did it …. you probably shouldn't be driving Bob.

Richard, FL   July 23rd, 2008 2:06 pm ET

"Novak continued driving, unaware"

Tee   July 23rd, 2008 2:05 pm ET

That's right Steph, it would be failed to yield, leaving the scene, but since it's Novak he will get a slap on the wrist and they will tell him make sure you get your eyes check every year, but me or you we wouldn't have a fighting chance.

Sally   July 23rd, 2008 2:03 pm ET

Let me guess…….

This is Obama's fault, just like the high gas prices.

Dave   July 23rd, 2008 2:02 pm ET

The victim must have been a neocon, if he was a "liberal", Novak would
have stopped, hit reverse , ran over him again and then plant a story
claiming the victim was a terrorist.

Gregory   July 23rd, 2008 2:00 pm ET

Okay this is not really a big news item to rant and rave about.

There are other things more important to discuss than one citizen accidentally hitting another one.

Ace   July 23rd, 2008 2:00 pm ET

Novak, traitor to his country when he published the name of a CIA agent. Now, soon to be convicted fellon for hit and run . Unless bush of course, gives him immunity from prosecution or a pardon in January.

What a hack!

DflateMacsStr8TalkXpress: Econ MIA, AWOL on facts, POW from reality   July 23rd, 2008 1:58 pm ET

This scumbag tried to flee the scene after the pedestrian rolled across his windshield! Looks like he done learnt lots from the Bush/ Cheney/Rove administration.

Bryant, CT   July 23rd, 2008 1:57 pm ET

Careful there, Robert!

Digmy   July 23rd, 2008 1:57 pm ET

I don't understand how a slight clipping gets you injured in the shoulder.
I read on another blog Novak's car was a Vette.
Vettes are pretty low to the ground.

popeye   July 23rd, 2008 1:54 pm ET

If Bob Novak wants to say he didn't know he hit anyone as a defense then his license should be suspended at the very least.
That is what would happen to you or me!

ProudToBeDemocrat   July 23rd, 2008 1:53 pm ET

The old man Mccain is not going to name his V.P this week, all he is doing is palying with the stupid media's head, trying to still the attention obama is getting overseas. He is like the rest of the conservative republicans Crook and twisted mind.

Boom-Boom   July 23rd, 2008 1:52 pm ET

So what's new about this?? Every hit and run perpetrator says "Oh, I didn't know I hit anyone/anything!!" I'm 64 years old and I would certainly know what that sound was. If it were ANYONE else other than a vindictive journalist they would be charged with leaving the scene!

tillzen   July 23rd, 2008 1:51 pm ET

If every time we clipped a guy with a car, or shot a friend in the face, we had to stop and render aid, old white guys would never get anything done! We're trying to run an Empire here!

Ron   July 23rd, 2008 1:51 pm ET

He should have immediately wrapped the pedestrians head in a turban and proceeded to yell 9-11 terrorist repeatedly, then he would be a hero and not a villain. Didn't he learn anything from the last 8 years? Gee whiz.

Tom, St. Paul   July 23rd, 2008 1:50 pm ET

Wow! I have an opportunity to comment on a story like this and the whole world can read it! Is this a great country or what?!

ben   July 23rd, 2008 1:50 pm ET

Glad to hear the hit and run victim is okay. He did realize he'd hit someone and simply failed to stop and render aid. Will he be sighted for this as you or I would have been? No! of course not.

Greg Pottstown, Pa.   July 23rd, 2008 1:49 pm ET

Nom Deplume July 23rd, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Obviously, it is Bush's fault

LOL Are you sure? I thought it was McCain's fault.

AJP Richardson, TX   July 23rd, 2008 1:48 pm ET

Who cares!!

Ogden   July 23rd, 2008 1:46 pm ET

Having watched as a pedestrian was killed by a car in the lane next to mine, I have sympathy for both Mr. Novak and the person he struck.

Karen from Missouri   July 23rd, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Will someone explain to me how you hit — even "brush" a pedestrian and not know it?

