(CNN) – After days of being criticized for an off-color joke about the daughter of Alaska's Republican Gov. Sarah Palin, late night TV talk show David Letterman got a vote of support from a fellow comedian.
Bill Maher, host of HBO's "Real Time," called the apology that Letterman issued Monday "a real shame."
Related: Letterman apologizes to Palins over 'coarse joke'
"David Letterman should not have had to apologize," Maher told CNN's Wolf Blitzer on The Situation Room. "I've known David Letterman a long time."
"He's a very fundamentally decent Midwesterner. It's just not in his DNA to have said something that they're accusing him of saying," Maher added.
"It was an easy and obvious joke to make. It was funny. It was not offensive in any way," the HBO host said after detailing his take on the circumstances leading up to Letterman's controversial joke. "And they made it sound like he said something completely different. So he's apologizing for something he never meant, never thought, and never said."
Related: Palin accepts Letterman's apology
"I've been through this," Maher told Blitzer. "It stinks."
Maher's show appears on HBO, a sister network of CNN that also is owned by Time Warner.
From CNN Politics
© 2011 Cable News Network. Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
| Advertising practices | Advertise with us | About us | Contact us | Work for us | Help
Bill Mahr is WRONG. Your job is to be FUNNY not MEAN. You can pick on the politicians all you want, but their spouses, especially their kids, super especially sexual jokes about underage kids is completely INAPPROPRIATE and NOT FUNNY. David Lettermen did the right thing by giving a real apology. All politicians introduce family on the trail and at the conventions but that doesn't put a bulleye on them. It is NOT about politics. If a comedian made a sexual joke about one of Obama's girls I would be equally outraged. Imus, Letterman, Richards, Gibson – - all said inappropriate things and all apologized. Now lets drop this topic and get back to our normal lives.
"It was an easy and obvious joke to make. It was funny. It was not offensive in any way,"
Maher, you have to be kidding. The comment was TRASH. Why don't you SPECIAL MEDIA TYPES WHO HAVE ACCESS TO THE MASSES clean up your acts. Raise the moral standard or should I say push it back up a few notches. Would you have made this comment about the President's daughters??? Or any comment about them that is that is low and demeaning?
No No , because you and Letterman would have lost your job for that. You two march to a double standard when you take your cheap sexist shots.
well, duh, maher would say that. has anyone reading this ever watched his show? he HATES sarah palin and because she stands up for what she believes in – which is her unalienable right. something maher parades around like he is a champion of. he is hypocritical. he tries to pass himself off as some independent. its a bizzare charade. for example: maher has this hellbent issue with any reference or idea of a higher being. anyone who thinks different is an "idiot". just a weird show.
Maher has been dubbed the king of "bad taste". His opinion is worthless. Furthermore, his tirade against President Obama was in bad taste as well. To accuse this president of not working hard enough is ludicrous! Media coverage is media coverage of President Obama doing or saying things that effects all of us. Compare his first six months to President Bush's before you rant again. Bush did not even start his mayhem until six months had passed!
He owes us an apology for bringing the Palins back into the limelight.
Would Mr. Maher think it was funny if the same thing would have been said by Rush Limbaugh about one of Obama's daughters?
dislike Palin, like Letterman, dispise Maher – saw him on his HBO show a few days ago and forgot how repugnant he is
I agree. It's all about a name: "Sarah Palin", a face and nothing else. Media exposure opportunity, blatantly opportunistic. Zero substance.
If Letterman doesn't need to apologies for his joke because then Sherri Goforth shouldn't have to apologies for the email she sent out with the Presidential portraits that show two eyes in a black square for Obama. "It was an easy and obvious joke. It was funny. It was not offensive in any way."
It's okay for liberals to make fun of conservatives but when the tables are turned, heads are suppose to role. Nice double standard!!
I thought we lived in a country were we can have and state our own opinion without repercussions.....boy was I wrong!!
What a sad country the USA has become!!
