Letterman apologizes for joke, but Palin supporters vow to continue fight
Under fire for a risque joke last week, David Letterman has apologized to Gov. Sarah Palin and her supporters. But a group urging CBS to fire the host says it's still not enough.
On CBS' "Late Show" tonight, Letterman says he's sorry about a monologue earlier this month in which he joked that New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez impregnated Palin's daughter during a game. Letterman has said he intended the joke to be in reference to Palin's 18-year-old daughter Bristol, but Gov. Palin actually attended the game with her 14-year-old daughter Willow. Some critics have accused Letterman of joking about statutory rape.
"I told a bad joke," Letterman told viewers at an afternoon taping. "I told a joke that was beyond flawed, and my intent is completely meaningless compared to the perception. And since it was a joke I told, I feel that I need to do the right thing here and apologize for having told that joke. It's not your fault that it was misunderstood, it's my fault."
He concluded, "I'm sorry about it and I'll try to do better in the future."
However, the Los Angeles talk radio host behind the group firedavidletterman.com told The Times that Letterman's apology falls short.
"I'm glad he's acknowledged we're right," said John Ziegler, a creator of the film "Media Malpractice: How Obama Got Elected and Palin Was Targeted" and who this month began a new show on KGIL. "I think it's a good first step in the right direction, but I don't think it's enough." Part of the problem, he added, is that Letterman made a "horrendous attempt at an apology" last week, when he devoted several relatively light-hearted minutes to the controversy, invited Palin on his program and repeated the joke.
Ziegler said he was not sure what sanction Letterman should face, but options should include suspension and firing. The host could also donate to a charity of Gov. Palin's choice, he said. Meanwhile, the group is still planning a rally Tuesday outside the Ed Sullivan Theater in New York, where Letterman tapes his show.
CBS did not respond to a request for comment beyond Letterman's remarks.
-Scott Collins
David has sincerely admitted he made a mistake; the joke was tasteless and has tried to make amends. This jerk Ziegler wants to milk it for all its worth to promote himself and even attempt extortion on behalf of the Governor. I like both David and the Governor and this hangeron Ziegler needs to go away and shut the _ _ _ _ up.
Posted by: Rick Page | June 15, 2009 at 09:05 PM
PLEASE SEND YOUR COMMENTS TO CBS AT THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS:
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Posted by: Greg Whaley | June 15, 2009 at 09:10 PM
She should get a life. Do something good.
Posted by: SAM | June 15, 2009 at 09:11 PM
i think he is making a good decision on this. He should be more careful in the future and be responsible in what he is doing.
Posted by: Widetrends | June 15, 2009 at 10:39 PM
Letterman's an idiot. He just reads what they tell him to read. I want to know what writer wrote this joke and what producer OK'd it. These are the ones that should be apologizing.
Vincent...Ventura, CA
PS Reminds me of what was said about Chelsey Clinton on SNL in the early 90's....Horrible
Posted by: Vincent R | June 15, 2009 at 10:58 PM
Well, this confirms what everyone suspected all along. This was never about the apology, this was about the spotlight. If the apology is accepted, the spotlight goes away.
Hence, the nontroversy lives on!
Posted by: David's Advocate | June 15, 2009 at 11:39 PM
I would hate for DL to be fired or even voluntarily resign. He's like a big fat target now representing progressive hypocrisy. Keep DL, he's unfunny, ancient oily scum that will be great sport to ridicule.
I would pay to see someone punch him in his wrinkled prune face though, now that would be funny.
Posted by: no sanctuary | June 16, 2009 at 01:49 AM
It is Palin who should be fired.
Posted by: Daniel Lion | June 16, 2009 at 05:22 AM
Umm. Wasn't Bristol Palin an "under-aged minor" when she was impregnated? Where's the moral outrage and demands to fire Alaska's gov. for not prosecuting the statutory "rapist" Levi Johnston who was over 18 at the time. Letterman has nothing to apologize for, but Palin does.
Posted by: Cleveland | June 16, 2009 at 05:23 AM
Sarah Palin needs to apologize to all of the parents for allowing two children live under her roof and produce a child. Mother of the year!
Posted by: Lexxis | June 16, 2009 at 05:40 AM
He should be fired because he still doesn't get it, he believes the public is stupid and did not
understand his remark, well, he's the stupid one, because ALL of us did know what he said,he
only apologized because of the backlash, otherwise, he would still be making off color remarks
about Sarah Palin and her family.
Posted by: kaye leonard | June 16, 2009 at 06:04 AM
People should just get over it, They are making a big deal out of it. They don't have thing else to do, look what going on in the world
Posted by: Al Widzer | June 16, 2009 at 06:08 AM
Palin should hush , she is the one who exploited her children.
besides Leno used same jokes, where was the fuss then..........?
Posted by: Luanne Grignon | June 16, 2009 at 06:35 AM
Ah, we are never surprised by the lack of understanding or compassion of right wing conservatives as Ziegler comments show . His prime emotion is how right he is. Isn't that typical of groups who so greatly differentiate different belief systems from theirs. I'm just thankful, that we are not all as close minded as Ziegler and his crowd and their threatening view of today's world. The close mind and creativity are two mutually exclusive emotions. They simply do not go together.
Posted by: Richard | June 16, 2009 at 06:43 AM
The apology given last night from Mr. Letterman is a hollow one. He only made it because he was ordered to do so. It was not a heartfelt apology. Gov. Palin only accepted it because she wanted the spotlight off her 14 year old daughter.
Letterman should be fired just as Don Imus was fired. At the very least he should be suspended for 6 months without pay. I encourage all people reading this to boycot all companies advertising on CBS until real action is taken!
Posted by: Charles Wyatt | June 16, 2009 at 06:46 AM
Yes he went to far, fire him.
Posted by: JPT | June 16, 2009 at 06:56 AM
It's not like I am impressed over the fact that Sarah Palin and pals are more Old Testament christians instead of New Testament christians where there is space for an apology.
Nobody is claiming her the lives of the deers and animals she viciously hunts. So I think that she should walk the Jesus walk instead of her same ol talk.
David Letterman has always been a cool guy.
Posted by: Robert Lozano | June 16, 2009 at 07:18 AM
You know who is laughing, or at least smiling, the most because of Letterman's Joke? Palin and her supporters. What a perfect opportunity to get back in the limelight; riding in on that old tried and true horse, "righteous indignation" at the "liberal media." How else are the Palin and those who think like her going to get any recognition? With Bush gone, they must feel so frightened and alone. Pathetic. Hold fast CBS.
Posted by: Jed | June 16, 2009 at 08:17 AM
If the LA-LA Times and other Leftist In-The-Tank Media Elites used the same measure they did for Don Imus, they'd be calling for Letterman's execution by now. But no, it's OK when it's one of their own...
Posted by: Netizen Kane | June 16, 2009 at 08:18 AM
Would people get over themselves already. Letterman made a joke that bombed. Now he has egg on his face. He has apologized for a JOKE! If you don't like him, don't watch. That's all there is to it.
Posted by: Jonathan | June 16, 2009 at 08:19 AM