William, from Cali!   July 23rd, 2008 1:45 pm ET

Just the facts, please!………..Did he hit, someone?…….Did he leave the scene of the crime? Will anything be done about it; that will involve money?

Mel   July 23rd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Was there a sobriety test done. He probably had a liquid lunch.

Tim   July 23rd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

John McCain looks more like Mr Magoo everyday!!!

Texun   July 23rd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

Nlk Green is right: there is one law for celebrities and another for the rest of us! That's the lesson and importance of this episode.

Crush Rush   July 23rd, 2008 1:42 pm ET

I hope it was a lobbyist for big oil.

Lou Sthul   July 23rd, 2008 1:41 pm ET

This old coot has to be pushing 90. Mcain/Novak in '08 ! ! !

Chad, Wisco   July 23rd, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Slow day huh? No new Obama hand gesture or anything else to report about? Didnt Michelle get a haircut recently?

AMIGO   July 23rd, 2008 1:39 pm ET

Novak, McSame, Graham and all the rest of the ol' geesers should be shoved out of washington; they are a perenial hazard to everyone else in this country in more than one way - -

Jesse   July 23rd, 2008 1:39 pm ET

I've always said he's just a cranky old man (typical Republican) - now this just proves it!

Lee   July 23rd, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Novak clearly has no idea of what is going on around him. What does this say about his judgment? The man has no professional credibility now, kind of like Limbaugh, the self-admitted drug abuser. Both should be pulled off the air–their judgment is way off and it affects their behavior to the point where they violate laws–committing fraud, running down pedestrians without looking back, leaving the scene of an accident. What next? Time to take away the driver's license along with the FCC license.

Pedro Goldstein   July 23rd, 2008 1:38 pm ET

Great, another old fart who has no business behind the wheel. I'm sure after this incident, McCain will appoint him as his Transportation Consultant.

jjfklewklj   July 23rd, 2008 1:37 pm ET

Well I hope he has good insurance, other than that who cares, the pedestrian will be fine and will get a nice big settlement out of court and will probably defect from the US. Yes I know defection means to flee a dictatorship, that was the point of the comment.

Derrick   July 23rd, 2008 1:36 pm ET

He's too old to be driving anyway! I understands he drives a Corvette? Why in the hell would anyone his age, with disabilities be driving that type of car? It's very obvious that if he didn't know he hit someone that he shouldn't be driving. I hope the driver sues the hell out of him…….the jerk conservative , right wing dork!

Xavierism   July 23rd, 2008 1:36 pm ET

Novak needs to go away. Just go away…

Gurman Bal   July 23rd, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Novak is lying! He didn't know he had hit someone? This loser ran a person down and drove off. Sort of like his Valerie Plame smear. Hello civil lawsuit!

Rico   July 23rd, 2008 1:35 pm ET

The pedestrian was a CIA agent, too.

Texas Trail Dog!   July 23rd, 2008 1:35 pm ET

JB OF BOSTON - BEING YOU KNOW SO MUCH THEN TELL ME THIS IF THE ELITE OF WASHINGTON AS YOU SAY KNEW ALL ABOUT HER BEING A CIA OPERATIVE THEN WHY WAS SUCH A HULLABOO BEING MADE ABOUT IT AT THE TIME? WHY ARE THEY STILL TRYING TO UNCOVER WHO GAVE THE WOMAN'S NAME TO THE MEDIA, BOB NOVAK? WHY IS THE PAPERWORK FILES THAT GEORGE BUSH IS SITTING ON AND WILL NOT RELEASE BEING COVERED UP IF EVERYONE KNEW? THEN IF EVERYONE DID KNOW AND YOU'RE TELL THE TRUTH SOMEONE SHOULD TELL THE PRESS BECAUSE THE PEOPLE DIDN'T KNOW THAT THE WOMAN WAS A KNOWN OPERATIVE? BESIDE WHAT DOES THE JB STAND FOR? JEB BUSH???