Maher has gone off the deep end. Telling people what to do. Thank GOD the president is an intellect that can cast aside Maher's rants. Now, Maher gets in the way of common decency and complains when someone makes an egregious personal assault on another human. Maher was one I used to listen and believe, but now over the last few months I see B. Maher as a pompous bag of wind who loves to hear himself, and can no longer watch him on TV much less repect anything he stands for. B maher just nshut your big mouth!!!
Exactly. Everyone knows the reference was to the 18 year old and her "pregnancy" issues, which the Governor and her family have publicly exploited to the hilt for political and financial gain from day one. But Sarah saw a chance to keep her name in the news cycle yet another day (and maybe raise a few bucks for 2012!). No apology needed, Dave.
Bill Maher is a comedian? When did this happen?
Shame on Letterman and anyone else who resorts to a joke of this nature for a laugh. And support from Bill Maher? I wouldn't be too proud of that. He is someone who gives himself way more credit than he deserves.
Sorry Bill, but I disagree.
The joke was WAY over the top. Totally inappropriate. I for one am glad he apologized in a sincere way. I just wish Letterman would have done this the first go round. I'm not saying this because I'm a Palin supporter, I am not.
I am a parent and grandparent. Enough said.
Thanks Bill for Supporting our friend Dave. Palin just wanted some type of win. Palin get over it you lost in November 2008 this is 2009. Thanks for speaking up on Dave behalf Bill . I will be so glad when that Palin Mess if off the air. I will forever watch The David Letterman Show. If Palin come on the show I will not wach.
What a surprise.
It is not the point that David Letterman 'is a good mid-westerner' or not. What the real issue is for young women it that they are constantly subjected to tv shows, movies, music videos, and yes, comedians, making suggestive and sexual commentaries about them. What used to occur when a young lady would pass by a construction site and occasionally be subjected to wolf-whistles and cat calls, is now commonplace at all hours across the television dial.
Parents and anyone with common decency need to turn up the pressure on advertisers of these shows to make this type of 'comedy' at the expense of women of all ages -off limits! We need to act with our pocketbooks when we so shopping, and not purchase products from sponsors of tv shows that degrade women.
Bill Maher is full of it. I've heard him make several statements in the past few days saying "Obama needs to get off the TV and get to work." That's basically the only intelligent thing that's ever come out of his mouth. Keep that up, Bill – you're right on target. On the Letterman controversy, you're full of crap.
Palin wanted that joke to last a very long time and she said and did all that she could to keep it alive. After all, she was protecting all young woman. What a crock. There was so much playing to the public from her and Toddy boy with this that it made me ill.
Amen.... Bill. Sarah Palin is the same ridiculous loser she was when she attempted to run with McCain is his sad, pathetic, mud slinging attempt at the presidency. I heard Letterman's joke...at no time did he ever sound like he was advocating sexual abuse of minors, let alone children. This is just another example of a sad, little player's attempt to get in to the big leagues... Palin got her 15 minutes of fame... Now she needs to go back to badly running Alaska, being a truck stop waitress, a pole dancer or whatever she does...... but above all... just go away!!!!!
Wonderful! Bill Mahar is also an arrogant, obnoxious, rude, unfunny
idiot. Letterman is not now, nor has he ever been funny! What a pair!
I agree with Mr. Maher–Mr. Letterman is being forced to shame himself and he doesn't deserve it. Every performer has a bad day once in a while. It's not like he actually advocated any immoral activity.
Last night (Monday night) I was saddened to see how this situation has affected him professionally and personally. I hope that this doesn't lead to complete discouragement for him.
I am quite conservative in my own way, and I believe that Mr. Letterman is a fine man who shows real caring and humanity in the way he carries himself.
No Maher it wasnt offensive? Please be for real even if you are a liar.
If the joke was about Baracks daughters someone would have been hung.
IT is a real double standard that the press holds.
It was wrong and terrible no matter who it was said about.
It was low and very despicable. No one should tolerate it.
Everything is NOT a joke. Some things are off limits and any joke like that should be.
Where is NOW and the rest of the left wing.
Wait until the next joke about Barack comes out and lets see how the left wing media handles it.
Governor Palin has won a great political victory for America and all Americans. I'm so glad she spent several days on this serious issue.
