CNN

"U.S. Military women and men...".

LOLerz...nice and subtle there, Sarah...

Palin speaks of equality only when you agree with HER! Notice the far right zealots have polarized to this person.....she does NOT represent America in the least.

Her frontier spirit is showing. Nothing about this has gone to waste. Even the tripe is valuable.

Letterman = Imus and should get canned. No double standard should be allowed because Letterman is on TV.

The real problem in our Country is the ......

REPUBLICAN'Ts

Zeigler is one of the far-right-haters, trying to draw attention to himself. This man is vile, and PROOF that the far-right-haters just keep spewing hate........ lies.............fear...........and division!

Which is WHY the GOP LOST the elections in '08 and WILL AGAIN!

The GOP has to wake-up and realize that the "hate-entertainers" are not doing them any favors, only alienating SANE Americans from the GOP!

To Sarah Palin-Give it a rest and GO AWAY. I cringe at the thought of your running again for any public office and have to listen to your annoying and obnoxious nonsense. God help us all.

So all of a sudden she believes in evolution now?

What about an apology from Palin for being such an embarrassing candidate. She was totally ignorant of the responsibilities of the office she sought,. She lowered the level of discourse to that of street level "Joe The Plumber," and "Mary The Teacher "short quips.

If anyone should apologize, it is she. Letterman is a comedian, so he has an excuse, although it might have possibly "crossed the line."

On the other hand, Palin is a Governor ( although one not too articulate and geo-politically savy!) Palin was supposed to be a serious, qualified candidate.

So while comparing the "J'accusers" it is she who owes the US voters an apology for being an embarrassment as a potential vice presidential candidate!!!!!!!!!!

Can't she just go away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
totally

Sarah Palin is a joke. If she worried about being a govenor, as much as she wanted an apology then Alaska would not be in the shape it is today. Get over yourself you are just another example on how the conservative movement crys foul when someone hurts there feelings.

Where's A-Rod in all this ? No outrage from him I guess.

Why is Sarah Palin bringing the military into this discussion? They have nothing to do with guaranteeing our right to free speech....I see she still hasn't enrolled in that CIVICS class she so desperately needs !!!!

BTW Palin owes Pres. Obama an apology for inciting hate during the campaign. We're waiting ..............you hyoctrite!

Palin had her 1 minute of fame and now she is seeking any venue to stay in the limelight. She is now as significant as a used tissue paper. By the way, I thought she was governor of Alaska. She should pay more attention to her state than Washington politics. How does a governor with 5 children manage to travel so much, from so far away. It is no wonder her daughter became pregnant with so little supervision. Better mind family matters 1st.

Ohhhhhhh! We just didn't get the joke. We're the ones who should be sorry, Dave!

Could you explain it to us again?

No one wins when kids are involved....

Go away Palin. JUST GO AWAY.

coarse or not maybe palin should be more concerned that about her daughters behavior then a joke that didnt stretch the truth to far

So, I ask again, because you didn't print the last time I wrote this, has anyone apologized to Alex Rodriquez ? Why was HE thought to be an easy target by Letterman's writers ? He had an encounter with some woman in Toronto, and apparently went on a long walk with Madonna, while married. THIS makes him a potential Statutory Rapist if Letterman was talking about Willow, or a Rapist if he was talking abaout Bristol? Disgusting Male Bashing. Somebody apologize to him dammit. I am a Yankee Hater, but he didn't deserve this.

And, I presume Letterman fired the Researcher and the Writer.

About Mrs. Palin and Letterman: Can we stop already ? He has shown he has lousy researchers and worse writers, followed by his own bad judgement. She is a whining has been politician, who should now just shut up and go back home. Her Family awaits her. So does her State. "The Russians Are Coming – The Russians Are Coming".

The children should be off limits. I don't want to hear bad jokes about the Presidents family or anyone else's. There are enough freaks in California to keep the rest of us entertained.

All Sarah Palin has done is made David Letterman the #1 Late Night Show!!! LOL.

How stupid does of Sarah Palin. Had she just rise above the comedic joke she would have been seen as the "better" person. But nooooo, not Sarah Palin who loves the gossip and media she claims treats her unfairly, but she's constantly pandering to the media!!!

David Letterman has had his show for 27 years and he STILL wins as a fresh face! Sarah Palin is SO terribly old and stale in just a short 9 mths!

Drama Queen Palin needs to take responsibilty for exposing her ignorance and children every opportunity she can find! What a terrible mother AND coniving human being we are quickly learning her to be! Now go squeal how unfair the media is being to you again Sarah!

Oh, you HAD to bring in the troops, didn't you, Sarah the diva Palin? Of course it makes sense. An inappropriate joke about Bristol/Willow is the perfect opportunity to make a political quip about the troops!

What an obviously fake and self-serving woman. And still dumb as a lamp post.

Politicized pantwetting is our society's newest artform. I swear we should be requiring that all elected officials wear pampers at all times and only allow them to graduate to pull-ups if they've managed to make it 6 months without making a fool of themself by dragging out some fake controversy they view as providing an opportunity for gaining political leverage. Perhaps they'll think twice if their pants all all poofy from their mandated pampers while they're standing on their soapboxes.

At a time when our country is facing possible international conflicts with Iran and North Korea, who has time for Sarah Palin's sob stories. If she wants to be taken seriously and is thinking of running in 2012, she should suck it up like everyone else has had to do at one time or another in life and focus on political issues that are actually important.

Please, why do you continue to cover this? The Palin's are opportunists, they need to get over them self's. The Palin's make my skin crawl, they are one creepy clan.

I Hope They're Reading These Comments!

This was a joke. Nothing more. Of all the terrible comments that have been said of the Palins, she wants to make a point of this, and drag this on? Sad, how much she loves being in the spotlight. You would think that she would have her hands full being governor, and looking after her other very young children.

Letterman should be fired. This country isn't about free speech, after all. All hail, President Sarah Blockhead.

Educated Woman June 16th, 2009 10:28 am ET
"Does anyone else feel that Palin would be an ideal candidate for the Jerry Springer show? Nasty comments and a trashy display of character seem to be her main 'attributes'."

Sarah and family would be great additions to the "My Name is Earl", they could be the black sheep of Earl's family from the other side of the tracks.

Now that she has accepted the apology, maybe she needs to work on the State of Alaska's issue of being the state with the "highest" number of sexual assaults. The old sayin stick and stones.......but sexual assault does hurt. This state has some of this highest figures for sexual assault, and highest for sexual assault on children. A joke is a joke, what goes on in this state is real.

Also, was it coincidence that Mr Letterman aplogized when N.O.W. made there thoughts on the joke known, or does Sarah really think she is the one who had the power to make him apologize?

The Neocons have become so impotent the only thing left for them is to take it out on the Court Jester.

Keep it up, let us all see that you're the joke. The sooner the demise of the Neocons the better.

I am not a fan of David Letterman. I don't think what he said was right. I am glad to see that he made his admins with the Palins. Hope this will open the eyes of all those people out there that think it's funny to bash the image of women.

If Palin cannot take a joke, I think Letterman, and all the comedians and newsmedia should not talk about her ... EVER. Then we wont offend her.

Of course Fox being the exception.

for real, sarah palin needs to go away. i cant believe i am still not only hearing about this, but about her in general. its like spencer and heidi.

Guess I'm the only one in America who thought the joke was funny. Sarah Palin should grow some thicker skin if she expects to stay on the national stage. This joke was nothing compared to some of the vituperous invective that her supporters have thrown at the Obama family.

I will never buy a product advertised on the Letterman show. He's a has been. The best thing he can do is leave the show. I have no more respect for the man.

