CNN has asked conservative newspaper columnist and longtime CNN contributor Robert Novak to “take some time off” after Mr. Novak said, “That’s bullshit,” and stalked off a CNN set during a live debate with Democratic operative James Carville in Washington late Thursday afternoon.

A CNN spokeswoman said, “Bob Novak’s behavior on CNN today was inexcusable and unacceptable. Mr. Novak has apologized to CNN, and CNN apologizes to its viewers for his language and actions.”