Video: Letterman grills McCain on Ayers
posted at 3:25 pm on October 17, 2008 by Allahpundit
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After weeks of whining about McCain having stood him up, baby finally gets his bottle. The highlight? Letterman demanding to know why Palin would claim that The One’s been palling around with “terrorists” — plural — when he’s only palled around with one. Good point, Dave. Let’s all recalibrate our outrage meters accordingly. That’s twice in two days, in case you’re keeping score, that an Obama apologist has answered a question about Ayers by parsing the semantics of it; see also Bob Wright challenging Palin’s verb tense in his conversation with Kaus. Can we really say Obama is palling around with terrorists when he hasn’t spoken to his unrepentant terrorist friend in three years? It’s in the past, man. Live for the moment.
Update: Commenters remind me that, of course, Ayers’s wife is also a filthy terrorist. There’s your plural, Dave. Is this an issue now?
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Oh, me thinks Obam got some splanin’ to do Lucy:
From American Thinker:
Evidence Mounts: Ayers Co-Wrote Obama’s Dreams
TheBigOldDog on October 17, 2008 at 3:26 PM
Dohrn is also a terrorist. They’re a terrorist couple. In fact I think all tolled Dohrn killed more people than Ayers.
BKennedy on October 17, 2008 at 3:27 PM
Someone explain to me again why McCain agreed to go on Letterman? I mean, really? Does he really expect that he’s going to get votes by engaging overtly hostile media and having Letterman get involved in all this silliness?
Outlander on October 17, 2008 at 3:27 PM
I hate McCain… he is about worthless… he isn’t articulate enough and tries to be buddy-buddy…
ninjapirate on October 17, 2008 at 3:29 PM
Highest rating for his audience in 3 years. Palin’s debate highest rated ever VP debate. There is a lot of interest in the Republican ticket still. BO hasn’t sealed the deal.
Spirit of 1776 on October 17, 2008 at 3:30 PM
Hey Dave! I got a newsflash for ya! YOU’RE NOT THAT IMPORTANT!!!!!!!
4shoes on October 17, 2008 at 3:31 PM
I always assumed she meant to include his wife as well. I think it’s sexist to leave her out when talking about terrorists.
Esthier on October 17, 2008 at 3:31 PM
Bill Ayers … and his wife.
That makes two.
“Terrorists” is correct, and I’d be willing to bet there’s more.
Gregor on October 17, 2008 at 3:32 PM
What an angry old scold Letterman has turned into!
Slapped Actress on October 17, 2008 at 3:32 PM
Dohrn + Ayres = TERRORISTS PLURAL
originalpechanga on October 17, 2008 at 3:32 PM
Attempts at humor?
Cardiganfox on October 17, 2008 at 3:33 PM
It’s too bad that McCain isn’t bright enough to correct David Letterman.
Gregor on October 17, 2008 at 3:33 PM
Ninjapirate is exactly right.
Gregor on October 17, 2008 at 3:34 PM
Was G. Gordon Liddy a domestic terrorist?
4shoes on October 17, 2008 at 3:36 PM
I want the video from McCain’s rally today where he defended Joe the Plumber.
Enoxo on October 17, 2008 at 3:37 PM
Letterman really is the Obama of TV. He thinks so highly of himself, yet, he has no ratings until McCain came on his program.
jencab on October 17, 2008 at 3:37 PM
Ayers – terrorist.
Ayers and Dohrn – terrorists.
What’s the problem again?
James on October 17, 2008 at 3:37 PM
A lot of undecided voters don’t watch political talk shows but only form their opinions from entertainment talk. McCain did well. Palin should go on some of the shows, since she’s got a good personality for it. She could start with Leno, since he’s more good natured.
dedalus on October 17, 2008 at 3:38 PM
don’t forget Odinga in Keyna, he’s a Marxist terrorist thug too, and his crimes are recent
jp on October 17, 2008 at 3:38 PM
Jerk
Kini on October 17, 2008 at 3:38 PM
Remember Harvey Pekar vs. David Letterman
eigafan on October 17, 2008 at 3:38 PM
Speak Up McCain – you are more than ready to bash conservatives every chance you have had in the past – get your point across and shut the Liberal Media Up
enough already McCain
defendfaithandfamily on October 17, 2008 at 3:38 PM
find the video of Dan Rather on Letterman after 9/11 to see just how much things have already “Changed”.
jp on October 17, 2008 at 3:38 PM
This would have been a lot funnier if McCain had canceled once again with only an hour and a half notice.
multiuseless on October 17, 2008 at 3:39 PM
I think he held his own very well there. Dave looked like a left wing kook.
silenced majority on October 17, 2008 at 3:41 PM
Letterman is a dumbass! I can proudly say that I have NEVER watched a single episode of his show and I never will.