What's she talking about "the Men and women in the military protecting our right to free speech"? It is these kind of shallow jingoistic comments that typify Sarah Palin for me. The right to free speech is not under attack from foreign enemies Sarah. It is under attack from internal enemies.......primarily politicians. The ultimate irony is that our wise founding fathers gave citizens the right to bear arms primarily to protect themselves from the manipulation of politicians and their controlled powerbase, namely the military.
Of course I have every respect for the men and women of our military. They are willing to put their lives on the line to protect this country, even when our politicians have, with breathtaking ineptitude, tried to address our foreign policy problems by showing the world how they solve the problem of a hornet's nest in their backyard by beating it with a club. The men and women of the military are dying to cover your party's breathtaking incompetence Sarah.

When did the conservative movement become part of the overly politically correct movement? I thought that was the liberal wing, not conservatives who forced people out of jobs for very distasteful anti-PC jokes....but first Bill Maher now David Letterman – the PC police are on the patrol

Grow up Palin. Accept Lettermans's apology and move on. And this thanks to our U.S. Military women and men putting their lives on the line speech, that is irrelevant to this controversial joke issue. Palin, just needs to stick to the issue and stop rambling on about something else. That is why Palin lost and McCain lost the election, because she doesn't know what she is saying or is thinking. She needs coaching on listening. Just and FYI

Stop trying to make such a big deal about this if it was the Obama girls the media would of went on about it but their parents would of move on after an apology. All the things that have been said about the Obamas havent been getting this much attention either like the gorilla joke about Michelle and that was a rascist joke. Thats just the difference between the Obamas and the Palins thats why i think that its more about Sarah Palin that about her kids.

Can we please now put this sordid item to bed? Letterman was out of line in his jokes, and I called him out for it on my blog. But he doesn't deserve to be fired for this. And he's now apologized, which apparently Palin accepts. This fool still going forward with protests over the issue really needs to get a clue. Enough already.

Sarah Palin is addicted to the camera lights. Go back to Alaska and stay in the dark where you usually are.

I'm amazed that some people think Gov. Palin did something wrong by having her daughter be the butt of a bad joke. She went to NY for a charity, went to a ballgame for her enjoyment while she was there. That's it.

Now having said that, Letterman at first made the whole thing worse, but now has fully apologized and this is over. I agree that everything related to this woman tends to take on a life of its own. But people on both sides need to get over it – she's not an idiot, but at the same time I wouldn't want to see her in the White House either.

Sarah Palin and the idiots trying to get Letterman fired all need to grow up. Where were they when Rush Limbaugh was making jokes about Clintons' have both a cat (Socks) and a dog (Chelsea) in the White House? That, of course, was OK. Well, Chelsea has grown in to a fine, beautiful, intelligent young woman, while Bristol Palin is still an uneducated, unwed, teenage mom and not very good spokesman for sexual absinence. Granted, it was a dumb joke for Dave to make, but he was let down by his writers - who should have been aware of which Palin daughter was with her mom at the Yankees game. But, Letterman is far from being the vicious child molester that Palin and her backers are trying to suggest. In addition, he is, as he has been for years, the best thing on late night television. Frankly, it is my hope that this brouhaha cost Palin the last bit of political capital she has left. Let's face it, she has had far more than the 15 minutes of fame she might have been entitled to.

we're still talking about this? letterman apologized. get over it.

Letterman is getting to much publicity for this. Why doesn't he do something special like give $500,000 or more to an organization that helps prevent abuse to women and children? Then we would know he was serious.

Chaos still rages in Tehran as protesters challenge the re-election of President Ahmadinejad.....ramifications for the region are yet still unknown.

Oh wait. Please give me some more Sarah Palin. I missed 'Bridezillas' this morning. Where's my Lee Greenwood CD?

Have you seen Today Show with Matt Lauer? Todd called his grandkid a "mistake"......

He didnt need to apologize until Palin apologize to wolves for shooting them from helicopter. She is evil.

David Letterman = Comedy genius

Sarah Palin and Family = Trailer trash

Thinking Americans are hoping that the slack jawed hillbillies that have taken over the Rupublican party will soon evolve but Palin is evidence to the contrary.

Amazing that Palin calls for Letterman to "evolve" when she doesn't
believe in evolution. Yes, Letterman's coments were in very poor taste
but Palin needs to let it go. The constant rhetoric is just calculated to keep her name in the news, no matter the cost to her children.

It's ok – the Palins have Ziegler on the case. Nothing can go wrong – gulp.

How would Letterman feel if a comedian said that Letterman'w wife had been knocked up by Juan Rodriguez and dressed slutty. Would Lettermans wife feel respected and honored. Don't use the word slutty when referring to an state governor, and don't used knocked up when referring to a teenager.

Why does the media keep giveing this devisive racist woman a forum ,and the worst part about it, people know that she's devisive and yet continue to give her a front page forum , that tell's me , a lot of Amercians condone this type of hatred potilic's , because if it were not true she wouldn't get any air time at all , Is this the kind of person that we would want to lead our country , Alot of you really need to take a hard look at yourselves . If you sit there and critize J.Wright , and even Farrakhan what makes her any different .

For you idiots who say what Obama's kids, its because they don't exhibit these type of behaviors- or even CHelsea Clinton who is way older than Bristol-it wouldnt be funny because they are not arguing with a 17 yr old boy on the pages of GQ with his shirt not on. That's why.

Dave's has apologized for his joke. This is a lot better than Rush Limbaugh ever does. Republicans, free speech works both ways.

Sarah Palin completely twisted what he said, she is obnoxious and needs to go away. PLEASE stop printing stories about her. Her 15minutes of fame is at like 23, we're sick of her.

I think the bigger problem Lettermen has is that he isn't funny...ever.

I still feel that Palin invites jokes about her and her family becasue she from the beginning, has made no effort to keep them out of her driving ambitions. She is worst than any stage mother that I have ever heard of, constantly pushing them in front of the cameras while she spews venomous garbage, because that is where she likes to be. She is cramming her dysfunctional family situation down your throats as if this is what you all have in your lives. We should expect and want better for ourselves and our families than what she is exhibiting. Let's just see if she and her supporters drop this Letterman matter, or they continue to play into her hands. I feel that it will not be dropped. Remember, however, no matter what happens at this time, she is still the most unelectable candidate for anything out of the many names being talked about to run for national office.

June 16th, 2009 10:47 am ET

If Mr. Letterman had said the remark about the Obama daughters, he would be ousted.

Yes, but then again neither of the Obama girls are 18 years old. Big difference there.

And the big winner is:

SARAH PALIN

Don't worry guys, It won't be long til Palin once again starts shrieking about being a victim so she can keep the spotlight on herself. It's all she knows how to do.

When do we get Palin's apology for being the worst joke on the political scene?

This woman is a publicity hound..Pure and simple. In my opinion she should have stayed out of the running once she knew that her teenage daughter was pregnant. She knew that she would be very much in the public eye..and yet she went through with it..So she should not seem to be all insulted ,that after continually being in the news, that she and her family are fodder for the press and Late Night Show hosts..

when will she apologize for associating then candidate Obama to terrorists?

I was as offended as anyone by Letterman's joke, and the first apology was NOT an apology. However, he has now sincerely apologized. Whether that was due to protests, losing sponsors, or just him realizing someone making fun of his OWN kid in public wouldn't be that funny – he did it. She won. Now, let it go and move on.

Keep your kids out of the national spotlight and you wouldn't have to worry about people clowning on them.

Anyone who names their children after trees should not be taken seriously.

If Mr. Letterman had said the remark about the Obama daughters, he would be ousted.

Palin needs to stop yakin about this one and instead focus on her official duties as Alaska governor. Her schedule is full of non-state-business activites paid for by either Alaska taxpayers or influence peddlers.

With all of the melodrama around this joke, I note one party is absent. I haven't seen or heard of Alex Rodriguez talking about being offended. If you construe the joke as Palin did, Rodriguez was "accused" of having sex with a minor. Why isn't his outrage in the news? Maybe it's because feigning outrage doesn't further his career.