Jordan - San Marcos TX   July 23rd, 2008 1:33 pm ET

The free market should decide whether or not Novak hit a pedestrian with his car.

judy, Wisconsin   July 23rd, 2008 1:33 pm ET

He's as bad at driving as he is as a "journalist".

Paul   July 23rd, 2008 1:31 pm ET

Now that's what I call a hard-hitting journalist.

Max   July 23rd, 2008 1:31 pm ET

The headline should have started "Treasonist Bob Novak hits ……"

DMAC/Post Falls, ID   July 23rd, 2008 1:30 pm ET

If this old geezer were in jail for treason where he should be he would not have been driving down the street . He has to be older than dirt. Maybe they'll pull his license for the safety of everyone. With all his money he should be able to get a chauffeur.

Max   July 23rd, 2008 1:29 pm ET

DRIVER'S TEST EVERY 90 DAYS FOR EVERYONE OVER 50!!!! THESE ACCIDENTS HAVE TO END!!!!

Steph   July 23rd, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Failure to yeild? How about leaving the scene of a crime with bodily injury?

NIk Green   July 23rd, 2008 1:27 pm ET

Ok, if that had been me, or you, or 99.9% of the rest of us, this incident would be considered *hit and run* by law enforcement. Novak will get away with it; its as predictable as the sunrise.

J   July 23rd, 2008 1:26 pm ET

Anyone else does that they go to jail … I hope he is not receiving any special treatment…

Steve   July 23rd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

With 118 comments as I post this, I suggest that this story IS newsworthy - obviously people are willing to read it.

Furthermore, it's newsworthy because Novak generates controversy, and controversy sells papers.

CM   July 23rd, 2008 1:25 pm ET

I don't like Novak for some of the things he says, but this was just an accident that could happen to anyone!

Crush Rush   July 23rd, 2008 1:20 pm ET

Maybe it was Rush Limbaugh on his way to K Street to pick up his pay check.

Marie   July 23rd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Hit and Run. That would be the charge. if it were you or me. I hope the victim sues for all it's worth. Novak should be in jail!

Upon Further Review,Texas   July 23rd, 2008 1:18 pm ET

Was it Judy,the jail bird?

jimmy velman   July 23rd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

I THINK NOVAK WAS JUST TOO PREOCCUPIED WITH HIS NEXT
NEWSPAPER COLUMN AND WAS NOT WATCHING OUT OM HIS DRIVING AND "DIDN'T KNOW" HE HIT A PEDESTRIAN.
JUST GLAD THE PEDESTRIAN WAS NOT HURT SERIOUSLY. BUT IF IWERE THE PEDESTRIAN, I'D SEE THE DOCTORS FOR ANOTHER CHECKUP TO BE SURE.

Terry in NY   July 23rd, 2008 1:17 pm ET

If that would have been the average guy they'd have been hauled off to jail. but in his case……
I smell a lawsuit!!!

GREG   July 23rd, 2008 1:16 pm ET

WHY IS THIS IN THE POLITICAL SECTION?

Unshrub   July 23rd, 2008 1:15 pm ET

Give him the death penalty….

Judy   July 23rd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

And his day has come!

Sammy   July 23rd, 2008 1:13 pm ET

Wow. Simple story about an accident that just so happens to involve a well known guy. Yet some use it to make snide comments and complain about one thing or another. Just for kicks I would say CNN was right to put this on the blog just to see how many downright stupid posts there are.

Dieter Zerressen, Denver, CO   July 23rd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

First sign you should no longer be driving or remain a "journalist": not knowing you actually hit a pedestrian with your car!

what the...   July 23rd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

How do you not know that you hit someone…. THUD no big deal he had his eminem album on in the background so he couldn't hear it…

Susan   July 23rd, 2008 1:12 pm ET

Maybe if he had his bddy mcBush with him, between the 2 of them they may have seen the poor guy.

TyWebb   July 23rd, 2008 1:11 pm ET

Novak's a loser, anyway.

nora howard   July 23rd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

If i were in a accident would i be on the 6:00 oclock news. Bet not.