OSUBuciz1 on October 17, 2008 at 3:42 PM
Letterman is the opposite of funny; which is why it’s funny.
sometimes. but it gets old, real fast.
lorien1973 on October 17, 2008 at 3:42 PM
Apologies if this was posted already, but there was a brutal piece in the Journal yesterday: “Ayers is no education reformer,” by Sol Stern. Go read it.
Brush with greatness: Pekar rides my bus sometimes. That’s right: he rides my bus.
saint kansas on October 17, 2008 at 3:43 PM
Before anybody has a fit,when you’ve got a date
with a friend,and they ask you what happened,its
normal to say ‘I screwed up’!
And that is just being honest!
But,I also imagine your also going
to be apologetic as well!!!
Letterman is a Liberal,so who the h#ll cares!!
canopfor on October 17, 2008 at 3:43 PM
I thought so too. McCain appeared good-natured and Dave spat out talking points. You can even hear him try to interject the ‘reagan republican’ talking point in the a.foundation part. McCain did well, appeared congenial.
Spirit of 1776 on October 17, 2008 at 3:44 PM
In our re-education camp, we have been taught to stay up late, watch, and believe every word that not only Letterman says, but also Leno, is the Gosple………….
………… those of us that initially refused because we had to go to sleep early in order to get up and work in the morning, have been severely punished by being forced to watch “The View”.
…………… the horrors, the horrors….
Seven Percent Solution on October 17, 2008 at 3:45 PM
McCains humor is appreciated more by everyone than obamas.
Anyone notice the applause McCain received at the charity dinner last night in contrast to obamas?
dragondrop on October 17, 2008 at 3:48 PM
McCain killed at that dinner last night.
Cuz all his jokes were true.
Obama only got polite laughter.
lorien1973 on October 17, 2008 at 3:49 PM
No worries for Dave. I’m sure he will be inviting Kelly Frank out to the Montana ranch, just as soon as he gets out of jail.
PappaMac on October 17, 2008 at 3:49 PM
I only got to 3:20,Lettermans an #ss!
canopfor on October 17, 2008 at 3:50 PM
Dan Rather on Letterman after 9/11 attacks
http://www.livevideo.com/video/embedLink/B0BE9375C1C54920A32C79C5F9AB2981/186908/dan-rather-on-letterman-just-a.aspx
nothing to see here, other than him and Dave talking about how they would get behind President Bush in full support and how it woudl be a long war and Saddam hussein’s days were numbered.
B.D.S. is a powerful thing over time.
jp on October 17, 2008 at 3:55 PM
When did Gordon Liddy bomb the capital, the Pentagon and various police stations? Was his wife also involved? I didn’t know that Liddy was a terrorist, but if he had been he would have been a whole lot better at it than Ayres or Bernadine ever where.
sdd on October 17, 2008 at 3:57 PM
I haven’t watched Letterman since he had the titty baby Dan
Rather on crying that this country will never be the same
right after 9/11. and saying he’s only human G.D. it.
Letterman is horribly stupid and lost his funnyness
years ago.
Texyank on October 17, 2008 at 3:58 PM
On second thought, I’m sorry to mention Harvey Pekar, author of “Students for a Democratic Society.”
eigafan on October 17, 2008 at 3:58 PM
If McCain is going to make this stick, he needs to be very serious about it and not roll over on Letterman, saying “millions of words…” That response makes it look like Letterman was right and McCain was wrong.
If you’re going to run a play, have the balls to stand behind it when people challenge you on it.
The right answer is, “Well, both Bill and Bernardine. But even ignoring that, how many terrorists are enough to be objectionable to you, Dave?”