As for her presidential aspirations, she really needs to find a bigger issue than bad jokes by late-night comedians. Otherwise, Obama would run circles around her in 2012.
no, letterman should not be fired, but when a comedy routine goes wrong, it needs to be rectified.
take imus or richards as an example. they were vilified for statements they made. imus was not being racist although richards tirade clearly turned that direction.
both needed to apologize as did letterman. i am not surprised that maher is not familiar with the 'high road'.
-TheBigSarge
Nothing person Maher....but you may want to sit this one out...people are still pretty peeved you insulted their faith and places of worship.
I do have to agree...this was blown way out of proportion. David Letterman's character speaks for itself. He is a decent man and should not be fodder for political agendas. He is a comedian, let him do his work which lightens the load of many a stressed Americans.
I agree with Maher; Letterman should not have apologized. Bristol Palin is a public figure and therefore is a appropriate subject for such jokes. The Adult Palin family put themselves in the spot light, and it is proper to joke about them. Sarah Palin twisted Letterman's Joke to fit somthing he never intended, then she tried to score political points from it..But like everything else she does this act of hers was stupid, illogical, useless and completely ignorant.
Two idiots that have no reguard for women.
palin is a hater!
She said she wouldn't campaign in unpatriotic parts of the country. Meaning those that don't vote republican regularly. She never condemned the racists in her crowd waving watermelons and stuffed monkeys but made a big deal of nothing. This was disgraceful and she will continue to pay a dear price for this hate rhetoric.
I thought it was funny, too. He should have apologizing only once. I have heard much worse jokes about the Palins.
Of course Bill Maher is going to come to Letterman's defense. Of course, if Letterman were to have made the joke about anyone even moderately liberal, Maher would have said nothing. He's political hackery at its worst (see also: old episodes of Crossfire or Hardball). His Politically Incorrect/Real Time shows are always the same... one hardline or even moderate conservative being bashed by several hardline liberals. It only serves to divide, and it only trades one form of intolerance for another.
Bill is so right. Leno made almost the same exact joke last year, but Palin tolerated it because McCain wanted to be on Jay. Now that she lost, she's suddenly sensitive.
Btw, McCain made a joke about Chelsea Clinton in 1998. Sarah? Are you going to take this one?
One has-been supporting another. Now that is funny!
There both a piece of trash and I hope that both their shows have there ratings just flop and have to be taken off the air. They are like a ball of gas that need to disappear from the airwaves. Maher needs to go back to the woods and crawl under the rock he was born under and one day Letterman will have a joke made about his family like that and then we will see how he will take it. No ones family is fair game like the way they have done Palin and I don't care if you like her or not it's pretty sad when they pull the families in on this crap that they have done. Look what happened to people like Imus, Limbaugh, and the rest , but one of the democracts buds make a comment like that they don't say anything but when the shoes on the other foot they start to scream what a double standard but that is par for the course. What a joke of all.
Hmm. A comment coming from Bill Mahar, a man who is against the Catholic Church, should be taken with a grain of salt. I think his approach to decency is in the gutter. If he were a dad of teenage girls, would he approach the joke the same way?
I agree! I'm mad as hell with Letterman for apologizing to the woman who propped her children up – calling the dyfunctional family as having family values. This lady has some serious problems and her looks failed on the national scene....
There was no need for an apology. Anyone who has placed him or herself willingly in the public eye has given the right to have people comment or joke–even about family. And it was just a joke.
Who is Bill Maher??
Bill Maher = Trash
This is redundant CNN. What about Obama's total lack of wisdom or courage in speaking up for democracy in Iran? Shame on the arrogant, audacious, narcissistic, coward!
Oh, well, if Bill Maher says it, it must be right. Is this the same BM that couldn't keep a show on network TV because he didn't know how to keep an audience? He sounds like an expert to me.
BM was never the sharpest knife in the drawer, and he continues to prove it. HBO must have needed a tax write-off.
CNN = A Joke
+
Maher = A Joke
Total Joke = Totally Irrelevancy
Ofcourse he does!
