McCain cancels on Letterman, who invites Keith Olbermann, instead

In suspending his presidential campaign to focus on the ongoing financial crisis, Sen. John McCain is skipping an opportunity for some late-night television exposure. The Republican presidential nominee canceled his scheduled appearance tonight on the “Late Show With David Letterman,” a spokeswoman for the show confirmed. It would have been McCain’s first visit to a late-night talk show since the Republican convention.

As a substitute guest, producers tapped someone with a decidedly different political outlook: MSNBC host Keith Olbermann, who frequently berates McCain’s campaign tactics on his program.

McCain has a long history with the “Late Show.” He’s appeared on the program 12 times and used one such visit in February 2007 to announce his candidacy for president.

-- Matea Gold

Comments

[Tim]

Moral of the story: Don't mess with Letterman.

[Eric]

I love Dave, he is a great host. Mccain needs to go on the show.

[marvin]

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
oh, that is funny. McCain is getting what he deserves for this.

[Arye Michael Bender]

I once believed that politics was too important to be entertainment. I sit corrected. The McCain campaign has changed the game, although it is less comedy than soap opera. More like 'Mary Hartman (2)' than anything else.

Too many McCain clowns. Not enough comedy.