PersonalLiberty on October 17, 2008 at 3:59 PM
I’ll say this for Jay Leno, he’s a gentleman to all Presidential candidates who have appeared on his show. No, really, even Ron Paul!
manwithblackhat on October 17, 2008 at 4:00 PM
Yes, dragondrop, I did notice McCain got great applause and especially many laughs from Hillary at the dinner. She was about to fall out of her chair laughing hysterically. Thank goodness they have a sense of humor and should.
txstar on October 17, 2008 at 4:01 PM
Wow, Dave is a really annoying prick.
benrand on October 17, 2008 at 4:06 PM
McCain righted his political ship.
C’mon. Letterman is a TV talk-show host, and McCain has shown the ability to connect with viewers.
Gov. Palin, likewise, will be appearing on SNL this Sat. What’s to worry? Keep your enemies closer.
Meanwhile the fight for votes continues.
Randy
williars on October 17, 2008 at 4:06 PM
Thanks jp
How soon they forget and worse how well the enemy the is
watching.
Texyank on October 17, 2008 at 4:09 PM
Another dumb decision by McCain wasting his time on Letterman. What’s next, Olberdouche?
Hammerhead on October 17, 2008 at 4:10 PM
Fart-brained Leftyman asked McCain if Fauxbama and Ayers are double dating. The answer to that is YES! If Ayers were any deeper down Obama’s throat, he would be making his heart beat.
Western_Civ on October 17, 2008 at 4:17 PM
But I was just going to,ugh I mean you said what I um,how did you teh……. hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah
sonnyspats1 on October 17, 2008 at 4:19 PM
Speaking of Ayers’ wife, Obama is lucky as hell that only Ayers has drawn attention. She, Dorhn, is a despicable ghoul. If some of her more notorious quotes were publicized, Obambi would have a tough time getting Letterman or any of his other sycophants to defend him.
PS–I never watch Letterman, so annoying is he. I didn’t even tune in to watch Mac.
james23 on October 17, 2008 at 4:21 PM
How freaking ignorant is Dave Letterman to ask a stupid question like this, anyway?
Oh well, let’s make it three: Rashid Khalidi.
As a reminder that the Barbarians have breached the gate, all three of these Pals of Barry have our children in their thrall:
Bernadine Dorhn: Professor Northwestern
William Ayers: Professor U of Illinois at Chicago
Rashid Khalidi: Professor Columbia University
Buy Danish on October 17, 2008 at 4:41 PM
Those expressive eyerolls of McCain are priceless, especially when he made one at the mention of Keef D’ohberman.
Stop playing dumb, Letterman. Once upon a time I thought that you were funny. Then I grew up.
onlineanalyst on October 17, 2008 at 4:42 PM
I heard James Rosen on Hugh Hewitt’s show last week. Rosen interviewed Ayers for one of his books and they were playing some of the tapes. Anyway, I think it was Rosen who said Michelle Obama worked with Dorhn at the firm were Michelle met Barack - so actually they probably came to know Ayers through Dorhn.
Brat on October 17, 2008 at 4:44 PM
McCain needs to emphasize his conservative leanings the next 3 wks.
His choice of Sarah Palin has invigorated the base.
Confronting opponents is necessary when you’re behind.
Randy
williars on October 17, 2008 at 4:54 PM
Letterman has NEVER been funny. Palin shouldn’t ever soil herself enough to go there. And neither should McCain have.
But I guess I see his point in coming on. There are a lot of morons who form their opinions by these shows, People magazine, OK, National Enquirer etc..
Badger40 on October 17, 2008 at 4:55 PM
Why do conservatives let liberals get away with the “Obama was 8 when it happened” excuse? McCain should have called him on that. Though, Letterman shouldn’t have been asking those questions to begin with. His is an entertainment show. When the entertainment shows are asking Republican’s tougher questions than the so-called watchdog media is asking Democrats, there’s a severe imbalance in the force.
It’s also beyond ridiculous for Letterman to compare Gordon Liddy to Bill Ayers. Perhaps Letterman lives in a world where phone tapping is equivalent to firebombing, but I think it’s much more likely that he just assumes that we’re all ignorant plebes that will believe whatever he says.