Palin can't help herself. She can't simply accept this second apology and let it go, she has to try to make more hay of it. And gosh dang it, you betcha she's sure as heck tryin' her darndest.

With all due respect, what exactly do our military men and women putting their lives on the line in Iraq and Afghanistan have to do with securing our rights of free speech? If anything, these wars encouraged our former administration and its self-righteous, right-wing supporters to question the patriotism of those expressing free speech by daring to criticize these wars. What a hypocrite.

but says she hopes "men who 'joke' about public displays of sexual exploitation of girls will soon evolve"

So...does this mean she believes in evolution now?

Zielger will lead a protest about Letterman's gaffe but none of these conservative pundits have protested about the racist remarks recently directed at our President and his family, i.e, Rusty DePass' remark or the Tennessee Historical Keepsakes Photo. These folks seem to believe that it's OK to make spew racism as along as afterwards one states that is was just "a joke."

If this is all Palin can use to keep herself in the media spotlight than I have no fears of her trying to run in 2012. She might want to think about starring in a reality show instead of making a presidential bid. Hey CNN and all other media outlets, STOP COVERING THIS NONSENSE, IT IS NOT NEWS.

As a die hard feminist Democrat I couldn't wait until Sarah Palin left the political scene. But as a mother of three wonderful daughters, I am totally with her on this Letterman "joke". What she got was an excuse not an apology. She and her family deserve better. We all do.

"Meanwhile John Ziegler, the conservative radio talk show host who has made a film about Palin, is set to lead a protest Tuesday outside the theater where Letterman's show is taped. Ziegler is calling for the late night host’s ouster."

Where was the protest to oust Jay Leno, when he made the joke that Palin's daughter is 5 months pregnant...and John Edwards thought he was in trouble before! I am so sick of hearing from this woman and about this woman. And I am so sick of the conservatives picking and choosing who has crossed their imaginary line and who hasn't. There should have been calling to yank SNL off the air, when they aired a skit that enacted a scenario where the press was investigating allegations of incest between Todd Palin and his daughters. Since there was no call to Yank SNL, or Leno, I must assume that this outrage is manufactured.

Demeaning women who don't share you values is clearly acceptable in todays progressive media. I mean, why else would they continuely re-run it?

A decent ending to this kerfluffel. Ms. Palin pushed her point, rightfully, and Mr. Letterman responded appropriately. Let's now move on.

I think this whole thing is blown out of proportion!

Palin only said that Letterman was referring to her younger daughter to "get back " at a perceived Liberal talk host and for talk bites on air on all networks. IT WORKED!

She wants to be in the LIGHT of publlicity and uses anyone in her family (even her poor baby) to get there!

Letterman got a huge ratings boost so they both should be happy.

Palin's response is like everything she says–rambling and all around the "mulberry bush"! She even got to the servicepeople fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan (thanks to HER party's president)!!

This whole issue is such a soap opera! There are so many other news-worthy issues to be reported on besides a nincompoop governor and a talk show host. Get real and grow up!!!

He should be fired just as Don Imus was....

Palin needs to lighten up. It was just a joke.

Sarah Palin is a Joke as well as Ziegler...... Palin represents everything screwed up about this country and is just looking to keep her name in the spot light before she is a washed up trailer living has been.... God Help us should she ever gain anymore power in our Government. As for Mr. Letterman, was he really wrong? The Truth hurts and if your a conservative politician, trying to use Christian Family Values as a platform, yet your daughters are having unwed sex and getting pregnant...You have opened that door yourself.

Letterman sucks. Hasn't been funny in 20 years.

His comment was wrong. Plain and simple.

Don Imus made a stupid comment too. He was fired for it. Double standard much?

Since when did it become okay to make fun of a teenage girl? Letterman is a pervert.

Oh my God just shut up already Palin. The joke was funny and now because you are acting like such a moron about it , it's even funnier.

Oh barf, bringing the military into this.

I believe John Ziegler should be fired and folks should not support the sponsers that he and his show are paid by for getting protesters involved in this spat between Letterman and Palin. This is using the resorces such as Police and others that should not be this big a deal. I looked at his past doing a search on the web and he has been fired several times and I think he thinks he is in the same catagory as David Letterman. I don't. look into some of the things John has said and I don't believe he should be throwing stones.

Zeigler, give it up!
Move on and get a life.

My god, don't we have better things in this country to worry about? Sarah Palin needs to get over it. John Ziegler needs to get over it. Like him or not, Letterman is a funny guy, and he (as well as his NBC counterparts) have been making jokes of this nature for years. Why is this particular joke so terrible? I don't hear A-Rod's people griping about it, and he was the butt of the joke, too.

People, seriously, can we talk about something important for a change? Like the ever-increasing debt, the senseless wars happening halfway around the world, Swine Flu, and North Korea? Don't sweat the small stuff.

"And this is all thanks to our U.S. Military women and men putting their lives on the line for us to secure America's Right to Free Speech "..... WHAT?!!!! Sarah, our troops are in Iraq because W sent them there on a misguided mission, our rights to free speech have nothing to do with it. Stupid.

Letterman is not sorry. If he was, I am sure that he would have apologized much earlier than 5 days after the fact.

He hates Palin. He has every right to hate her. Just leave her kids out of it. Attack Palin all you want, leave her family alone.

For all you who will say that she deserved this because she is a public figure...how would you feel if Imus made comments about Obama's children?

What is good for the goose is good for the gander?

Get a life Ziegler! Its a comedy show! The fact is that Palin's daughter is or was a sexually active young lady. Perhaps Palin should spend more time with her family and promoting "famiy values" at home.

Stop. Please, just stop putting Palin in the news.

Sarah Palin is a fraud. Using a bad joke as a chance to get in a little plug for how she's such a supporter of military? What a disgusting fraud.

I think it's time for everyone to lighten up, stop taking themselves so seriously, and realize that, in the grand scheme of things, this matter could hardly be closer to the bottom of the list in terms of things that actually matter. It will be a long and arduous career for Palin and her camp if there is this level of clamor and outcry every time a comedian makes a "coarse joke" about her and/or her family. I'm not sure that this story is even "news".

Some class from Dave, and gracious sense from Palin – what's the world coming to?
And yet this Ziegler jerk is going to try and milk it even though it's a dead issue now. Wouldn't it be funy if no one showed up for his self-serving protest? We can only hope.

I think Gov. Palin has put up with a lot of negative media coverage and it is time to STOP!!! The public did not think it was funny to say that Michelle Obama's ancestor was the gorilla the senator mentioned in his lame statement!! So if Michelle can't be joked about NEITHER can Gov. Palin!! BACK OFF and do your job Letterman and write "funny" clean stuff!!! Better yet FIRE your writer and get to work!!

Move on, Palin. The world's over you. It's sad that the only attention you find you can still generate is over non-political tabloid issues.

Letterman made a mistake and he has made his appoligies. When is this woman going to go out and get an education. Lady take care of your state and keep your teenage daughter out of other peoples beds.

You put this child in the limelight and now you need either become the parent you say you are or get out of the public. You want it all and you want it now. Give us a break.

I don't think Letterman should have apologized until Palin apologized for calling Barack Obama a terrorist. Yeah, we all have freedom of speech until we upset Sarah Palin. Whatever.

Well Ms. Palin. What about an apology for your nasty remark about President Obama " Palling around with Terriorists" ! We need to oust all the nasty, racist right wing extremists!

There's Ziegler, trying to gain some relevance by riding the coattails of Sarah "false outrage" Palin. Both are pathetic.

God Palin you are such a whining cry baby. BOO HOO!