Why in the world is CNN asking Bill Maher to comment on this issue? The guy is extremely controversial himself, so what do they expect him to say? Well, I guess they expect him to say this:
"It was an easy and obvious joke to make. It was funny. It was not offensive in any way,"
Not offensive in any way? Is this absurd Maher opinion surprising given the FACT that Maher made this statement about Palin's daughter in September 2008?
“I’m not that convinced that that’s her baby,” Maher said. “It’s not like they’re not willing to lie about everything else.”
So now CNN is giving a platform for the defense of a controversial joke by a person who himself made a hateful statement about the exact same victim of the controversy. How irresponsible can CNN be?
You tell 'em Bill!
The only thing perverted about Dave's joke was the false sense of injury portrayed by Palin. This is just one more opportunity to have her name and face in the public view.
She had no problem parading Frick, Frack and Fluke in front of the public during her pathetic campaign with Joe the Plumber's grand-dad.
COME ON PEOPLE! LETTERMAN IS A COMEDIAN! HIS JOKE WAS FUNNY!
What's really funny is Palin's "acceptance" of Dave's apology statement. She has excelled in putting a sentence together, but stringing more than one thought at a time is still difficult.
Maybe we can get a few troops to go to Alaska to continue to protect her "freedom of speech". A language coach might be helpful too!!
I agree with Bill Maher; the media just won't stop covering any stupidity Palin does or says. What is wrong with us? and you?
Creating a tempest in a teapot is one of Palin's favorite tricks. Remember "Lipstick on a pig?" Letterman clearly didn't mean the 14-year-old; for her to keep repeating that he did makes it obvious she's either stupid or campaigning. Since the woman obviously isn't the former, it's just more of the same old same old Sarah, using her children to attack the fiendish Liberal media.
You know thing the that irks me about this whole thing is that I believe the real point of this ordeal is that it is very poor taste to be taking digs at Palin's children to begin with. Nevermind if it was Willow or Bristol...you don't talk about the woman's kids like that. The ultra liberal National Organization for Women didn't think so either, perhaps suggesting that maybe...even if the joke was CLEARLY about Bristol Palin...was grossly inappropriate...and to me is no different than what Don Imus did. Should they fire Letterman? Of course not. Was is not offensive in any way as Bill Maher would claim? OF COURSE IT WAS. In and out of context.
Sarah Palin will snatch any opportunity to promote Sarah Palin. Why didnt Mother Palin instruct and protect her daughter with good,sensible,motherly advice before her dauhter became pregnant?It is scary to know that this woman ran for vice President. If she can't protect her guide her daughter,how could she protect and defend the U.S.A. I think she is an outrageous opportunist and all for Sarah.
Palin has already shown that she is willing to exploit her children for her own gain - this just smacks of more of the same. Those poor kids must just wish their mom would be quiet and quit dragging them into public. That woman makes me positively ill.
But Bill, he DID say it. And now he has apologized. It was a classless thing he did, and now he has regained some class with his apology.
Too bad you can't hang your hat on that.
Totally agree with Bill Maher. Palin tries to grab anything she can to be relevant. She is such an evil.
Watch this....all the libs that were just calling Maher all kinds of names for speaking out against Obama will now start singing his praises....3...2....1 let the love fest begin.
No, Maher and Letterman stink!
And we look to Bill Maher to give us an opinion on what is and what is not offensive? Come on .. that's a riduculous as asking Hugo Chavez how should a head of state conduct himself...
I have little regard for Bill Maher. I totally disagree with him. Letterman's "joke" was off base and in poor taste. He apologized and Palin accepted his apology. Case closed. Move on. Maher is so left wing that he cannot see the truth.
Bill Maher is right. Letterman should not have to apologise to palin. Palins just trying to keep her name in the press. She condemned obama for everything, and never said she was sorry or wrong. What she saidwas far worse then what letterman said. Good god shut up Sarah and go home to your front porch and stay there.
