DRUDGE REPORT FLASH 2001�
XXXXX DRUDGE REPORT XXXXX TUE FEB 26, 2002 19:29:02 ET XXXXX
CNN SHAKEUP: CARVILLE, BEGALA HIRED FOR 'CROSSFIRE', BILL PRESS OUT; SHOW EXPANDS TO AN HOUR, BEFORE STUDIO AUDIENCE
**Exclusive**
CNN suits are set to drastically makeover one of the network's top performers: CROSSFIRE will soon feature Clinton stars James Carville and Paul Begala from the left, the DRUDGE REPORT has learned.
Carville will host the show 1 out of 4 weeks, with Begala picking up the rest, according to sources.
Robert Novak and Tucker Carlson have both committed to continue on the right as the show expands to an hour-long format. Executives hope to move the show out of the studio to an auditorium at George Washington University.
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CNN top Walter Isaacson is said to be the mastermind behind the CROSSFIRE makeover, fighting hard to sign Carville.
"Lots of money for James, and not much work," said a source close to the man affectionally known as the 'Ragin' Cajun'.
Carville will be paid an anni of upper-six figures, according to insiders.
Host Bill Press is sent to the showers and becomes a 'CNN contributor'.
The CROSSFIRE shakeup is a direct challenge to CNBCMSNBC's HARDBALL.
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