I think the apology wasn't good enough. But it is to the Governor's decision wheather to accept it. It shows that Governor Palin is a very classly lady. And the jokes that Letterman said about her family is not done in very good taste. I wish that some people would think before they speak, and do things in a tasteful manner.

Palin 2012 – Yahooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Palin's cynical use of her child for political gain was the real obscenity. If the GOP elevates her to the top of the '12 candidates she'll bring the party down in crashing ruin.

Good job, both sides.

These Christian conservatives are ridiculous. Palin talks about using free speech to promote equality and respect. It's funny, because I don't remember her uttering anything about respect when her supporters were chanting for the assassination of Obama. And I haven't heard much respect from her regarding equal marriage rights. She ought to practice what she preaches.

Oh get over yourself, Palin.

Can Pain-Lin SHUT UP now instead of dragging innocent military men & women into her personal beef with Letterman – Because my family consisting of military men & women and veterans of both the Iraq & Vietnam wars DO NOT support this dimwit and her kind of thrashy hateful politics!!!

When is Palin going to apologize for all the remarks she made about Barack Obama, especially the "palling around with terrorists" comment? Palin is typical of today's conservatives-hurl insults and invective at your opponents but when somebody responds in kind about you or your family, act hurt and exploit it for all its worth.

This, ladies and gentlemen, is hypocrisy at its finest.

Only a politician could manage to turn an apology for a remark about her daughter in to a "patriotic" message. Does she EVER turn it off???

This is just ridiculous. Palin needs to sink back into anonymity where she belongs. Anything to stay in the news with this woman! Maybe she should focus on running her State and getting better at public speaking instead of continuously making an ass out of herself and her family in public! She is an embarrassment to REAL educated women!

It's all politics. What about Limbaugh, Hannity and Savage. They spew hatred, racism and lies all day. They are the people who rile up people of the extreme right wing into riot frenzies. We have a radio station hear that airs Limbaugh, Hannity and Savage Mon thru Fri. every day from 12noon on. The people eat up their lies and do not want to listen to any other ideas. Why isn't there an up roar about firing them. They are disgusting. I'm sure these girls have heard and seen a lot more than Letterman said. It was a joke and they have rewordered it to field their purpose.

Sarah Palin is the Paris Hilton of politics. She is absolutely loving all of this attention.

Sarah Palin: "...may that right be used to promote equality and respect."

Is this woman seriously saying this? Is this the same person who doesn't RESPECT gay Americans enough to support EQUAL marriage rights? Give me a flipping break. She talks in circles and has zero substance.

Palin has already messed up her run for the Presidency. And with this back and forth with Letterman, her accepting his apology is a little too late. She is seen as a first class idiot. She never should have given Letterman the time of day, just like she didn't give the other comedians (who joked about her and her family) the time of day. She needs to just go back to Alaska and govern.

Sarah Palin is just an opportunist.
Living so far away in Alaska, she has little chance of exposure up there. So any opportunity for her to remain relevant and in the news is not going to be turned down. She is trying to make Letterman's flawed joke an issue of women's rights, and ethical treatment of young girls, and teenagers.
This is a thinly veiled political stunt by a woman who voted to make rape victims pay for their rape kits at $2000 a pop, to save the state money. Her state that she governs has the largest per capita incidence of domestic violence against women of any state in the U.S.
Good luck Sarah.

David Letterman is a comedian. This is what comedians do. This is comedy, Sarah. Comedians like Eddie Murphy, Katt Williams, Richard Pryor, etc. are all comedians. Since when do we lash out at comedians. Gee...that's their job – to tell jokes. There is no need for an apology David. Sarah is blowing this way, way out of proportion. Sarah Palin, look the election is over America has decided and we will never accept you. Stick a fork in it, your done. So move on. You're only making it worse for yourself. David we love you!

Here's the difference between liberals and conservatives on free speech: when a liberal is offended they want to pass legislation to forbid anyone from offending them again, conservatives don't want to change the legislation on free speech, they want the person to change their behavior on their own. This is a perfect example of how a conservative handles offensive comments. Which approach shows a true love for and commitment to free speech?

The joke was definitely in bad taste, thats for sure but Sarah Palin needs to get over it. This woman will do anything to stay in the "spotlight" and someone needs to let her know that her 15 minutes of fame are over. Someone may want to tell Mr. Ziegler that David Letterman has just as many (if not more) fans as Palin....enough said.

This is so ridiculous. Letterman's joke is no more tasteless than the way Governor Palin uses her children for political gain. If she was truly worried about the children being subjected to ridicule, then she should stop pushing them into the public eye. Anyone who seeks attention from the media is by default subjecting themselves to be parodied, mocked, ridiculed as much as they subject to praise, adoration, etc. If she cannot deal with it she should go back to Alaska and stay there.

While I agree that David Letterman's jokes were in poor taste, maybe even improper, I'm so sick of Sarah Palin I could just scream.

She will never be taken seriously as a candidate for one of the highest national offices because she engages in too much childish showboating on every single little thing.

The sad thing is, she's too arrogant and ill advised to see it for herself.

And before everyone starts blasting me with Obama comparisons, he started out with better credentials AND temperment than this screeching shrew could ever hope to have.

Now that we are all acting sorry for our words, when are you going to apologize to our president for the things you said about him, Sarah?

What about the things you've said to the father of your grandchild? The state trooper?

She is a waste of human skin.

Sarah Palin is sure one to talk about equality and respecting others with her views on Social Issues such as abortion and true equality for gays and lesbians. Also her speeches during the campaign saying "Obama is palling around with terrorists" sure doesn't sound like giving one respect.

Sarah Palin needs to go back to Alaska, stay there, and keep her mouth shut. The only people that care about what she has to say is the media (for ratings boosts) and the ultra conservatives (a dying breed). So really it doesn't matter what she says as she's not going to change anyone's minds and she certainly isn't going to be President, well MAYBE of her local PTA but that's it.

Does this mean we can stop talking about this now?

Time to do the gracious thing, accept the apology, and move on.

Who is threatening our free speech, such that we need military might to protect it ? We ARE fighting 2 wars, but the idea that these enemies pose an existential threat to America or threaten our freedoms in any way is ludicrous. We could pave these countries and paint parking spaces on them if we wanted to. The attempts to frighten us go on, but pay attention to Palin's words. Our brave men and women protecting our freedom to criticize talk show hosts ?

btw, not a very cool joke DL – but let's get over it, eh ?

Really, this is news??? There is a REVOLUTION going on in Iran with monumental implications for this country and you guys are talking about a know-nothing and a comedian???

There is the potential for an up and coming member of the nuclear club to have a civil war over what many claim was some major election fraud and here in the United States a significant percentage of our population is more concerned with the hurt feelings of a mediocre (at best) politician. Governor of a socialist state (Alaska) commenting on the dangers of the whole country going socialist but has no plans to change the way she runs her state. Running the state by taxing the profits of one industry . Basically buying her way to continued occupation of the Governor's office by trickling a small portion of that tax revenue down to a financially struggling general population.

The Jokes were flawed, and I'm happy that Letterman now has formally apologized. We shouldnt be accepting exploitation of any kid as joke be it Right or Left side of the wing..

If he really wants to make some "adult" jokes, let it be on the adults, not on the kids...

Is the Sarah Palin who wants the right to free speech to "be used to promote equality and respect" the same Sarah Palin who has said those speaking out against the war in Iraq are traitors and the same Sarah Palin who spent her time on the '08 campaign trail railing against the liberals she said were undermining America?

Is that the same person?

Is someone trying to change her horrendous public image at David Letterman's expense?

U.S. Military women and men putting their lives on the line for us to secure America's Right to Free Speech

Yeah Palin, those brave men and women were certainly proud when you used that free speech to call a President friend with terrorists and a socialist, stirring hatred throughout the country.

Where is the media outrage about Letterman’s comment of an innocent girl? Is there media bias? Are the comments Imus made any different? Why aren't we asking for Letterman's dismissal?