JadeNYU on October 17, 2008 at 4:56 PM
Well well well- Dave sure has his Kos/HuffPo talking points down doesn’t he.
I can’t wait till this tool goes off the air…..
FiveWays on October 17, 2008 at 5:08 PM
I also noticed that when Gappy mentioned Liddy there was a small applause out-break that quickly ground to a halt.It seemed to me that they flashed the “applause” sign, which the folks instinctively react to,but in this case it died because even Gappy”s audience thought it was lame.
campfreddy on October 17, 2008 at 5:19 PM
Dave didn’t do a great job of setting the table for this future possible summit.
chiefeditor on October 17, 2008 at 5:23 PM
What a schmuck. McCain should have told Dave to invite William Ayers to come on his show if he thinks he’s just a regular guy.
Too bas McCain didn’t ask Dave if he thought his unmarried girlfriend was punished with a baby.
rockmom on October 17, 2008 at 5:26 PM
I was big Letterman fan for decades.
I hate him now. I really hate him. I wrote him an email about this a couple of weeks ago when he made a very sexist, condescending joke about Palin.
I. hate. him.
juliesa on October 17, 2008 at 5:41 PM
The video says it all. Letterman is an idiot. He doesn’t seem to understand what the big deal is, does he? He’s trying to equate what crimes Liddy committed to what Ayers committed? Did Liddy blow anything up and declare war against our country?
Letterman is an IDIOT, IDIOT, IDIOT.
Tom Blogical on October 17, 2008 at 5:53 PM
The NVA couldn’t break him. Some has-been gap-toothed doofus is supposed to?
Jim Treacher on October 17, 2008 at 6:02 PM
I feel bad for his mom, his sisters, and the mother of his kid.
Jim Treacher on October 17, 2008 at 6:03 PM
Letterman is a complete ass. His hatred of Bush make shim blind to the facts and logic associated with Ayers.
cannonball on October 17, 2008 at 6:13 PM
Never watching a letterman clip again, much less his show. Ayers rehabilitation is in full swing. Some of us mean it when we say “never forget.”
Angry Dumbo on October 17, 2008 at 6:31 PM
When did David Letterman become a moron, and a grumpy old fart? And why does he imagine for a minute that anyone cares whether or not he is upset that a US Senator decides to attend to their job during an economic emergancy than make an appearance on his washed up show?
greekinfidel on October 17, 2008 at 6:34 PM
Ayers the friendly terrorist. Come on America we are better than this.
Angry Dumbo on October 17, 2008 at 6:38 PM
Geez… I wonder if Letterman asked any tough questions of Obama when he was a guest? Have look.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkM66VEfJYk
I think this dope should stick to the funny and leave his personal politics out of it. Could be why his ratings continue to plummet.
the_stoics on October 17, 2008 at 6:43 PM
Letterman has always been an idiot. Back in the 1980s when Dave realized that his show was decent.
Now Letterman has clearly forgotten he’s an idiot and has been a DNC political whore since about the time the Clintoons arrived. His now tiresome and dated show consists mostly of rephrased Leno jokes sloppily pieced together.
viking01 on October 17, 2008 at 6:57 PM
Colin Powell endorse Obama? I guess Powell wants to make race a major issue. Do his principles matter? Major liberal newspapers have been endorsing Obama? Surprise, surprise. But they’ve been in the tank for Obama all along. Too bad the liberal newspapers have not been successful at convincing the large majority of voters that Obama should be elected. Instead Obama has spent millions upon millions with no result at all.
Obama spoke in Germany to thousands, but did anyone mention that most of his German audience did not speak English? I guess Obama just doesn’t matter.
There are now two lawsuits to force Obama to divulge the records of his birth; his qualifications to even run for president. And, whereas this didn’t matter during the primary elections (the Constitution is relevant only concerning the general election), it does now.
2nd lawsuit challenges Obama’s citizenship
Man demands state verify birth records or remove senator from ballots
Note: It is incumbent upon ALL Secretaries of State in all of the United States to BOTH accurately verify Voters AND candidates. Barack Hussein Obama has sealed his “Hawaiian” birth records and also records in Kenya.
