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Memo to the McCain campaign: Don’t blow off David Letterman.
The “Late Show” host lit into Republican presidential nominee John McCain Wednesday after Sen. McCain canceled his appearance on the show, telling Letterman he was suspending his campaign to go to Washington to deal with the nation’s financial crisis.
McCain spokeswoman Nicole Wallace said Thursday that the campaign “felt this wasn't a night for comedy.”
Letterman initially called McCain “an honest-to-God hero” and several times during his opening comments expressed his admiration for McCain. Recounting McCain’s years in a North Vietnamese prison camp, he said, “That’s why we love this man.”
But Letterman also criticized McCain for suspending his campaign, saying that while he’s in Washington, his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, should continue campaigning.
“I’m more than a little disappointed by this behavior,” Letterman said. “We’re suspending the campaign. Suspending it because there’s an economic crisis, or because the poll numbers are sliding?
“This doesn’t smell right,” Letterman continued. “Because this is not the way a tested hero behaves. I think someone's put something in his Metamucil.”
Later in the show, while talking with substitute guest Keith Olbermann of MSNBC’s “Countdown,” Letterman learned that instead of rushing to Washington, McCain was only five blocks away in Manhattan, preparing for an interview with Katie Couric. As his show displayed video feed of McCain with Couric, Letterman exclaimed: “He doesn’t seem to be racing to the airport, does he? Hey, John, I got a question! You need a ride to the airport?”
McCain has been a favorite guest of Letterman’s, making 12 appearances over the years. Last year, the senator from Arizona announced his candidacy for president on “Late Show.” At the end of his rant, Letterman wondered aloud if McCain would ever come back again.
“Not after the drubbing you just gave him,” quipped band leader Paul Shaffer.
Letterman has engaged in some famous feuds over the years, including one of 16 years’ duration with Oprah Winfrey and another with rival late-night host Jay Leno. He has also sparred with Fox News’ Bill O’Reilly. Letterman is often self-deprecating, but he does not like being dismissed.
“We’re in sorry need and short supply of actual heroes like John McCain,” Letterman said early in his show. “But when you call up at the last minute and cancel a show … This is not the John McCain I know, by God. It makes me believe something is going haywire with the campaign. Someone got to him and said, ‘Blow Letterman off, he’s a lightweight.’ ”
But on TODAY, McCain spokeswoman Wallace said, “We deeply regret offending Mr. Letterman, but our candidate's priority at this moment is to focus on this crisis.”
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 | Letterman unloads on McCain for not showing up | Associated Press | Thu Sep 25 | 593 |
| Letterman keeps up verbal assault on John McCain | Associated Press | Thu Sep 25 | 7 |
 | McCain Not Running Off So Fast To Washington As He Says | Lateshow.cbs.com | Wed Sep 24 | 7 |
| Letterman rips McCain | Gawker | Thu Sep 25 | 0 |
| Letterman keeps up verbal assault on John McCain | The Washington Times | Fri Sep 26 | 6 |
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{"commentId":3115979,"authorDomain":"penraycastles"}
More material for another Michel Moore movie
{"commentId":3115979,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"penraycastles"}
#26 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:23 PM EDT{"commentId":3116146,"authorDomain":"billyj777"}
Letterman? who's he ?
{"commentId":3116146,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"billyj777"}
#27 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:28 PM EDT{"commentId":3116948,"authorDomain":"roadeye1"}
McCain is employing Nixon-esque tactics to avoid the press and his competition.
He may have been a maverick and WW2 hero, but his time has come and gone.
{"commentId":3116948,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"roadeye1"}
- 1 vote
#28 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:50 PM EDT{"commentId":3121358,"authorDomain":"jejjarvis"}
Thats the vietnan war dhead!
{"commentId":3121358,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"jejjarvis"}
{"commentId":3117226,"authorDomain":"Ben5425"}
If Letterman really thinks blowing up civilians makes John McCain a hero, he must WORSHIP Osama bin Laden.
There were plenty of heroes during the Vietnam War. Some of them obeyed their draft orders and did their duty. Some of them had the guts to just say no to a criminal war. John McCain volunteered for mass murder.