"And this is all thanks to our U.S. Military women and men putting their lives on the line for us to secure America's Right to Free Speech"

Gov Palin, didn't you JUST scolded a man for speaking his mind? right or wrong, why is it that your RIGHT to free speech much more important than Letterman's?

"...the U.S, military securing our right to free speech"? Is this lady kidding us and why are there so many ignorant people out there who are buy ing into this. She looks for a platform. wherever she goes and she has milked and exploited this just as she exploited her own children- she never did apologize for talking incendiary trash during the election, did she? I do believe that was a lt worse than this major ado about nothing.

Now David, if these fools protest at your theater, NOW you have a right to tell them where to go- use your right to free speech that the military has secured for you. Geez. What an idiot she is.

Somebody get this stupid woman outta here, please!

David is a great comedian. It was a joke. Palin needs to get over herself. David please don't apologize to these hicks.

The sooner everyone stops bringing up the bumbling Palin, the sooner she goes away.

She is like a weed, just keeps coming back when you give it water.

Tony

This woman can't even release a written statement wtihout sounding like a ramblinig idiot!

Palin should be called out for exploiting her own minor chidren and infant during the campaign. That was so wrong! All who so exploit children are degenerates. Using children for monetary and other gain simply ought to be a criminal act.

The biggest joke through this whole useless waste of time is Sarah Palin.

toooooo little toooooo late. Lets think back to all the jokes about the wonderful obama family. The obama kids. Oh now wait, there aren't any! none! as there should be, Let the kids alone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Does anyone else feel that Palin would be an ideal candidate for the Jerry Springer show? Nasty comments and a trashy display of character seem to be her main 'attributes'.

********************************
Who cares about this CNN! We have people suffering in this country, No Jobs, Out Of Control Government & Special Interest Groups, 46 Million Plus without Health Care, a corrupt Government. Get with it and start doing your job to help the American People and not our Corrupt Health Care Industry, Government and Special Groups! ********************************

Get a life Ziegler! Its a comedy show! The fact is that Palin's daughter is or was a sexually active young lady. Perhaps Palin should spend more time with her family and promoting "famiy values" at home.

Sarah Palin represents a segment of our society that practices bigotry, intolerance, and ignorance. Her ideology is an endless appeal to every basic flaw in human nature.

And she never passes up an opportunity to exploit her own children for political gain. But amazingly, she feels justified in claiming the role of victim here.

The Sarah Palin vision for America was rejected overwhelmingly last November and her act has now become tiresome. Even taking into account Andy Warhol’s dyslexia, Palin’s 51 minutes of fame are up.

Turn the page CNN, there’s more news on the other side.

Sarah Palin should quit parading her high school drop-out, unemployed, unwed mother of a daughter as a model for American youth. Ignorance is NOT bliss, ignorance is being stupid.

By the way, George Stephanopoulos this morning actually asked John McCain of all people to explain what is going on in Iran.

Remember, this is the same John McCain who is so senile one of his advisors had to correct McCain because McCain couldn't keep Iran and Iraq straight from each other.

Why would Sarah Palin even be this upset over this? She should be more focused and concern over matters that are more important than some silly comment a comedian made. How would she handle a serious statement that offend her? If this is such a major focus in her life, thank goodness she is not in charge of running this country.

Sarah Palin calling for Change... never thought I'd see the day.

Enough of this already, Doesn't Sarah Palin have better things to be doing up in Alaska .I didn't know her job was a part time gig maybe the people of Alaska should cut her pay to reflect a part time position.

please go away. i beg you.

Only Palin can turn an idiot news story into a chance to wave the flag and congratulate the troops. They DO deserve our appreciation, but in this case ... ?

Palin: "And this is all thanks to our U.S. Military women and men putting their lives on the line for us to secure America's Right to Free Speech – in this case, may that right be used to promote equality and respect." What the...? Can Palin string ten words together without it sounding like campaign rhetoric or beauty contest speak? Letterman made a mistake with the jokes in question, and Pailn had a right to be upset. But in her usual over the top fashion she turned it into a cartoon show that only played well with the 20% of American voters who are to the right of Ghengis Khan. The Republicans had better hope she gets derailed somewhere along the way between now and 2012. She's a joke, but they don't seem to get it. LOL

Yes and the troops are doing a great job of securing our rights to free speech, the right to have a militia under the second amendment and the repeal of prohibition.

God Bless our troops. And please God, help Sarah Palin learn English or keep her from talking. Your choice God.

Enough of this already, Doesn't Sarah Palin have better things to be doing up in Alaska .I didn'y know her job was a part time gig maybe the people of Alaska should cut her pay to reflect a part time position.

Ah...Beg to Differ there, S A R A H – It's ALL because of our men and women in uniform who protect and secure our rights of free speech?- perhaps you would like to give some credit to the ACLU watchdogs, attorneys, liberal-minded judges, and the 'left-leaning' media who constantly stand vigilant in protecting our constitutional rights from right-wing Theo-crats such as yourself, and an army of over-zealous hypocrites who are the 'Real" threat to our freedoms! And by the way- how many of our precious young have sacrificed their lives for the 'right' to put an oil-pipeline wherever the "Big Vampire" sees fit?!!! Eventually we will all see through your lies, Babe! In the meantime- do enjoy your remaining time in the Spotlight!

I was incensed and outraged over this. Now I also accept his apology. As Foxworthy said we al do things we wish we had not. As a Palin supporter I don't think there is any need to get a pound of flesh out of this incident. Lets move on. And Mr Letterman will continue to entertain us. I wish him well.

The only thing I am angry with Dave about is that he gave Palin a platform so that we have to listen to her self righteousness. I find it more disturbing that now we are calling for Daves removal from TV. How pathetic. The right has villified the extremists in this country, and we are worried about a bad joke about the Alaskan dysfunctional family. Get real America.

Good for you Mr. Ziegler and best of luck to you and every one that protest. I'm not there but you sure have my support.

Ridiculous... now we should oust Letterman because he made a joke and then apologized for the joke?? Really? What is this country coming to? I absolutely understand Sarah Palin's disgust at the "joke" he told and I commend her for going to bat for her daughter. As parents, that's what we do. We protect our kids. What I don't understand is pushing the issue so far that people begin to turn on YOU. David Letterman apologized to Ms. Palin and her daughters. She accepted his apology – end of story.

so we the rethugs think it's time for change. change for everyone, or just the liberals?

My God – will this woman ever shut up. It would be one thing if she had something important to say. Obviously, she needs her own talk show. If she wants to be a celebrity and constantly in the public eye – I say – GO FOR IT, Sarah.

Palin needs to learn what armor is if she ever wants to be considered a legit candidate for president. She is a joke.

Why are we still talking about this? Are you kidding me?
He is not the only comedian that has crossed the line. Simply because it's Palin this has turned into a Major news story, which it most certainly is not!

the US military is securing our free speech right?

American soldiers are not fighting for our right to free speech; they're fighting for resources and continued American dominance. The people of this country are the ones who secure and maintain Freedom of Speech. Sarah Palin is an oaf.

Letterman did the right thing .... and got over it.

Palin won't let it go because she NEEDS to be on the SPOTLIGHT!! She will use and abuse her kids privicy in order to be in the news .... loser.

I continue to see/hear Sarah Palin in the news and am continually embarassed by her presence/intellect/respresentation of women. I understand, along with most of America, that Letterman's joke was not very tasteful. However, I do not think that it is something that should have the hate-mongering Palin groupies up in arms, once again. Take the apology gracefully, please. Be a better role model to your children. Unfortuneately, in order to stay in the spotlight, Palin will sacrifice even her children. Let's get AWAY from the crazed Palin scene – we'll see them again when they finally crawl into a cave and drink their kool-aid.

