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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 |
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| 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":3146580,"authorDomain":"pengina"}
Calling McCain a coward is idioitic and shows the mentality of the brainless in America. Where did Obama come from anyway...and...by the way...has anyone even put two and two together and get it that Pelosi sunk Hilary cause she didn't want to be second banana and subject to Hillary's being the boss of bosses???? Pelosi must be having cold sweats thinking about how Palin will treat her once she becomes the VP. Can you imagine the drama there???? This oughta be good. As for Letterman -- what a moron. Never watch him anyway and with the unfunny monologues lately, Jay Leno is no prize either.
{"commentId":3146580,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"pengina"}
#51 - Fri Sep 26, 2008 1:55 PM EDT{"commentId":3153405,"authorDomain":"Angelzz"}
Are you serious? What shows the 'brainless' in America is the current leadership; if you can even call it leadership; or is it Leadershipification? Good grief! And I'm NOT idiotic...in fact, I have Foreign Policy experience because my state borders a foreign country: Canada! Oh....AND, even better, I'm part German and Norwegian- so that makes me even more qualified! ; )
{"commentId":3153405,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"Angelzz"}
- 1 vote
{"commentId":3152916,"authorDomain":"powerisknowledge"}
american vet,
Why must you show your education level or lack thereof? If you can't keep up with the big boys, like your candidate McCain, why not bow out gracefully.
{"commentId":3152916,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"powerisknowledge"}
#52 - Fri Sep 26, 2008 6:54 PM EDT{"commentId":3167692,"authorDomain":"jacattack44"}
As a neighbor of letterman in n. westchester ny I remember the neighbors horrific reaction when it became apparent he was moving into the area.HE IS A PRETENTIOUS LIBERAL ASS.and if everyone had his money we call afford to be liberals.and that goes for oberman, and the rest of the msnbc socialists.why dont you folks open up the history books and see where wealthy appeasers end up.your vote for obama is a vote for the end of this country and probably the end of the planet..
{"commentId":3167692,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"jacattack44"}
#53 - Sat Sep 27, 2008 9:34 AM EDT{"commentId":3168261,"authorDomain":"nancy-mccartin"}
God forbid someone as self important as Dave Letterman pouts while Rome is burning.
Typical narcissistic celebrity response. I hope it causes viewers to tune him out in disgust. The more he rants, the more I hope his ratings decline.
I quote another comment here with, Get over it already you big baby!
{"commentId":3168261,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"nancy-mccartin"}
#54 - Sat Sep 27, 2008 10:15 AM EDT{"commentId":3250867,"authorDomain":"bigal-1234"}
- Don't care for letterman but don't think he is a lying SOB like John Mcsame.
- John didn't have to lie-but he did-not uncommon for him lately.
- John is I'll do anything to be president. Personally I think it is not that great a job.
- I would rather vote for Mickey Mouse.
{"commentId":3250867,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"bigal-1234"}
#55 - Wed Oct 1, 2008 8:57 PM EDT{"commentId":3257197,"authorDomain":"illantsdad2000"}
To hell with Letterman and McCain. Now we're worried because McCain didn't appear on a freaking talk show..Letterman acts like he amd his influence run this country along with all the rest of these idiots in the entertainment field. As far as McCain being constantly called a hero I disagree with that also. McCain has voted almost 81 percent against every program that benefits Vets that has been up for a vote in the Senate until the Iraqi Vet. I spent 2 tours of Vietnam from 1967 through 1969 and have a Silver Star, Bronze Star, 2 Purple Hearts and several other medals and I still don't consider myself any type of a hero. The real heroes are the names that are on the Wall at the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, not once has he mentioned that. It doesn't take a Hero to get shot down and captured by the enemy.
{"commentId":3257197,"threadId":"367923","contentId":"1911174","authorDomain":"illantsdad2000"}
#56 - Thu Oct 2, 2008 9:17 AM EDT{"canLink":false,"threadId":"367923","isPrivate":false}
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