And going to prison for it makes him a hero! When is Letterman going to invite John Wayne Gacy? Will he be offended if Gacy stands him up?
NBC = National Brainwashing Company.
{"commentId":3117226,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"Ben5425"}
#29 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 1:57 PM EDT{"commentId":3117570,"authorDomain":"globuo01"}
To ease concerns about the "bailout" (it's not a sinking ship?) there's a new pilot show -- about child abduction, cocaine trafficking and Jimmy Buffet... The star of it all is a little dog named Benjih.
{"commentId":3117570,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"globuo01"}
#30 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 2:05 PM EDT{"commentId":3117687,"authorDomain":"rick-mccollum"}
McCain needs to keep the presidential campaign as his top priority. Let people who know something about the economy deal with the economy. Please, let's not have the economic crisis have an even broader negative effect by robbing the public of information needed to make wise election decisions!
{"commentId":3117687,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"rick-mccollum"}
- 1 vote
#31 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 2:07 PM EDT{"commentId":3117729,"authorDomain":"glennh-1"}
Dear Dave,
We get how disappointed you are! Do you get the urgency of the situation at hand? Why not give Senator McCain the respect he deserves and keep the ego in the dressing room. Thanks!
{"commentId":3117729,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"glennh-1"}
#32 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 2:07 PM EDT{"commentId":3149304,"authorDomain":"tbsykes"}
What respect?
You act as though him going to Washington was really going to make a difference. So what... he went to DC. Things were going better before he showed up. Maybe he should have did the show and let the professionals handle the situation and maybe it would have been settled by now.
Thanks a lot John McCain. Your assistance in this matter is duly noted.
{"commentId":3149304,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"tbsykes"}
{"commentId":3117834,"authorDomain":"rick-mccollum"}
John Wilkiewicz, come on, dude. Get a grip.
{"commentId":3117834,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"rick-mccollum"}
#33 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 2:10 PM EDT{"commentId":3119172,"authorDomain":"silverraven-69"}
Here's a skit for you Dave.
The Todd and Sarah Palin Show
Sarah on Foreign Policy…
Scene 1 - Wasilla, Alaska. Todd "The dude" Palin is looking over the Great White North from his window.
Todd: (real scared!) Dear, the Russians are coming.
Sarah: Fire the slingshot!
Sarah on Economic Policy…
Todd: Dear, the kids are starving, we need to feed them.
Sarah: Watch out moose, I'm going hunting. Dude, bring out the big gun.
Todd: The Slingshot
Sarah: The shot gun, you dummy!
Todd: Yes, dear.
Sarah on Environmental Policy
Sarah: Drill, baby ("Dude"), Drill
Todd: Where?
Sarah: My Ass, you dummy!
Todd: Yes, dear.
On Barack's Energy Policy…
Sarah: Dude, you better check if the tires are properly inflated.
Todd: No, dear.
Sarah: What? (Angry!)
Todd: We only have snowmachines.
Sarah: Dude, you're a Genius! That's using alternative energy.
Todd: I know, dear.
Sarah on Wall Street Collapse…
Todd: Dear, I've heard in the news that it's a Bear Market.
Sarah: Watch out bears, I'm going hunting. Dude, bring out the Big Gun.
Todd: The Slingshot
Sarah: The shot gun, you dummy!
Todd: Yes, dear.
Sarah on Employment…
8:00 AM, typical Monday morning.
Sarah: Dude, I've decided to go to work this morning. Don't forget to load the dishes, wash the laundry and drop off the kids to school.
Todd: Yes, dear.
12:00 PM
Sarah: Did you load the dishes, wash the laundry and drop off the kids to school?
Todd: Yes, dear.
Sarah: And don't forget to wipe the lipstick before roasting the pig, it's hazardous to your health.
Todd: Yes, dear.
Sarah: And I forgot to mention, I'm going hunting this afternoon. Don't forget to clean the big gun.
Todd: The Slingshot.
Sarah: The shotgun, you dummy!
Todd: Yes, dear.
{"commentId":3119172,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"silverraven-69"}
- 5 votes
#34 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 2:40 PM EDT{"commentId":3133728,"authorDomain":"sal1967"}
LMAO! over and over again. You should send that one to Hollwierd.