It's hard to believe that the woman who supposedly is in the driver's seat for the GOP nomination for President of the United States has allowed herself to be distracted for a week by a bad joke.

Seriously, does anyone think this is as big a deal as Palin has tried to make it? Is this really important in any way?

First of all, if Palin would quit trotting her kids out with her everywhere for political purposes Letterman probably wouldn't have made the joke. Secondly, where is Todd Palin in all of this supposed uproar? Obviously, he has no political motive to speak out in defense of his daughters, so why bother? Lastly, this group that wants Letterman's head on a platter needs to get a life and worry about important issues instead of this tabloid crap!

I have lost respect for Dave...apologizing to Palin and her kid! Disgusting! Stand up Dave, your not the man you used to be. Palin put her kids out there and that means they are eligible. If Palin is the face of the republican party, dems have nothing to worry about. That woman is a complete idiot.

Well, bravo for Dave for showing that he actually is a classy guy beneath the curmudgeonly exterior. He's done it before, and I'm sure he'll have to again. But is it me, or is Gov. Palin's latest statement a total string of brain-farts? Random shout-outs to the military? Oh, goodness, Madam Governor, the campaign is over! Take a break!

I think that CBS should step up to the plate and get another host for the show and put David out to pasture...

Hahahahahaahhahahahahahaha. Palin; if she ever wants to be considered for leadership of this country, needs to learn how to wear armor.

no doubt it was in poor taste, and as a mother she should have come out swinging, but seriously if we are going to oust someone for stupid things they say, she would have been gone a long time ago.

Only Sarah Palin would continue on to attach this as somehow being because of military service. Does this mean she's going to somehow drag her son into this as well? Just leave it alone, Sarah. You got a second apology from a person far smarter, wittier and classier than you. Time to let it go.

The Republicans still don't get it. They still don't understand why the vast MAJORITY of Americans voted AGAINST them! Moderate your agenda & we might listen but so far you haven't changed your rhetoric of "christian values".

Knowing right from wrong & knowing how to treat people fairly is not exclusive to religious people. Republicans are filled with hatred towards anyone different. They have no understanding of the word tolerance.

Change means : ENOUGH PALIN !!!

Now with all that's going on in Iran, the economy, health care reform, and so on, Gov. Palin still manages to focus the country on what she apparently believes we should really be investing our interest in –her family. So sad that the govenor can't even express any original ideas or think beyond her own petty fights with media personalities.

"...promote equality and respect"? When did Palin ever use her place in the public eye to promote respect for her opponents during the presidential campaign?

Our US Military men and women secure our right to free speach? Darn. All this time I thought it was that silly Constitution.

Let's hope we can stop hearing about this nonsense now. Geeeez.

I think bringing in the military was sort of over the top, but she is a politican and waving the flag always works.

What Letterman said was not only terribly inappropriate, and that is putting it nicely–His use of this type of "gutter language" makes me cringe. Letterman should be fired–his statement is as worse as the racist remark by Don Imus.

Palin 1 CBS/Letterman 0

So our military is responsible for us having free speech? Do they have DC surrounded to ensure that lawmakers don't pass bills that limit free speech?

Seems to me that this is just another case of opportunism by Palin. Her PR staff could not buy this much prime time coverage of her name. Was the joke a little on the tasteless side? Yes. it seems to me, though, that the joke was targeted more at Rodriguez and his recent proclivities, than it was at a member of the Palin family.

Letterman has apologized for the poor judgment more than once. Perhaps it is now time for Palin to apologize for shamelessly trivializing the sacrifices made by our soldiers in an equally ill timed and ill prepared self serving statement.

Palin wants equality and respect?? What a bunch of bs. Only if you do and believe like her. Also, who is this John Ziegler? When did he get voted to be the next Jesus and Judge? I thought Rush was voted for that position? These conservative radio show host are just a bunch of nut cases. They are not tolerant, quick to judge, quick to condemn, not respectful of other beliefs, hateful, self serving and I can go on and on. If you don't follow them, you shouldn't have a voice. Sounds like somthing that is going on in Iran right now.

And remember when God says "depart from me, I never knew you", it's to the so called Christian conservative!

I can't wait to see what the Palin family does next to keep themselves in the spotlight!

Oh wait...I can.

I think the Palin's are upset because this bad joke in poor taste hit too close to home.

shame

Palin blew this way out of proportion. Common sense would dictate that one simply ignore the whole thing and it all goes away. However, Palin, trying to stay in the public eye, for a possible 2012 presidential campaign, must respond harshly and complain about specifics NOT mentioned in the joke to grab the medias attention. I guess it all worked out for her. Unfortunately, I know way too much about her kids than about the issues that effect Alaska. Shouldn't she be in the public light to bring Alaskan issues to the forefront and how she is working to remedy them, or would that bring to the surface the corruption and self-indulgance of her administration? I'm glad she isn't the Governor of my state and she should reconsider any run at a national campaign as she has yet to show any signs of common sense or intelligence to the American public.

For Pete's sake–could Palin's "response" be any more transparent?? Now she is dragging the military into it?? Why can't she just say, "I accept David Letterman's apology." Noooo.....she has to turn it into a fundraising opportunity for her PAC. And people say she isn't exploiting her children for political gain!!

"Evolve"?!?!?! Did she say "Evolve"????!!!!!

Why dont these people find something better to do than picket outside his building! He apoligized so let it go. Why dont they picket on the fact that Palin wants to destroy our wildlife in the artic! Give me a break people, do something that really matters!!!

John Ziegler - another opportunist looking for his 15 minutes. Can we STOP giving Palin coverage now? She has no chance of becoming president. Alaska can have her. Perhaps CNN can now turn it's coverage to a REAL news story, like the Iran Election. Please?

Ah, Miss Bigot accepts Letterman's apology and yammers on about "respect and equality"?

I am sure President Obama is still awaiting your apology for the rhetoric you spewed during the run for VP.

You get what you give in this life.

And to all the neo-cons, simpleton Sarah scares me to death! I may have to cancel the tree-hugging fest planned for after work since she has me trembling with fear right down to my Birkenstocks.

Fishing for attention Palin? This is really sad.

Letterman was wrong and appoligized. Palin accepted the appology so lets move on.

I'm glad to see Letterman apologize but it took him way too long. The joke was coarse, stupid, insulting. As the mother of a daughter, I was enraged. I think Letterman should take a course in acting like a human, caring individual and stop acting like a jerk.

Hey Ziegler. Where is the protest on all the gross things Limbaugh, etc have spouted? When the venom comes from them appears
the right wing thinks ok.
As usual, the party of no is don't do as I do, do as I say.

Can we get this circus out of town?

Here's some change to consider....stop reporting on Sarah Palin! This clown hasn't left the stage since her team lost. Doesn't she have work to do in Alaska?

The real joke is that Letterman would get more votes in a presidential election than Palin.

I am dissapointed with David Letterman and his second apology. Of course the joke was not his best joke and probably should not have been told, however he does get paid to tell jokes. I believe that the first apology was good enough and he should have just gone on with his life.

On the other hand, Sara Palin is using this as a means to keep her name in the news. She needs to go back to Alaska and fade into the dark. She was a nobody before she was in the spot light and she is a nobody now. I am tired of seeing her name and face in the news.

Let me get this straight, during the campaign, she parades her pregnant daughter who had obviously sleeping with the boyfriend at the Palin house for how long? Long before legal age I would imagine.

She goes down to Saks and buys $150 thousand worth of bling and charges that off to the taxpayers. Drags her newborn baby out for a photo op when ever it's convenient, looking like a typical piece of trailer trash and now wants everyone to accept her "standards" when Letterman tells an off color joke. Hey Sarah, here's a flash for you, you are an off color joke! Deal with it!

