Posted on 06/16/2009 10:12:16 PM PDT by bdeaner
“I feel that I need to do the right thing here and apologize for having told that joke. It’s not your fault it was misunderstood, it’s my fault.”
David Letterman
Following a week-long firestorm of negative publicity and a mountain of hate mail from all over the country, Late Night host David Letterman issued an apology for an off-color remark he told during his nightly monologue in which he joked about one of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin’s teenage daughters being “knocked up” by New York Yankees’ player Alex Rodriguez.
He also said, “I thought I was talking about the older daughter… I checked to make sure in fact that she was of legal age, 18… But the joke, in and of itself, can’t be defended.”*
How convenient it is that this public apology comes just in time to coincide with Dave’s ratings war with Conan O’Brien. Similarly coincidental to other spats timed to suck viewers into quarrels that smack so of being a set up that it is almost impossible to believe any of the participants’ sincerity. The View’s Rosie O’Donnell having it out with Donald Trump comes quickly to mind.
Although it must be noted that while the Rosie versus “The Donald” bout scored high marks for a short time, in the long run daytime talk show The View never rose above a tiny blip on the radar, while Rosie O’s career has vanished into complete oblivion. Not that she was ever a TV network’s cash cow. (I’ll apologize right now for using that particular metaphor – it’s not your fault it was misunderstood.)
This time, however, both parties involved were not gaining from the feud. The butt of Dave’s joke turned out to be the under age daughter of Sarah Palin and by the time the morning after rolled-around, no one was laughing. Calls from outraged viewers flooded the CBS switchboard, angry e-mail and letters started streaming in, and women’s groups blasted Letterman for his insensitivity.
CEO of CBS Les Moonves even heard from New York State Assembly Minority Leader Brian Klob, who said the Late Night host’s jokes were “shockingly inappropriate” and called for Letterman’s dismissal.
His letter stated, “As a proud father of a daughter, and a husband, I wanted Mr. Moonves to hear from me directly about Mr. Letterman’s remarks. Firing Mr. Letterman would send a clear message that CBS will not tolerate any of its employees… making demeaning and degrading comments about women.”**
While it is doubtful CBS will do anything of the sorts, it might be good to review other controversial remarks and their fallout:
Talk radio host Don Imus was fired in spite of the fact that he publicly apologized (several times) and displayed obvious remorse for referring to a group of African American cheerleaders as “nappy headed hoes” on the air. It was, after all, just a bad joke and it’s not your fault it was misunderstood. Activist Al Sharpton lead the charge to have Imus terminated. Actor Michael Richards (Kramer on the hit TV series Seinfeld) was indefinitely expelled from the comedy club where he delivered a racist rant (not on the network airwaves, but on YouTube forever) at a heckler. Although Richards’ apologies seemed sincere enough, he has not made a significant TV appearance since, and was never asked to appear at the comedy club again. Al Sharpton once again was vocal about blackballing the comedian even after Richards’ multiple apologies. Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Shot was publicly skewered for her racist remarks, as was Jimmy the Greek for his. But there is still no sign of forgiveness, second chances, and calls to “move on” from those who continue to hold these people accountable for their insensitive words years after the fact.
It is surprising that women’s groups have rallied around Palin’s daughters given the double-standard that exists.
If you recall, during the presidential campaign of 2008, it was open season on Sarah Palin and her family. Unsubstantiated accusations and wild-eyed witch hunts for scandals that did not exist cost Palin a mountain of legal fees in the year to follow, yet at about the same time Letterman was taking a cheap-shot at her under age daughters on late night TV, Palin was cleared of all charges brought about by democrats during the campaign. (Incidentally there was little or no mention of this fact in the mainstream media other than “the evil” FOX News, of course.)
Media pundits and democratic spin doctors relentlessly attacked Palin and her family after she was announced as John McCain’s running mate. Nothing at all was out of bounds. But these very same folks were calling for an all out cease fire on then candidate Obama; his wife (who claimed she was “never proud” of her country), his pastor of twenty years (who demanded, “God damn America!”), his Muslim father (who abandoned the candidate and his mother when he was a kid), and his friends (like co-founder of the communist domestic terrorist group The Weather Underground, Bill Ayers) were all “off limits” – or else! No one could even use Obama’s legally given middle name – Hussein – without the wrath of the media and liberal loons descending upon them.
It is also important to note that women’s groups like The National Organization of Women (NOW) joined in the attacks on Palin (and her family). These may have been the most relentless attacks of all.
Why would NOW attack Palin, a woman, you ask?