Failure to verify and certify qualification for ALL candidates in a general election by any Secretary of State may be a cause of action (dereliction of duty) and criminal charges may be filed.
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=78111
Also:
The Video that could cost Obama the election
http://www.nextgenerationcorp.com/NextGenBlog/?p=68
First Lawsuit against Obama and the DNC:
http://www.obamacrimes.com
AdrianS on October 17, 2008 at 7:16 PM
I disagree. Letterman came off as a jerk who wouldn’t let McCain answer who did a surprisingly excellent job considering the hostility.
I used to like Letterman. But ever since he started the “Great moments in presidential history” segment I’ve grown less fond of him. He’s an ignorant elitist.
shick on October 17, 2008 at 8:21 PM
David Letterman is such a tool how does he look at himself in the mirror. Oh I’ll give you Ayers…who does Letterman think he is ? Ego out of control?
Dr Evil on October 17, 2008 at 8:27 PM
Ooooohhhh…I was so going to climb through that screen. Thanks for saving me from myself, brethren!
Jaibones on October 17, 2008 at 8:43 PM
McCain needs to change the direction of the Ayers connection: The unrepentant terrorist aspect is just the icing on the cake – the really alarming thing is the Marxism and anti-American sentiments that permeated the committees they served on. The evidence of that is in the monies that were given away – what programs they supported. 100M meant to improve the schools of Chicago, which remain one of the worst systems in America.
Also, Ayers is one of the Gatekeepers of Chicago Hyde Park politics – he would not have hosted Obama in his home and sponsored him if he did not know his politics and agreed with them.
Queen0fCups on October 17, 2008 at 9:17 PM
Watch the McCain speech from last night and pay attention to the lines that got the most applause – not the laughs, but the genuine supportive applause.
Queen0fCups on October 17, 2008 at 9:18 PM
John acquitted himself well. What can Dave do to him that communist interrogators haven’t done, and far worse.
Mojave Mark on October 17, 2008 at 9:18 PM
Letterman has become a waste of time.
Terrye on October 17, 2008 at 9:39 PM
Ayres and his wife, Dorhn, are both terrorists and pals of Obama.
Bill C on October 17, 2008 at 9:55 PM
Nevermind.
Bill C on October 17, 2008 at 10:01 PM
The CBS soap, The Young & The Restless is doing their own take on this Ayer issue.
They introduced a 60’s radical who bombed and killed someone and has been on the lam until recently coming to town to find his long lost son.
The writers have attempted to make the character sympathetic with the whole, “He had to leave because the courts would have been unfair to him, he’d never have gotten a fair trial,” and “He was devastated that he had to leave his wife and young child at the time.”
Typical liberal writing trying to sway the sheep.
So far the storyline is backfiring with people commenting they don’t want to watch a stinky old hippy who committed a crime, ran like a coward and is now going to be redeemed.
Domino on October 17, 2008 at 10:58 PM
You’re right! Oh, that would have been hysterical!
Oink on October 17, 2008 at 11:01 PM
“I haven’t had this much fun since my last interrogation.”
Seriously, that line won it all for McCain.
Yakko77 on October 17, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Man, that David Letterman fellow isn’t as funny as he used to be.
He’s kind of a d
ick, now that you mention it.sulla on October 18, 2008 at 3:20 AM
Letterman is pathetic.
UndertheBridge on October 18, 2008 at 5:26 AM
Well I‘m only outraged when they pal around with a minimum of 3
Minimum.
Gotta have standards, y’know.
Reaps on October 18, 2008 at 6:03 AM
Two points. First Ayers + Ayer’s wife = Terrorists. Two. That’s plural.
Second, Once a terrorist, always a terrorist. It takes a lot of good acts to be a carpenter, a doctor, a plumber, etc. Get caught lying once and you’re a liar. Get caught stealing once and you’re a thief. It only takes once to become a terrorist for life.
EconomicNeocon on October 18, 2008 at 11:25 AM
When your whole party has been taken over by anti Americans then Ayers isn’t a terrorist and neither is bin Laden. Haven’t we noticed that the enemy is George Bush and Joe the Plumber? Explains a lot and once you recognize this the election gets a whole lot scarier.
Buzzy on October 18, 2008 at 5:53 PM
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