Tacky – Sarah Palin uses a stumbled joke to once again wrap herself in the flag. She is the one who should apologize for setting her family up for ridicule, and she should apologize for using her daughter as a grandstand.

Calling for David Letterman's ouster? Give me a break. That's stupid.

Once Bristol Palin put herself out there,she became fair game a teenager with a baby should not be preaching about abstaining from sex...

Letterman should be ousted.

Can we just get over this? Yes, the joke was in very poor taste and Letterman apologized, but let's be real here. Palin is simply using this as an opportunity to cast herself as a victim and gain a little sympathy. What's worse is that she's using her family to do it – just as she used them to advance her interests during the campaign. Considering some of the absolutely vile things she has said in the past, I have zero sympathy for this opportunistic dimwit.

Uh, Sarah, I don't think that's how the First Amendment works....

This woman is sick. She will do anything to stay on television.

Oh my goodness !!! What does that joke about her daughter got to do with the brave men & women in the military. She is trying to keep the story alive... poor kids of the Palin's !!!!! Thank god may parents are no like Todd and Sarah ????? I am saying it in a nice way....

I hate how people take an issue completely unrelated to any political view and spin it to mean something completely off topic. Palin just took this joke and wrapped herself in the American flag by talking about our military men and women. Our soldiers are not fighting for David Letterman's right to make a joke. To reduce their service to that is awful. To exploit their service like that is horrible.

Also, I love how free speech should only be used for equality and respect. What?!? Calling a presidential candidate a terrorist is respectful. How does this woman sleep at night? If my mouth tripped all over my supposed morals like hers does, I'd just give up.

Okay – Dave apologized, again, lets all move on . . . .we have more important things to discuss in the world today. Yeah the joke might be perceived a bit coarse by some people, but I think we all knew he was referring to the older daughter . . . . was it still inappropriate?? I don't know . . . .the Palin family are all in the public eye, so, they are easy targets. Ziegler is calling for his ouster??? Puhleez. Dave's job is to mock and poke fun at everyday things, and we love him for that. He was not being mean or hurtful, never has, never will.

Typical Rebublican spin. Give me a break.

This has nothing to do with freedom of speech. It has everything to do with thoughtless and ugly crude humor. Letterman was horribly wrong...he apologized.

Let it go. ..or let's also call for DePass to step aside.

Palin is not the one who deserved the apology, her daughter was. Accepting the apology shows that Palin cares more about her image than her daughter. I wish she would stay in Alaska and get out of our face.

So now Sarah is promoting equality...unless you are gay and want to get married. Then the shoe is on the other hand....lol

OK Sarah
Now is the time for you to apologize for saying Obama "pals around with terroists" Was that any less damaging?

When will this Woman go away. Does she not realize she is a joke. Go back to the mountains of Alaska and finish out your term.

Palin can't even accept an apology without making unrelated comments. Last time I checked, the military had nothing to do with either her daughter or David Letterman. I would love someone to directly ask Palin just how Iraq posed a threat to our right to Free Speech.

The "joke" was totally inappropriate. But enough already where is everybody's sense of proportion – with Iran, the mid-east crises, financial chaos, health care malfunction why must we be subjected to this ongoing saga. In fact 3 of 10 stories "new on the ticker" are about Letterman and Palin saga. The latter coupled the California beauty queen non story receives the same coverage as life and death issues.

I am pleased to see that no-one else has even bothered to respond. That must at least mean something as usually the lame excuse given by the media is – " this what the public wants"

It's unfortunate that Dave apologized to this MORON.
I can't wait for his next one!

I think exploitation of children for any reason is unacceptable wheather it be for laughs or to get votes. I think parading her pregnant unmarried daughter on the national scene for votes was just as dispicable as Letterman's joke. I also think having a war of words with what is essentially a kid in the press is equally dispicable (see babie's daddy). Unfortunately Letterman's joke about the children has oveshadowed the national joke that is the parents.

Listen to her comments. Everybody knows she has a son in the military. Is he actually fighting for our rights to have free speech or the Afghans and Iraqus right to have free speech. If Afghanistan and Iraq fall do you actually believe we won't have free speech in America. This is what these people do. They invoke patroitism into everything thinking it will show their love of the military and get them votes. What does the military have to do with a crude joke made about her kids.

If the GOP has a problem its going to be keeping this comedic woman and her straight man off the stage.

What's really funny? Is a supposed VP candidate having a national temper tantrum over a TV comedien's joke.... Grow up. Both of you.

Talk about selective outrage. This woman is really good at getting herself in the media no matter what. If you want to follow this to a reasonable place, far worse things were said on a certain Saturday late show last fall and not only did Palin NOT object she ended up on said show doing a skit. She didn't mind 'cos she was in the news already getting the attention she so pathetically craves. I wish the Obama administrations pledge of transparency to be half as clear as the machinations of Palin.....her motives are crysyal clear. I wonder if the Palins will have the same decency about apologizing to Letterman for the "...keep Willow away from Letterman..." comment insinuating he is a pedophile. As the parent of a child who was a victime of child abuse I find that comment as abhorrent as anything Dave Letterman said.

Zeigler needs to get a life.

Letetrman uis a crude, old man past his prime as a late night host and should be fired. We should all boycott CBS and its advertisers unitl the old geezer is fired. It's not like he will be out of work, he can always go to Fox News, as they will hire anybody. Perhaps he could be Bill O'Reilly's co-host!

Oh, come on! It was a bad joke. He apologized!

Let.It.Go.

Gee Whiz!

Now she's pulling in references to the military and American freedom? Oh gag. I knew she would politicize it, but didn't think it would be this good. So over the top. Overreach, big time.

Why is this news?

Evolve? I thought she was a creationist.

The joke was the kind one would expect in a small comedy club from some unknown trying to shock the audience. Letterman should have know better.

Seriously? This is what passes for news? Move on. It was a joke...an insensitive one. Does Palin have nothing else to talk about? Or did I just answer my own question?

Now she's pulling in references to the military and American freedom? Oh gag. I knew she would politicize it, but didn't think it would be this good. So over the top. Overreach, big time.

What's really funny? Is a supposed VP candidate who can't even hold her own with a TV comedien.

Sarah Palin will do anything to stay in the headlines. It will be entertaining to watch her deperation grow as the next few years go on and people realize that she is totally incapable of doing anything on the national level.

Once again Palin tries, awkwardly, to turn this to her political advantage. If she were really so intent on protecting her kids, she would stop trotting them around everywhere like stage props. Letterman's joke was inappropriate, but then, Palin is inappropriate. Could the news please understand that her unearned 15 minutes of fame should have ended as soon as she opened her mouth?

What's really funny? Is a supposed VP candidate who can't even hold her own with a TV comedien.

Typical reactionaries. They don't just go for the apology, they go for the jugular. Time to perform euthanasia on the far right demagogues.

Palin said in a statement. "And this is all thanks to our U.S. Military women and men putting their lives on the line for us to secure America's Right to Free Speech – in this case, may that right be used to promote equality and respect."

-------------------------

Please...a little over the top with this,...enough

IT WAS A JOKE! Why is this such a big deal

For Goodness Sakes ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!

The worst thing Dave did was give Palin and her creepy devotees another chance to be in the spotlight.

The suave urbanite outclassed by the moose-hunting governor? Says a lot, doesn't it?

Hear ye, hear ye...

The obligatory Palin ticker item is now open. Libs, get your hate-filled Palin comments in before it's too late.

Hear ye, hear ye.

Whatever Palin. Don't be so stiff.....comedians make jokes. I don't see you complaining about sitcoms portraying us males as idiots.

If you don't like the spotlight, quit running your mouth Sarah.

Just lost all respect for Letterman. Way to cave, Dave!

lol! Shut up Palin! You hunt wolves from helicopters...is that your idea of evolution? You're an idiot.