Too funny! :)
{"commentId":3133728,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"sal1967"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3153529,"authorDomain":"Angelzz"}
I second that DragonWoman! But silverraven, please add one with a pit bull/hockeymom/lipstick angle....
{"commentId":3153529,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"Angelzz"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3119279,"authorDomain":"silverraven-69"}
ciao!
{"commentId":3119279,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"silverraven-69"}
#35 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 2:43 PM EDT{"commentId":3119509,"authorDomain":"jax-cracker"}
Poor, poor Davey Letterman! One person failed to come and bow at his altar of ridicule. You reap what you sow, jerk.
I wouldn't give Dave the time of day. There are other, more deserving, hosts out there that have shown more respect and don't lie awake at night trying to think of mean things to say about McCain and Palin. If you're thinking, "aw heck, lighten up, it's just a business!" weelllll, you're either not very bright or not well-informed.
{"commentId":3119509,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"jax-cracker"}
#36 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 2:48 PM EDT{"commentId":3119516,"authorDomain":"cashatttwin"}
Just another example of the media stars' mentality that they are better than the rest of us and that they deserve more consideration. I guess Letterman is too unintelligent, (not unlike the rest of Hollywood), to understand that when Americas are too strapped to support these stars and their shows, movies, music, and/or products, they too will suffer. As for myself, I'm sick of making these idiots rich only to hear them preach at me. I am tired of NBC, ABC, and CBS thinking that the average American is too stupid to figure out that they are biased. I am sick of these "entertainers" thinking that their opinion is wanted, and I am sick of the networks that give them the forum. None of the major networks have even remotely showed an respect to either McCain or Palin, and in their obvious disdain have shown a lack of class, very much like the Obama supporters on this blog. To call a decorated war hero a "liar" or "coward" makes me wish that the secret service could come pick your sorry a** up and drop you in a Vietnam prison for 5 years and then you would shut your ignorant, ungrateful, moronic mouth and learn some manners.
As for Letterman, just shut up please, you make me sick.
{"commentId":3119516,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"cashatttwin"}
#37 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 2:48 PM EDT{"commentId":3120775,"authorDomain":"clearvoice"}
Talk about old... Letterman make McCain look 30 again.
It's apparent Letterman's wife has turned off the faucet.
Now we Alex Hastings warning to all Jews and Blacks to watch out for Palin..
So lets line them up.
Alex Hastings, Letterman, "double talking talking Biden, Harry Reid, Senator Todd, or is Toad? Flip Flop Barack, and lets throw this liberal Silerraven on the blog in for good measure. Palin, get the shotgun
"Liberalism is a Disease" Just look at Joe Biden... He now subscribes to lies of NoBama
Form the Demo-craps who think NoBama is Jesus to the Negroes who want to paint the white house black.
I know they hate that word Negroes.. worst then the almighty N word.
We know they aren't African America's.
Why you ask? Just ask them when is the last time they saw a fly on a Zebra's-Ass.
{"commentId":3120775,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"clearvoice"}
#38 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 3:17 PM EDT{"commentId":3121177,"authorDomain":"arby1"}
Who was watching Lettermoan anyway. Wasn't he the guy who said he would never wear a suit, and always wore his white tennies? He's a sell out, he's never funny, and he's last in the ratings. Who cares what he thinks?
{"commentId":3121177,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"arby1"}
#39 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 3:26 PM EDT{"commentId":3125692,"authorDomain":"icstars-1"}
Even if what Letterman wears is relevant (I can't see how), lying about the cancellation was not right. McCain was wrong and should apologize.
{"commentId":3125692,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"icstars-1"}
- 2 votes
{"commentId":3121237,"authorDomain":"mvanhorn73"}
Going on a late night comedy talk show is not as important as going on a news show regardless of the geographical location (NY or DC). Letterman takes back seat to a legitimate news show any day as this is not the time to joke around, but for McCain to be serious. Letterman took this opportunity to slam McCain, someone who has been on his show before and not avoided Letterman in the past, even though there was zero harm done to the public by McCain not appearing on Letterman this one time. Sorry Letterman, McCain does NOT jump through Hollywood hoops like Obama.