Simply put, Sarah Palin is the single greatest threat to democratic control of Washington DC since Ronald Reagan left office. That may be a slight overstatement (for now), as her whirlwind debut to the GOP main stage is only the beginning of her long journey. But let’s face it, McCain was doomed and the only jolt of life his milquetoast campaign got was the “Sarah” factor. What a jolt it was!
What a threat this relatively unknown woman*** is to the so-called feminist movement – now a working arm for the Democratic Party.
But aren’t feminists about fighting for the rights of all women in America? Just the opposite – you must be a liberal woman, with liberal values, and a liberal agenda, to get their support.
Sarah Palin is anything but the poster child for the feminist movement as it has evolved over the years.
Feminism, as it were, does not stand for the self-made woman. As is the case with so many democratic special interest groups, so too women have to be victims first and then look to government for help, if they want groups like NOW and politicians like Hillary Clinton behind them. Women who succeed on their own merit and hard work are ruining it for all those who want a hand-up without the sweat, and those in charge who want to control the “hand-up” government taxpayer purse strings. Imagine that!
Sarah Palin threatens to tear the feminist illusion down. She has had an amazing rise to power in a very short time without the help of any movement or group, let alone government payola – she did it herself.
Unlike Barack Obama, Palin actually runs a government, albeit on a relatively small stage. But certainly her local and state experience dwarfs four years in the Senate with a habitual “present” vote.
She defeated “the good ol’ boy network” (yeah, the one democrats always gripe about, but indeed are a huge part of) in Alaska. Took-on a male dominated corrupt republican regime and tore it down – once again she did it herself.
Moreover, Sarah Palin is a fiscal conservative, with fiscal conservative values, there is no drifting to the middle (Uhem! G.W. Bush). Cut spending, cut taxes, and reduce government. She has done it in Alaska and there’s no reason to believe she won’t do it in DC.
She opposes abortion and does not pander to liberals on the matter like John McCain does. She sticks to her guns (pardon the pun) and is admirably tough. (Liberals please note: she does have a right to her own opinion on this subject and any attempts to banish her from federal office because of her views is, how shall I say this, “bigoted and an outright attack on free speech.”)
Palin is a Christian. She is a woman who obviously loves and respects her husband – and vice versa. She has a real marriage (unlike that which the Clintons have), and a real family – with real family problems and triumphs. It doesn’t get any more real than an unmarried pregnant daughter who decides to keep the baby, a champion snow machine racer hubby, and elk hunting. You go girl!
Who’s s Sorry Now?
Sarah Palin respectfully accepted the apology for David Letterman’s Neanderthal approach to comedy in this way:
“Of course it’s accepted on behalf of young women, like my daughters, who hope men who ‘joke’ about public displays of sexual exploitation of girls will soon evolve.”
Sarah Palin
Late Night ratings have stumbled. Letterman is desperate to keep his ship afloat on very rough seas. It should be noted that taking such a radical stand does not bode well in America, even if democrats seem to be running the show right now.
A majority of Americans still adhere to conservative values in spite of what we are being told by Hollywood elites and University pseudo intellectuals. But political tides are changing. The independent voter block has dramatically increased. Both left and right should understand the implications of that: you screw up and you’re out.
In the same breath, we are witnessing now some of the largest media conglomerates on their last legs – and falling fast.
The New York Times, once a giant among giants, has seen much of its circulation defect because of the paper’s far left position. Now virtually bankrupt, the Old Grey Lady hangs by a thread.
NBC is nearly marked deceased, as well. An investigation into the American corporate owners of the network and their possible involvement with Iran’s nuclear weapons program will certainly have harsh negative consequences if these accusations are proven true.
The list goes on-and-on.
David Letterman would be wise to abandon political satire and go back to doing what he does best: stupid human tricks. The political tide will eventually turn in America, but for those who attack “off limits” targets, it may be a very long road back into the Klieg lights.****
Sarah Palin and family will be better for all of this. Her political adversaries already fear her and this episode will go a long way to further that cause.
Americans will eventually tire of more and heavier taxes (as if they are not already tired of them) and rapidly escalating national debt that their children and children’s children will be forced to pay off. They will realize the intrusion of big government and that government-controlled health care under any name will cost taxpayers a bundle. They will resist Washington DC and look to their individual states for answers. They will understand that “clinging to your guns and religion” are fundamental Constitutional rights won with the blood of the American soldier.
Americans may also soon realize that there has never been a news media so corrupt and blatantly biased as the American news media – not in the free world. They will tire of the constant drum beat for change and finally demand results.