Upon Further Review,Texas   July 23rd, 2008 1:10 pm ET

On payoff street no less,how funny is that.HAHA

john vines Florida   July 23rd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

JB Boston,you exactly the same as Novak,no difference.Think you know everything.

KC   July 23rd, 2008 1:09 pm ET

Drivers License TEST every year for 60+ years olds

Chris, Denver CO   July 23rd, 2008 1:08 pm ET

If he is telling the truth that he hit a pedestrian and didn't even realize it, he is a menace and shouldn't be on the road.

If he is lying about it, he is guilty of hit-and-run and should be imprisoned.

JJ   July 23rd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Put the Kool-Aid down, Jann. It happens…Novak was forthcoming, not evasive, when he was stopped. Glad no one is seriously hurt. Let's move on…

Ken   July 23rd, 2008 1:07 pm ET

Boy these vacuous mouthpieces for the right are proving themselves a bodily danger to the public….recall Cheney shooting his buddy in the face?

Can you imagine being so "out of it" that you don't notice hitting someone? Similar to being so "out of it" you'd vote for Bush twice. Given that he's ready to make that mistake again by supporting McCain, I'd say pedestrians in the District should be very aware when Novak is on the road.

Novak is a journalist like I'm a billionare. I'd like to be one, and I could fake it — for quite a while if all I had to do is talk to and agree with mindless fools — but I don't have a clue how to actually gather that much money.

john vines Florida   July 23rd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Novak is not worthy of the ink required to comment about the no good,worthless,bullheaded,preppy nothing.I wish Ms.Plame would break his beak(nose).

Jan, Knoxville, TN   July 23rd, 2008 1:06 pm ET

Guess Novak was busy thinking about how the McCain campaign used him re the VP selection! Time to consider joining the Democratic Party, Bob!

Bob Indianapolis, IN   July 23rd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Gosh Traitor Bob! Was it the Karma Police trying to send a message?

nancy   July 23rd, 2008 1:04 pm ET

Was the pedestrian a covert CIA agent, by chance?

FRED   July 23rd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

What's the deal with Republicans??? First Cheney blows his hunting
buddy away with a shotgun, and now Novak runs down an innocent
pedestrian. Instead of admitting fault they both tried to run and hide and when caught, claim ignorance.

Dan   July 23rd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

How exactly does one hurt their shoulder during a "slight clipping" from a car?

And how exactly does the driver of that car not notice the "slight clipping"?

Sounds like he had to have hit him pretty good to hurt the guy's shoulder. And hard enough that the driver should have noticed.

Could be time to put Novak out to pasture….

BJGT   July 23rd, 2008 1:03 pm ET

Was muttering and stewing about being misled by McGoo nad just didn't see the guy - is this a hit and run?

vjh   July 23rd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

How wouldn't you know that you hit someone ?

Ann C   July 23rd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Was Novak tested for alcohol or drugs…just like any ordinary citizen?

Joe Regis   July 23rd, 2008 1:01 pm ET

Was it Carl Rove that got hit?

DUI was it?

ali   July 23rd, 2008 1:00 pm ET

how do you not know you hit someone?he wasnt talking on his cell phone or texting?this may be a bush/cheney attempt,to silence the media.alright,it's probably an accident,but……….

An American Whiner   July 23rd, 2008 1:00 pm ET

That's the problem with these OLD relics of the past.

Dennis   July 23rd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

The pedestrian looked a lot like Joe Wilson. That may explain how he didn't really notice the consequences of his actions.

Joseph IRAQ WAR VET   July 23rd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

I THINK THE REAL STORY HERE IS THAT THIS ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE ON 17TH AND K STREET, WHAT ARE YOU DOING HANGING AROUND LOBBYIST CENTRAL BOB??? GETTING MORE OF YOUR PATHETIC CORPORATE TALKING POINTS FROM THE PEOPLE WHO HELPED YOU BUY THAT NICE CORVETTE HUH? LOL

Crush Rush   July 23rd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Couldnt care less if it was the King of K Street,"Tom Delay.