On a similar note: By going to DC rather than going to the debate on Friday, in a time of crisis, McCain is walking the walk rather than just talking the talk at a debate. Obama is only good at talking the talk. At least McCain is taking action. I am sure that if a solid realistic solution is made in time regarding the economic crisis we are in, then McCain will go to the debate on Friday. McCain is a Senator first and foremost; and his actions this week tell me he will have the same principles when he is president: his Presidential responsibilities will come before "self".
{"commentId":3121237,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"mvanhorn73"}
#40 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 3:28 PM EDT{"commentId":3149406,"authorDomain":"tbsykes"}
Talking the talk???? You have got to be kidding me.
Yes, he went to DC. But let's all remember that when he got there HE DIDN'T SAY A WORD!!!
His presence was not needed and they were doing better without him than with him.
Don't think for a moment that he should get credit for running away from a fight and trying to use a legitimate national issue as his protection.
Please!!! Give me a break!!
{"commentId":3149406,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"tbsykes"}
{"commentId":3121354,"authorDomain":"icstars-1"}
I can't see to voting for someone who feels the need to LIE about something as inconsequential as an entertainment TV interview.
McCain should have been able to cancel Letterman, but he should not have lied about it. Now I see that he cancelled Letterman to show how "serious" he is being about the financial crisis. So serious he forgot how to tell the truth.
He needs to get his butt to the debate Friday night and stop pretending that he is so important that he needs to be in Washington hours after the markets close on Friday.
{"commentId":3121354,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"icstars-1"}
- 1 vote
#41 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 3:30 PM EDT{"commentId":3122321,"authorDomain":"mvanhorn73"}
As for the people who are calling McCain a liar and a coward, I guess you never had a last minute change of plans or something happen so that you needed to switch your schedule around. I am sure McCain thought he was headed to DC but then was told he was to appear on a news show first. Politicians, including Obama, have people set up interviews and maintain their schedules for them, so when changes are made that they are unaware of, they have no idea of said changes until notified. It is the job of the person making interview appointments and maintaining politician's schedule to notify the politician, so blame them and not the politician for the miscommunication.
Poor Letterman, a legitimate news show is more important than his late night comedy show. Cry me a river. Letterman will still have a mansion to go home to, a full refrigerator to get dinner from and have no problem paying his medical bills thanks to his Hollywood paycheck. Of which, some has gone to Obama's campaign.
{"commentId":3122321,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"mvanhorn73"}
#42 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 3:51 PM EDT{"commentId":3149608,"authorDomain":"tbsykes"}
Point #1 - Yes, we all have schedules that can become conflicted. The difference is, we don't LIE about them, we simply re-schedule the engagement and move forward.
#2 - The fact that he may have thought that he was on his way to DC and he may have been "unaware" of what was suppose to be going on around - is not a selling point. You should always be in control of your calendar because you dictate what is important and what's not.
#3 - Letterman may be able to go home to his mansion, eat from a full refrigerator and no problem with paying his medical bills. But guess how many people DON'T have a home, least of which a mansion, DON'T know where there next meal is coming from, and DON'T have medical insurance because of policies established and upheld by the Republican Party.
If you like McCain, then like McCain. But don't that he has been apart of anything great for the last 26 years, especially seeing the situation that our country is in today.
Obama may have dirt on his hands from the last 2 years, but John McCain has 26 years of dirt on his.
{"commentId":3149608,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"tbsykes"}
{"commentId":3122798,"authorDomain":"kccooke"}
Is Letterman still on TV? Good Lord I thought they packed his sorrry "OLD" butt off to the decrepit talk show host's home decades ago. Still on...wow whodathunkit?