Bill Maher is an idiot. His statement that "Letterman never meant, never thought, and never said" is rediculous. He said it!
as always bill tells it like it is. wish more people could be brutelly honest but then who would like you , at least they would know where you stand and are given another opinion other than theirs.
he has a good understanding of who he is and is not out to impress anyone. he has taken many chances in the past and paid for it for expressing his opinion.i don't have hbo or any other premium channels but try to watch him through the snow on the scrambled channel. comes in good sometimes ,can hear him sometimes.
the talking heads would probably have a heart attack if he were on commercial tv. would love to see,bill's seans,karl,newt,ann coulter and glenns reaction in a one on one with no over talk{am i wrong}
Bravo Maher! I was waiting for someone to say exactly what I have been thinking since this whole ordeal happend. My girlfriend and I are on complete opposites sides when it comes to politics but we both agreed that Palin is an idiot and just looking for any kind of attention she can get. Imagine that – two females that have been through enough of our own anguish throughout our years and never found offense with Letterman's comments!! Unfortunately the only thing Letterman did that was wrong was provide her another media meal ticket fom the very group that she supposedly despises! She is so two-faced...she hates the media until she decides SHE has something to say then she can't get enough of them. Palin = Woman Who Speaks with Forked Tongue
Bill's career went down hill when he sided with the terrorist of 9/11.
Of course Bill Mayer doesn't think Letterman needs to apologize. Bill Mayer is a bigger jerk than Rush. Okay, maybe they're tied for the hate they spew.
I Plan to cancel my HBO now!
12 executive orders in the first months, and he is not doing things without asking?
I agree with Maher. Far be it from the extended Palin clan from sensationalizing the joke or dragging their offspring into the glare of kleig lights... Oh, that is what she did and is doing again to put some petrol in the tank of her political career. Shame on Palin and the extremist right who wave the flag on her behalf.
Uh, exactly who put Bill Maher in charge of defining what IS a joke vis-a-vis offensive to another? As I see it, this is between Sarah Palin, David Letterman AND CBS – the folks who sign David's checks. Perhaps we can throw in a paying sponsor or two as well.
Seems to me that Maher may have crossed the line a few too many times to be considered legitimately funny as is evidenced by the sharp falloff in his ratings in recent years. Even Bush-bashing and Republican-bashing gets pretty boring and stale when that's the only material a "comic" has to offer, night after night.
Someone should do the right thing here and show Bill where the rocks are before he drowns altogether. Maybe he can salvage what's left of his "career", post-Bush.
Poor Bill didn't like watching Dave issue a mea culpa.
Funny how Bill only comes to the defense of decent Liberal Midwesterners.
Bill Maher pretty much ALWAYS tells it like it is, and hit the nail on the head yet again. Letterman is a comedian, and he can say whatever he wants to about anyone, no apologies needed. If Palin wants her family off limits, then keep them that way. Don't send them cross country on Abstinence Only Sex Ed tours and float them out for interviews with the big networks. You don't see Sasha and Malia doing interviews and tours where they are the center of attention like Bristol Palin is. If you want your family off limits, then keep them out!
Maher's comments should really help Letterman's case...
Thank you for coming out and saying that Maher, especially totally screw job being put on Letterman by the starved for attention Palin camp. I'm thinking that 99% of the people following the Letterman "story" can see straight through Palin and hopefully with Dave's apology, she'll fade away back to Alaska again and out of all of our memories. Couldn't agree with you more on all those issues.
Glad to hear someone tell it like it is. The joke wasn't the best, but the indignation of governor family values who practices nothing of the sort is more than nauseating. Palin is so self serving, hypocritical, and dishonest.
I agree with Bill. Palin just wanted more face time. She supposedly hates the media, yet won't stay out of the spotlight. The one who should apologize is HER for ever accepting McCain's offer for the VP candidate. She's a waste breath and time.
Letterman may have gone over the line but Palin paraded her white trash family around (including her knocked up under aged daughter) during the campaign and expected them NOT to be a target? No mother should subject her kids to that.
i get more and more sick of bill maher every day. its absurd to say that the left is not adequately represented in America. its overwhelmingly prevalent in the media and the government itself. just because maher represents the far far left does not mean that it's the standard for the rest of the country. maher is arrogant and ignorant and i find it sad that he has such a following in this country that he still has his own show.