Jack   July 23rd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

I don't understand how you can get hit by a car. They are big and usually follow a predicted path.

KMAN   July 23rd, 2008 12:59 pm ET

Obviously, his driving skills are no better than his myopic commentaries or his devotion to our Country … Journalist my @ss!!

Butch Dillon   July 23rd, 2008 12:58 pm ET

Mundane things like pedestrians hardly penetrate the insular world of right wing egomaniacs. If encouraged to talk about the accident any further, Novak will probably find a way to blame the victim for his inattentive driving.

Lucas, Nashville TN   July 23rd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

More silly old men unaware of their surroundings in DC… imagine that.

Ken   July 23rd, 2008 12:57 pm ET

Let me see,
mmmmmmh,
He was rushing to go write the vp for mccain………This guy is a moron. Remember he was the one who started false rumours of Obama early in the race in his column and Obama took on him……..
He is just a moron and can not help to think how sorry I am to that pedestran!

No Fan of Moonbats   July 23rd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

If Traitor Novak were sitting in Leavenworth where he belongs, this wouldn't have happened.

Emma   July 23rd, 2008 12:53 pm ET

That isn't all Novak has hit and "not noticed".

Crush Rush   July 23rd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

K street no less.Guess he was there getting another payoff for a job well done in the coverup.

JB Boston   July 23rd, 2008 12:52 pm ET

Hey Texas Trail Dog-

The truth is she was not a secret agent. She had not been "secret" for many years. EVERYONE in the elite washington dc party crowd knew she worked for the CIA. She had not been undercover for over 10 years. That is the truth. You can whine and cry all you want, but it does not change the truth.

And yes, CNN you are fallng fast. Come on, give us something news worthy.

Michael Wamsley   July 23rd, 2008 12:51 pm ET

Novak should go to jail for hit and run………..

joe   July 23rd, 2008 12:50 pm ET

That would do it for Novak. The republicans think they don't live in this earth that we live in and they are above the LAW!

Ken L   July 23rd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

What about "hit and run"? It is deplorable that he wasn't arrested on the spot.

M Root   July 23rd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

This isn't the first time that Novak has clipped someone. It's just another day for Robert.

However, one has to wonder if he is too old to drive an automobile. This could been seen as a time for Novak to get out journalism also as he seems a bit indifferent about his professional career as well.

M Root

Discredit   July 23rd, 2008 12:49 pm ET

John McCain is doing enough on his own to discredit himself. The pressure of trying to maintain the lie is getting to Novak.

Anne E.   July 23rd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Yep, try this guy for treason; alternatively, STOP GIVING HIM ANY RECOGNITION!!! He needs to be put out to pasture….

Praetorian, Fort Myers   July 23rd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

No problem.
He's been running over and trampling the public trust for some time now.
A natural extension of his rampant and impersonal nature–would include pedestrians, cattle, and small children while driving a motor vehicle.

Why should he be any more cautious in what he does when it comjes to a motor vehicle–when he is equally careless with his tongue and pen?

Jann, Denver CO   July 23rd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

I have a feeling he did know he hit the pedestrian, but didn't feel the need to stop.

Marcus, Great Lakes IL   July 23rd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

Nothing serious???

Do you know of how many people on either motor cycles or bikes are killed every year because of some dumb azz that is too busy talking on the phone, putting on makeup or reading while driving?

Chances are, if you hit anyone on a mc or bike you are going to kill them, you slam on your brakes and they are behind you, you are going to kill them as they can't stop as fast as you do.

Jeffrey G. Brown   July 23rd, 2008 12:48 pm ET

He's a hit and run artist…just ask Valerie Plame!

Joseph P.   July 23rd, 2008 12:47 pm ET

hummm, reminds me of Jack Cafferty. Cant think of the reason at the moment, but im sure it will come to me.

Ken L   July 23rd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

What about "hit and run"? It is BS that he wasn't arrested on the spot.

