by simply muttering a simple word on cnn's 'inside politics'--ironically, the same word most often used to describe his writing--columnist robert novak outted himself indefinitely from his job at cnn. 

novak and fellow guest james carville were interupting each other during a discussion about florida congresswoman katherine harris' (r-fl) upcoming campaign for the us senate.  rep harris, who came to national attention during the 2000 presidential election debacle, is considered by some florida republicans still too tainted by her involvement in that election to be a viable candidate--with or without her cheesy makeup. novak, master of the 180-degree spin, was attempting to explain why public dislike of harris could work in her favor. 

novak: "Let me just finish, James, please. I know you hate to hear me, but you have to."

carville: "He's got to show these right-wingers that he's got a backbone, you know. It's why the Wall Street Journal editorial page is watching you. Show 'em that you're tough."

novak: "Well, I think that's bullshit and I hate that. Just let it go."

when commentator ed henry attempted to ask a question of carville, novak got up and walked offstage. 

novak's entry into the job market comes at a particularly auspicious moment.  supreme court justice rehnquist was hospitalized again yesterday. 

several high whitehorse souses believe novak could replace rehnquist should the elderly jurist be forced to resign due to illness.  

'if bolton can be our ambassador to the un," they reportedly said (altho not for retribution). " anybody can be appointed to anything. hell, even novak has a shot at a seat on the high court."