It was encouraging this week to see that not all of America has conceded to the hypocrites. The outcry this time was aimed at those who have been on the attack. It has been a long time coming, but life has breathed into “the other” party. There is a long road ahead, but the seeds have been sown and life is beginning to flourish in an old ideology with some brand new captains at the helm.
Letterman is a piece of garbage like Notre Dame University and the Walt Disney company (ABC News).
the left is twisting the context to make it seem as though there was some question about which daughter he, and his staff, aimed the joke at.
there was only one daughter with Sarah that day... and it was Willow. obvious to anyone that saw a picture of them and read the caption. for a staff not to know, is just ludicris.
meanwhile, they are also able to steer the conversation away from the purpose of Sarah’s visit to NYC in the first place.... she flew 5,000 (or so) to help kids with autism. she wasn’t flying there to get fanfare or a photo op. she was there to genuinely help the cause.
and for her troubles, she gets this crap.
exactly what was the problem with Imus’s statement again? what if dave made a similar comment about michelle 0bama and her kids? would that be just as acceptable by the left?
or is it that the Palin’s are white republicans, therefore it’s ok to attack the children, just like in the campaign
keep on it. keep pounding the advertisers.
I’m sorry that I told a joke about your fourteen year old daughter being knocked up, I meant to tell a joke about your eighteen year old daughter being knocked up.
Just insert the name ‘Sasha’ into the joke and the Left and the Government run Media would have been howling with contempt. I am getting REALLY sick of the double-standard.
I "misunderstood" nothing- I understood completely. It was a vulgar, tasteless, unfunny joke aimed mainly at Sarah Palin, because that's the in thing to do for these America hating traitors who actually want nothing less than the total destruction of the American way of life as we knew it, and American Civilization as a whole. Screw him, fire him, and forget him.
Not being Catholic, but curious … why do you include Notre Dame University in your disclaimer? Is it because dave attended this university?
The “nappy headed hoes” that Imus referred to were women basketball players, not cheerleaders.
No because Notre Dame is a pro-abortion school that endorses and gives awards to pro-abortion Islamists. They are scum.
And being a prostitute, and calling you a slut.
Oh sorry, he didn't apologize for those parts - he still considers them to be jokes. Ha ha.
Understand. Thanks for your quick response. ;-)
It’s Letterman’s, Leno’s, and other late night talk show hosts and a multitude of other leftists talking heads that actually set Letterman up here.
While Letterman’s infraction was disgusting to be sure, I think he’s actually reaping a lot of hostility from the general public, that is sick and tired of the treatment Conservatives get, in particular Governor Sarah Palin. They had enough of this s—t, and they aren’t going to take it anymore.
The left brought this anger on themselves. Letterman and peers overplayed their hand. Now it’s going to be open season on them. There’s blood in the water.
This is a Clintonopoulos deal to be sure. A FOIA request for Georgie's phone records showed that he, Paul Begala at CNN (ex-Clinton staffer), James Carville, and W.H. Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel (another Clinton staffer in the day) were making hundreds of calls every day to one another.
You can draw the obvious conclusions.
The other, buried story is that Obama has begun to generate news content in the W.H. under his and his staff's direct production and control. It's total spin control. Looking down the road, the MSM will become more and more firmly captive if this new trend continues.
Sorry if I sound angry at loathing Notre Dame but they deserve the contempt.
Is the author of this article a secret freeper? ;-)
Yep, Dave thought he was talking about the older daughter... he even double checked to make sure she was of age; Then later he says, ‘I thought Palin was at the game by herself with Giuliani’.
He doesn’t get it, you shouldn’t go there with anyone, not on a broadcast show, when you’ve made your bias known two years before (re: party/slander, you lose your joke ability when you do that, unless it’s a comedy club... you become a shill).
Yet it took him a week and he had to go back home to his new wife (a woman), and his child. What is she thinking re: his thoughts/language on women?
That was the most pitiful explanation ever.
Davester, get better writers (or better liars).
there are people in power at Notre Dame that support pro-abortionists. they may even be pro-abortion themselves...a very sad reality.
that said, there are plenty of Pro-Life students and faculty there, that work hard for the pro-life movement that do not deserve your scorn and slander.
Letterman hasn’t been funny since the ‘80s.
Now that Dave’s in his 80s, it’s well past time to bring Craig Ferguson up an hour.
I think you've discovered why he's surrounded himself with so many Clinton throwbacks.
Boy, a real press could have a field-day with the screw-ups coming from this administration. Biden's gaffes will serve to deflect attention from our Intern President, maybe that's why he was chosen.
More importantly, it tells us Billy Bob is still pulling levers. Dang, I was just beginning to breath easier.
"Just toss that cotton bale in the back of my El Camino, son."
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