Wayne, Greenville TX   July 23rd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

Just as Robert No-Facts cannot be trusted with a newspaper column or a TV show, it looks like he can't be trusted with a car, either. :-)

Soap on a Rope!   July 23rd, 2008 12:46 pm ET

FINALLY A REASON TO SEND THIS WORTHLESS PIECES OF EXCREMENT TO PRISON!!!!!

Fresh fish boys!!!! Come and get it!

Bob   July 23rd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Ooooh, my Goodnesssssssssssssss!

Ricky - Hispanic/Educated and voting for Obama   July 23rd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

I work about 3 blocks east of there. DC is well known for its high number of vehicle-pedestrian accidents. I sometimes still fail to realize why people insist on driving in downtown DC instead of taking the metro. Then again the drivers run red lights, cut people, and act as guardian of the road. It's actually kind of annoying.

carol   July 23rd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

If anybody else did that, they would have been charged with hit and run, and/or leaving the scene of an accident. Then he could explain it to the judge.

Mr. Novak is 77 years old. Maybe it's time he think about retirement.

josh   July 23rd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

Witness on the scene also said that Mr. Novac babbled non-stop and made absolutely no sense, insisting that he did not see the pedestrian because the pedestrian was "under cover".

Carlo   July 23rd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

More proof as to just how clueless this guy is.

PlameIsPretty   July 23rd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

What else can this man possibly do wrong? Sheesh.

No Bam Bam   July 23rd, 2008 12:45 pm ET

CNN…what gives? Did the moderator take off today?

Sharon   July 23rd, 2008 12:44 pm ET

It's time for him to let someone else do the driving. I believe he is around 78 years old.

Nnamdi - Truth always prevail   July 23rd, 2008 12:43 pm ET

"A bicycle rider stopped me and said I had hit someone."

How do republicans ever know when they hit someone or the country? Just a thought!

No Fan of Moonbats   July 23rd, 2008 12:42 pm ET

You're taking that "Prince of Darkness" thing a little too far, aren't you, traitor?

Bob Stephens   July 23rd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

He was probably reading a text message from John McCain when it happened.

Susan Bruce   July 23rd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Once again, Novak veers too far to the right.

The Canadian   July 23rd, 2008 12:41 pm ET

Slow News Day Eh?

cynical at best   July 23rd, 2008 12:40 pm ET

How come he wasn't charged with hit and run?

FactCheck   July 23rd, 2008 12:39 pm ET

He then diverted attention by outing a dozen more covert CIA agents.

dave   July 23rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

ha!

norma - Wisconsin   July 23rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Actually, its probably the only time Robert Novak hit anything head on. I'm sympathetic for the person that was hurt, but Robert Novak has not been on target on anything since I first heard of him.

Maybe they should take his driver's license away!

Tolu, in Minneapolis   July 23rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Seriously, is this political news or just sensational news? I guess you (CNN) have a lot of airtime, and have to fill it up with something.

On a side note, please introduce a rating system for the comments/blog. Way too many idiots, incoherent and non relevant contents, and misspellers on this site. Let the free market forces subvert such people.

Arkay, MI   July 23rd, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Was the pedetrian Valerie Plame by any chance?

John   July 23rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

It must have been someone who was whining about the state of the economy.

Michael "C" Lorton, Virginia   July 23rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

And the point?

ClintonDem4Cynthia08   July 23rd, 2008 12:36 pm ET

Was he an Obama supporter? Should've voted for Cynthia McKinney.

Peter   July 23rd, 2008 12:35 pm ET

Was the pedestrian Valerie Plame?

Jerry   July 23rd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

Shame on that pedestrian for trying to take away Bobby's right of way.

Maria   July 23rd, 2008 12:33 pm ET

This man has issues!

Kathy   July 23rd, 2008 12:32 pm ET

Time for drug testing!!!

The Right Vote - Obama   July 23rd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Give Novak a break - This had to be awful for him and the person he injured.