Wow...never meant, thought, or said...I guess it was another David Letterman that siad those sexist, tastless, boorish, demeaning, and totally uncalled for remarks. Bill, you, Sir, are an idiot.
Sarah Palin is not credible political material. She was a novelty during the election. That's it. The Republicans can do much better if they just look around within their own party.
Thank you Bill Maher for having to balls to stick up for David Letterman... I applaud you for you see it as it is.. so many have turned this into a circus - including the Palins... they are just looking for a spotlight, as usual. David Letterman is the best talk show host there is.. his joke was that.. a joke. Shame on those that take a stand against him.. shame.. shame.. shame.... losers.
I'm shocked! I mean after all this time, i had no idea Maher was a comedian. I thought he was just a guy who rips on religion, and tries to piss people off, but now that i know it is all his shtick... he's still not very funny.
Had the same comment been made by a conservative comedian against a liberal target, Maher would have been up in arms. Two standards, two standards...
Bill Maher is not qualified to judge whether or not Letterman's apology was justified. If a comment 'hurts' someone, then an apology is in order, regardless of the intent. Maher's comment would have been entirely different had the issue been about a conservative's comment involving a liberal. Hypocrisy is the norm in Maher's circles.
Enough – let's move on. Tired of it. He made a bad joke, he apologized, Palin is milking it... let's move one.
I never drew the comparisons between Bristol and the younger kid. It was wrong to go after David. Still I hate Conan and love Jay, so if this brings him back to NBC it will be a blessing. Conan is a worthless loser who could never compete with Jay or David. We NEED JAY BACK!
I'm not suprised by Maher's comments, he's a pig as well. Its so funny how if this were a conservative person, the liberal press (including Bill Maher) would be calling for their heads. Such a hypocrite... just like the pack of wolves to stick together though... so no real suprises with Maher making the statement... and for him to say the comment was funny shows just how little tact and class he himself has... maybe if a few advertisers pulled their funding from HBO, Bill Maher would find it in his pocketbook... i mean heart to issue a not so heart felt apology as well... I wonder if they would have the same sentiment if the joke was made about their children...what has happened to the integrity and morality in this country.
From one low life to another!
BIll Rocks.
I think the big picture that people are missing is the fact that the left wing media and hollywood cannot stop aiming attacks on Palin and her family.
There is some deep psycological meaning to this hatred and I really wonder if it is fear of her and what she represents.
The right wing gooks (republicans) should pause this time and look at themselves in the mirror and stop lambasting Dave Letterman, as there is another republican espousing family values, none other than a current senator of Nevada, Sen. Ensign, admitting to having an affair with the wife of a close friend. This is outright unacceptable! Yeah, a lawmaker and a lawbreaker!! How about that??? Sarah Palin and her cohorts should shut their stinking mouths for something so petty since this was just a joke made by a comedian! What is unacceptable is a senator suppose to uphold the constitution yet involved in such an immoral behavior!
The fact that Bill Maher doesn't fiind it offensive simply proves his utter lack of decency, and that is not news..
Bill Maher is a loser. Naturally he sides with sicko Letterman, Maher is a commie liberal as well.
bill maher wouldn't know a coarse joke if it smacked him in the face. I could expect him to make that kind of insensitive comment (it was NOT a joke), but was surprised by David Letterman delivering a scripted remark of that nature. Being scripted it could have been edited out or Letterman could have made his voice heard and said it was out of line. I can assure you, the way it was said and the fact that Willow was the one WITH Gov. Palin AT THE GAME, the insinuation was that it was about her. Well, I think he CROSSED the line and I've made up my mind. I won't be watching him any more. Maybe it is time for him to go.
I'm sorry this guy "Maher" does not get it.
I am curious if other people in the comedy business all think the same.
It appears if you are a comic and make a joke you get a free pass.
That is just crazy.
Don't make sexual jokes about young women. ... period
I agree...Letterman should NOT apologize, their own mother has harmed them more than anyone else could....