{"commentId":3122798,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"kccooke"}
#43 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:02 PM EDT{"commentId":3123845,"authorDomain":"deussabe"}
Top 10 reasons to NOT put financial crisis first
10) Shoot moose with Sarah Palin
9) Go drinking with Obama
8) Arm wrestle with Hillary
7) Sled racing with first dude
6) Spank Cindy McCain
5) Check Biden's speech for plagiarism
4) Smoke cigars with Bill Clinton
3) Apologize to the Mormons for snubbing Romney
2) Trade places with a war prisoner
1) Kiss Letterman's butt
{"commentId":3123845,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"deussabe"}
- 1 vote
#44 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:27 PM EDT{"commentId":3133778,"authorDomain":"sal1967"}
NICE! :)
accept for the cigar with Bubba.
I can't inhale
and I don't want that cigar any where near me.
{"commentId":3133778,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"sal1967"}
{"commentId":3149718,"authorDomain":"tbsykes"}
How about?
One reason to get out of debate that I dread?
I know...put financial crisis first...
even though this crisis has been brewing for about a week now, even though I haven't read the brief, even though I can't do anything to really affect or change the outcome, even though when I get there I don't have word to say....
That's the real joke!!
{"commentId":3149718,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"tbsykes"}
{"commentId":3123871,"authorDomain":"arby1"}
Lettermoan could just fill in with the Hello Deli, or some crap being thrown off a roof. Some really funny stuff that Paul can laugh at.
{"commentId":3123871,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"arby1"}
#45 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:28 PM EDT{"commentId":3124063,"authorDomain":"deussabe"}
Top 10 reasons to NOT put financial crisis first
10) Shoot moose with Sarah Palin
9) Go drinking with Obama
8) Arm wrestle with Hillary
7) Sled racing with first dude
6) Spank Cindy McCain
5) Check Biden's speech for plagiarism
4) Smoke cigars with Bill Clinton
3) Apologize to the Mormons for snubbing Romney
2) Trade places with a war prisoner
1) Kiss Letterman's butt
{"commentId":3124063,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"deussabe"}
#46 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:33 PM EDT{"commentId":3124835,"authorDomain":"amitheonlysaneone"}
I just love it when ignorant people make snap judgements based on no facts. McCain cut the Couric piece at 4:00 he then had better things to do than go on a has been's show and get insulted. I don't blame him one bit. Maybe Letterman should check the expiration date on HIS Metamucil. These hollywood types are so out of touch with the real world maybe they should start their own party and call it the ignoramusses. Why would he think his show is more important than the economy? Ego, thats all. Get real
{"commentId":3124835,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"amitheonlysaneone"}
#47 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 4:52 PM EDT{"commentId":3125491,"authorDomain":"joelj"}
Leein Mpls
John McCain is a coward? Come again?
{"commentId":3125491,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"joelj"}
#48 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 5:09 PM EDT{"commentId":3128340,"authorDomain":"pooppoop23"}
I think Dave gets right to the point when he says something doesn't smell right... Ever since he seized the candidacy from the Republican party, John McCain has shown his true colors in his willingness to lie about such arbitrary things as talk show appearances and do just about anything to make himself seem appealing to the electorate. Maverick? Hardly.
{"commentId":3128340,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"pooppoop23"}
- 2 votes
#49 - Thu Sep 25, 2008 6:47 PM EDT{"commentId":3130353,"authorDomain":"bksk"}
Yea, it is sooooooooo important to go on David Letterman's show. Letterman stinks and he's got the popularity to show it. Who needs him?
{"commentId":3130353,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"bksk"}
{"commentId":3149856,"authorDomain":"tbsykes"}
All the candidates needed him and others like him. Why else would any of them bother to make appearance on show like this other than for the publicity.
It's just that in this case, John McCain hasn't gotten the publicity that he wanted.
It was his LIE, don't get mad because he tripped over his own lips.
{"commentId":3149856,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"tbsykes"}
{"commentId":3138123,"authorDomain":"JDriscoll"}
I agree with Helen...Get over it! He sounds just like an imature spoiled brat! I usually watch his show because he is funny! Maybe it's me, but I didn't find his comments humorous. I'm a firm believer in free speech, satire, and I'm not a supporter of "political correctness". But Letterman's behavior was not a funny skit or satire, it was merely ranting and raving! What a Baby!
{"commentId":3138123,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"JDriscoll"}
#50 - Fri Sep 26, 2008 8:02 AM EDT{"canLink":false,"threadId":"367923","isPrivate":false}
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