Adam   July 23rd, 2008 12:31 pm ET

Knock knock.

Who's there?

My car.

Jamie   July 23rd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Wow, just like he hit Valerie Plame

Zorro   July 23rd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

Novak has become so ignored intellectually that all he has left is his celebrity. Not unlike a Brittany Spears, he has to run down a liberal in a crosswalk to get attention.

BE CAREFUL!!!   July 23rd, 2008 12:30 pm ET

I'm glad to hear the person is ok !!

Robert Novak is old like McCain

Frank   July 23rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Creepy!

Tony   July 23rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

He probably did it as a statement against bicycles - they're too eco-friendly.

McLAME   July 23rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Perhaps he will get a ticket? Then again perhaps not. If he can out a CIA agent without as much as a slap on the wrist then he should be able to just drive over the "little people".

yellowdoggie   July 23rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

I'm so glad the pedestrian survived and is expected to be released soon. Can you imagine Novak's face being the last thing you saw before dying?

Trish Hussein - PA   July 23rd, 2008 12:28 pm ET

Why is this a ticker item? Doesn't that seem a bit tasteless?? What does this have to do with politics and why do we need to hear everyone's opinion on this?? This is just weird.

Biffington, Biff   July 23rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

WAS IT VALERIE PLAME??

(sorry…. couldn't resist)

proud army and navy mom   July 23rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

i hope everyone is alright.

can't help but think that novak might have been thinking of the way the mccain campaign used him to spread false rumors of vp annoucement earlier this week. He didn't seem pleased by it….just the way the American people don't feel please by the way the repugs lie and deceive us.

Susan, Macedon New York   July 23rd, 2008 12:26 pm ET

Hope they don't make the poor pedestrian apologize for getting in Novak's way, like they made that poor man apologize for inconveniencing Cheney when he was shot by him!

Concerned INDEPENDENT CT voter   July 23rd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

LMAO!!! how old is this gentlemen?

-V

Janice Hough   July 23rd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Presumably it was the pedestrian's fault for walking too far to the left.

Brian   July 23rd, 2008 12:25 pm ET

Was the pedestrian James Carville?

dc lady   July 23rd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

this happens a LOT in the dc area. usually a mix of people driving carelessly or jaywalkers…

Matt, Manchester, CT   July 23rd, 2008 12:23 pm ET

Fantastic story CNN - This is right on top of things as far as today's headlines are concerned. Great.

Steve Green   July 23rd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

Thankfully the pedestrian is OK, but he must have been a Democrat!

R.I.F.   July 23rd, 2008 12:22 pm ET

He's probably still upset that McCain mislead him about the VP announcement. I really hope the media doe start covering McCain more. His lies, gaffes, misspeaks and lack of focusing on any of his solutions or policies need to be exposed.

bryan in sf   July 23rd, 2008 12:21 pm ET

maybe he should take the subway train like the rest of us.

James Hussein, SC   July 23rd, 2008 12:21 pm ET

So this is how you plan to discredit Novak for calling out John McCain for using him?

CNN you are sick!

Joe Reg   July 23rd, 2008 12:21 pm ET

Drunk and Driving accident.

Driving while under the influence of booze.

Angus McDugan   July 23rd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

Tell him to not do that any more.

Walt, Belton,TX   July 23rd, 2008 12:20 pm ET

I suppose Cheney leaked this story too?

McHero 08   July 23rd, 2008 12:19 pm ET

Hope your both OK. Good news that he doenst seem seriously injured.

Barack the Tele-promp-ter Messiah   July 23rd, 2008 12:18 pm ET

And cue snarky commennnnnnnnnts… NOW!

Maestroh   July 23rd, 2008 12:18 pm ET

Wonder if the patient's name was Valerie Plame?

Pam, Long Beach, CA   July 23rd, 2008 12:17 pm ET

Novak is a real scum…he outed an undercover CIA agent. He should be tried for treason. Too bad he couldn't run over himself.

Grumpy Old Man   July 23rd, 2008 12:16 pm ET

Who cares about this … on the political ticker?