Who give a sheet about that idiot Palin and her offspring? David letterman should have held his ground and let the chips fall where they may......It was a freekin joke.........Kinda like the whole Republican party.......LOL
See, this is why I love Bill Maher. Why should Letterman have to apologize? He is not a politician and does not answer to Sarah Palin. Sarah needs to go back to her wealthy oil rich state and resume trying to see Russia from her house.
Maher seems to have his "wires" crossed on this one, but then, he can be so distasteful ... that he no longers would be a fair judge of what's appropriate or inappropriate.
He hates Palin, and ... that's the reason I haven't watched his show for the past 8 months. (I even cancelled HBO.) He became so unfair .... and mean in his reporting .... to be point that it seemed evil.
Maher seems to have his "wires" crossed on this one, but then, he can be so distasteful ... that he no longers would be a fair judge of what's appropriate or inappropriate.
He hates Palin, and ... that's the reason I haven't watched his show for the past 8 months. (I even cancelled HBO.) He became so unfair .... and mean in his reporting .... to the point that it seemed evil.
I agree with Bill 100%
Sheesh. Bill Maher shows us once again what a total piece of sewage he is. Maher, Kathy Griffin, Sandra Bernhart – these people are disgusting. Bring back Jeff Foxworthy, for cryin' out oud!
What do you expect from the liberal cleric, a republican hating comic. Just because freedom of speech exists, you should expect that others have equal right to criticize what you preach.
I agree, Letterman owes nobody an apology. Palin needs to get a life and get back to work for the people of Alaska.
who cares what maher thinks, he is another comic who want to be free to say anything he want. letterman was wrong, & should have apologised right away. his joke is worse than Imus' because letterman's was thought out.
I have never been a big fan of Bill Maher but I have to agree with him whole heartily. It is a shame what Palin and the utra conservatives are trying to do to Dave. I was mad at Letterman for apologizing. Now that I think of it I am more upset with CBS for forcing him to do it. I am also totaly disgusted with Sarah Palin for making something out of nothing so she can hang on to her 15 minutes of fame. Take notice Republicans this witch burning will do nothing but help put an end to your rapidly decaying party.
Hey, let’s all run over here and listen to this guy – he's saying what we want to hear.
So what if Letterman jokes about statutory rape? It's not like he was joking about anybody who matters. They're republicans for Christ's sake.
Oh, excuse me, I've got to run over there. Somebody's regurgitating something else I want to hear.
Sounds like to me Wolf Blitzer really wanted Maher to blast the president, I sort of agree with Maher even though i dont think he should be like George Bush because he is not, He should do him as president. If he be like George Bush thats not change especially in tone. Maher is right about GWB he did exactly what he wanted to do and didnt care what nobody said or thought. I wouldnt want a president that thinks my way or the highway.
Agree 100% Letterman rocks. It would be much much funnier to just keep the jokes about Palin personally. It makes up for missing all the old Bush jokes.
Sarah Palin has NO sense of humor. She's just a bully on a power trip. Get a grip woman – you are not nearly as important as you think you are!
David Letterman is not going to be fired . He has the NO1 Late night Show. He won in the ratings over Conon for last week or . He has better guest than Conon plus the Palin Fued. CBS is nott going to loose him. It will blow over soon.
Maher running to the defense of Letterman?
Maher thrives on publicity and you are helping feed his big ego.
He is of no importance as well as anything he has to say.
Get back to your regular reporting. You know, transgenders, etc!
The real apology should be because the "joke" wasn't funny. I mean, aren't the Palin mom & daughters batting 1000 for first pregnancy's being out-of-wedlock? Does Willow feel any pressure to follow her major-league fertile fornicating Mom & Sis' footsteps?
I watched Letterman tonight and you could tell that he was uncomfortable the whole show. I'm sure he is really upset behind what Palin has caused for him. I don't blame him for being furious with Palin; even more reason to make even more jokes about her. I've watched Letterman for years and he's the greatest night time talk show host ever and he does not deserve the protest and the back lash that he is experiencing. Palin is proving herself to be the clueless, unintelligent person that she is by grabbing for straws to fix her jacked up reputation.
bill maher is an idiot.. there's a reason why his show is stuck on HBO where nobody watches it.