Geesh …. get a clue CNN.

Abby   July 23rd, 2008 12:16 pm ET

If he was in jail for outing the CIA agent, he would not be driving around now.

Voter   July 23rd, 2008 12:15 pm ET

Why does CNN want people to comment on this unfortunate event? Really tasteless!

Phil, FL   July 23rd, 2008 12:15 pm ET

He's too old to be driving - he needs to take a taxi.

I'm in my late 60s and dread when I have to give it up, but I'd rather be dependent than to risk taking someone's life.

TEST all over 60 ever 2 years !!!!!

Connie   July 23rd, 2008 12:14 pm ET

Was this the McSenile staffer that led Novak astray this week with the vp pick story??????
Connie from Indiana

Dave C - NJ   July 23rd, 2008 12:14 pm ET

That is terrible and i wish the injured person well.

By the way, since we are on the subject, why is everyone in an uproar over Obama getting tons of media press? He's a good story, isn't that what the media is supposed to cover?

Also McCain got the SAME coverage hype in 2000.

And isn't McCain the one that told Obama he should go overseas to begin with?

And isn't it funny that Bush is sending diplomats to SYRIA while McCain is saying that Obama's diplomacy ideals are bad? John, if it's bad to talk to enemies, why does the GOP do it?

Sorry for the thread hi-jack…. :)

Nom Deplume   July 23rd, 2008 12:13 pm ET

Obviously, it is Bush's fault

Anonymous   July 23rd, 2008 12:13 pm ET

who cares? this has NOTHING to do with national politics, sorry. journalists are NOT supposed to be the content of news, please, CNN/.

James Nelson   July 23rd, 2008 12:12 pm ET

What, did the traitor do a hit and run on another CIA agent?

Loretta from California   July 23rd, 2008 12:12 pm ET

Thank God the pedestrian will be ok.

Tori, Oregon   July 23rd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

He truly is the prince of darkness

Mark Webb   July 23rd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

Sure, this is news; but is it worth reporting???

Thomas   July 23rd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

I hope the pedestrian will be ok. Other than that, I fail to see how this is news or worthy of a blog.

Obama-Junkie, IL   July 23rd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

I had said this before and I will say it again…OLD MAN YELLS AT CLOUDS!

Bob Novak (The Prince of Darkness) and David Broder (The Karl Rovian Candidate) should retire.

Michael, Orlando, Florida.   July 23rd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

What a bad week for Robert Novak after deception by McCain group, now he had a car crash. I am sure McCain deception is the root of this confusion and car crashing. We still love you Rob, hope you are okay.

Thomas   July 23rd, 2008 12:11 pm ET

I hope will be ok. Other than that, I fail to see how this is news or worthy of a blog.

Texas Trail Dog!   July 23rd, 2008 12:10 pm ET

Very sad about the pedestrian. I'm glad he's alright. BUT ROBERT NOVAK NEEDS TO BE TRIED FOR TREASON. THE FREEDOM OF THE PRESS DOES NOT APPLY WHEN YOU GIVE UP ONE OF YOUR COUNTRY'S SECRET AGENTS NAME TO THE PUBLIC WORLD. HE, BUSH AND CHENEY MUST BE TRIED FOR TREASON. ATTORNEY GENERAL DO YOUR JOB. BESIDES HE WASN'T ACTING AS A NEWSMAN HERE ANYWAY HE WAS ACTING AS A REPUBLICAN DOING REPUBLICAN THINGS OF WHAT THEY DO BEST. SETTING PEOPLE UP TO BE DESTROYED.

Maggie Muggins From Selwyn   July 23rd, 2008 12:09 pm ET

Referring to Robert Novak as a journalist is oxymoron and an insult to anyone who attempts to honestly report news.

Tony   July 23rd, 2008 12:07 pm ET

Cool. Did Matt Lauer walk past a homeless guy without acknowledging him? Did Stephen Colbert give another driver the finger after cutting him off?

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