The only comic I know who is a bigger jerk than David Letterman is Bill Maher. So, what good ole Bill thinks about the issue is irrelevant to me.
Power breeds arrogance. These two hot shots, driven by their self important egos, feel that normal standards of decency do not apply to them.
If Letterman had spoken that way about my daughter, I would have a more candid with him behind the woodshed.
I completely agree with Bill Maher. David Letterman should never have been pressured to apologize. Sarah Palin paraded her underage, unwed, pregnant daughter around on national television. THAT was the disgraceful act, not Letterman's joke. I can only assume that the network pressured him to apologize. What a shame! The Palins are a pathetic family. Since none of them seems to have the good sense to shut up and go away, they're fair game.
Bill Maher taking up for someone who makes fun of a republican. Whoa! Stop the presses and put out a special edition to cover this story!
Let's face it. Bill Maher is about as crass as can be when it comes to poking fun at the expense of republicans but he gets very sensitive when jokes are told about his liberal wackos. The joke David Letterman told was not appropriate and an apology was issued. It's time for Maher and Sarah Palin to let it go.
Bill Maher's comments are not worth a headline on CNN.com. Why doesn't the press complain about this with the same venom that they did when Imus made his "out of character" joke was made. Of course this was bad judgement, but just because it was made against a white female doesn't make it any less offensive than Imus' comments. Imus was run out of town and out of a job. Letterman deserves equal treatment.
I agree with Bill Maher. If Palin can't stand to be the brunt of a few jokes then she has no business in politics.
Just becuase Bill Maher said that the joke was funny, doesn't mean that the joke was funny. Saying things like, "It isn't in his DNA to have said something like that..." What does he know about a person's DNA and who he is and why he said such a distasteful and rude thing. Using politically correct words describing Letterman as a " decent MiIdwesterner"tMaher implies that Midwesterners are above making mistakes such as the one Letterman himslef agrees is a mistake . Letterman at least is decent enough to apologioze for it..Just because Maher is given air time being interviewed by CNN and becuase people listen to him does not in my opinion, make his opinion on this issue right.What Letterman said was wrong. Poking fun at other people's expense and especially when it is not true is just a cheap way to be heard. Are you listening Bill Maher? You need to be more artistic , funny and creative for me to give you my respect.
Good to see Bill Maher be an equal-opportunity critic. He's always accused of attacking only Republicans. That's never been true. I remember him taking aim at Clinton too.
For once I actually agree with Bill Maher on something. That joke was obviously not intended in the way Palin tried to twist it into. David Letterman should have not even acknowledged Sarah Palin's obvious attempt at keeping herself in the spotlight. He totally got played and came out of it looking weakened, which is weird because Dave Letterman is totally capable of absorbing some media punches. Especially from someone as pathetic as Sarah Palin and her nut-job supporters.
Bill Maher seems to be seeking publicity. First he wants Obama to get off television and get to work. The same might be said of Bill Maher-at least the get to work piece. He just doesn't have facts straight on some stories. Also, I think Dave Letterman is getting tired and he did owe Palin an apology. The whole joke or jokes are awful and in case Maher doesn't know it midwestern guys can be indecent too.
Bill Maher wants to matter but really doesn't anymore. Obama does matter and is doing a great job in a short period of time. And he knows how to use TV to his advantage.
I think maybe Bill is being a little too critical of the President. Some things may be a little harder to do than seem, and he has already done so many more things than Bush did in 8 years. He has so much to clean up, and so much red tape, protocol etc. I don't know how he even knew where to start. Cut him some slack Bill!
I couldn't agree more with him though on the fact that Letterman did not need to apologize for the Palin whack job parade your kids around like props and make a fool of yourself comment. She has her buddy Mr. Ziegler to thank for that fiasco and that is all publicity she does not need or want,. Please keep her in Alaska and out of the news as she is so not newsworthy...
It sounds like Maher is doing a little crying with his comments. Some of these comedians need to grow a little thicker skin. You guys make the "funnies" and sometimes the jokes are really dumb so deal with it.