The day Republicans start formally protesting David Letterman is the day I start watching him to increase his ratings. This entire thing, from top to bottom, is absolutely ridiculous.

They should oust Palin and give Letterman the key to the city.

quit exploiting your kids first. Oh, and read Jay and Conan's jokes.

I thought Palin didn't believe in evolution.

Are people still talking about this? CNN, I formally ask you to stop featuring these stories, because you're just making Palin feel like people other than her family care about what she says.

whos' apologizing to A Rod?

Palin is a hypocrit...she only believes in free speech as long as she agrees with what you say.

I'm starting to think Letterman and Palin are in cahoots to maximize publicity. Stop buying in, CNN.

Who cares. Letterman is a comedian; he was doing his job. Sarah is a self-righteous tube of lipstick; she was doing her job.

It is niece to see that Letterman finally came out with a legitimate appology. That stuff he said last week was an excuse. Who wants to bet that CBS forced his hand on this appology. It looks very suspicious. I would have believed him more if he would have appologized first. But I guess the damage was getting to CBS. His ratings are embarassing.

Have a listen to the Howard Stern show today. Leno made the same joke and didnt take any heat for it.
And she ran with a man who make a similar type joke about Chelsea Clinton.

Palin is a two-faced twit just looking for publicity.

Where is Palin's apology to Letterman? She basically said that he is a pervert and a child molester. Letterman was joking. Palin was serious. Let's she how much class Palin has now.

Once again, Sarah throws in some nonsense. I hardly think our right to free speech is due to the military. I can't think of a single war that would have resulted in our loss of free speech. (Hitler's army was stretched too thin as it was, to take us over, and that is the only one that comes close.)

My uncles were Marines and I am proud of them, don't get me wrong! I think the military is impressive and stirring to watch. I just am not impressed with Sarah Palin.

All I have to say is Sarah Palin =
Can't
Understand
Normal
Thinking
or
'CU Next Tuesday'

That's funny – I spent 23 years in the Navy, including four deployments to Vietnam – and I don't recall fighting for anyone's 'Freedom of Speech' as Sarah Palin claims. If anything, I really wanted to deny that right to a lot of protesters in my younger days. That battle was fought in the courts by Civil Libertarians – but then again, what would she know......

It was a cheap joke, but trying to get letterman fired is an overkill. Time to move on.

Ziegler another 2nd rate talk show host ???? trying for his 15 min of fame.

The rabid Reich and limpbaugh lemming communists are only trying to take away Letterman's right to free speech!

This has done nothing but boost letterman's ratings and he knows it. I wouldn't be surprised if he mentions palin every show now. People tune in just to see what he says about her. I'm not a palin supporter by any means, but she does have a strong following.

Letterman has single handily stolen the spotlight from conan because of this.

Sorry John Ziegler, but Dave's job is very secure.

O my god sum1 please get rid of this woman. This has nothing to with our military why did she even bring it up? Stupid just stupid.

Good, now go away! Oh and Ziegler, feel free to let this go whenever you are ready to.

Since Palin has graciously accepted the apology, Ziegler's planned protest is empty. What is he going to protest? The two protagonists have moved on. Angry protests at this point will be nothing but contrived character assassinations, excuses to express hatred towards someone Ziegler simply wants to hurt. What a lousy attitude he has.

....she hopes "men who 'joke' about public displays of sexual exploitation of girls will soon evolve."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
She is absolutely right; in the same vein as educated people in the U.S. and abroad can also hope that those who encourage racial and religious bigotry and justify their actions with their belief in an American bastardization of European Christianity will soon evolve as well.

The Queen of the slack jaws needs to practice what she preaches. She’s no victim.

Letterman shouldn't have appologized to Palin. She doesn't care about her daughter. She's just using the screen time it to plug her own agenda.

She needs to read a book. Seriously! And why is someone making a movie of this clown? Besides for govern the state of Alaska, what has she done? She ruined McCain's campaign, proved she can't put a full sentence together and can see Russia from her backyard.

I didn't hear any Republican apologies for what was said about Chelsea Clinton during the 90s.....

everybody needs to just get over it. different jokes are funny to different people. you can not please them all....move on

It is not just the military that gives us freedom and keeps us safe. It is also the politicians and the diplomats. We have gained more from diplomacy than wars...

So when is sarah gonna appologies for all the racist baiting at here rallies? I think Letterman should have said Ill appologies when you appologies to the President!

What do the armed forces have to do with this situation? Nothing, it’s just Palin’s fake patriotism. She is such a joke. This should have been an easy political victory for Palin, but she ended up looking like an idiot. If Letterman is fired, then the spokesperson who insinuated that Letterman was a pedophile should be fired as well. How is Palin’s camp still so disorganized? How do they not understand this won’t work at the national level?

She wants men that tell jokes to evolve, but doesn't believe in evolution herself. Hmm.

But, I thought she didn't believe in evolution!

Letterman is a joke – an old reprobate that is certainly past his time. CBS should get a fresh, new face on the program. Letterman is a sour old man.

Talk about a joke...this whole controversy is a joke. Yes, it was a bad joke, regardless of the daughter involved (I guess comedians aren't allowed the same amount of flawed fact-checking that our politicians are), but Letterman's playing it out to garner ratings. And Palin is even worse-in what sort of apology acceptance do you turn into a political commentary about the US military??? Instead of pandering she should spend her time working on solutions to get us out of the mess the previous administration started.

Signed,
A frustrated Republican

wow its just a joke, just like Palin is a joke,,, see she didnt get the joke, just like most people dont get her,,,, now thats funny i dont care who you are,,,,hahahah

I am beginning to think that many Republicans don't have a sense of humor. I know that McCain does since he is willing to poke fun at himself (age being a common source of ribbing). It seems that Palin is trying to be self righteous. There are issues that she claims to be raising that don't seem to match what she seems to hod dear; the various ideas she claims to espouse. I can understand Palin's complaint that the "joke" referred to one of her daughters (though a name was never mentioned). No one should be making fun one's family except for that family; unless they are in the public eye.

Governor, our service members do not fight for our freedom of speech. They fight for our secruity and interests abroad. The constitution grants us our freedom of speech, our laws protects those freedoms and our refusal to accept inequalities and substandards promotes equality and respect.

Spare us the false patriotism and let the mess go down the drain. You can circle the bowl just so many times before we reach for a plunger.

for gods sake – doesn't she have anything better to do or is this her way of staying in the limelight?.... git over it you're exaggerating things and looking like a fool! is this how she runs her state?

Sarah Palin's 15 minutes are really used up. She needs to disappear.

Shut your trap Palin. The comic arena doesn't need to change because of your fragile insensibilities. Get back to governing your state. If you did that more rather than parade around country, jokes like Dave's won't be targeted at you.

Sarah Palin – 1
Dave Letterman – 0

Looks like Sarah is the winner! You go girl. Show those sexist, women bashers out there that this will not be tolerated anymore. Dave needs to grow up...and you liberals need to admit you are a bunch of misogynist. It is clearly apparent. Just look at the way you treated Hilary Clinton. And now Sarah? When did the liberal party of NO become the anti-woman party as well?

The apology is not enough. It wasn't enough when Imus apologized and it wasn't enough when Trent Lott apologized. Letterman should be treated the same as those individuals. The only reason he is not and that there isn't more demand for it is the coverage by the MSM. Where are the Reverand Al and the Reverand Jesse on this outrage? Why are they not forcing CBS to take him off the air. Again liberal hypocrisy.

Why not oust John Ziegler? Get over it and move on.

Think they will do to Letterman what they did to Imus? Sorry, Republican women and young white girls don't rate high enough on the sympathy scale.

Enough already. It was a crude joke. .. he's apoligized, she's accepted it. Protest all you want. . .it'll just raise the "ratings" for both camps.

There's been way too much made about the joke told. If it had been about anyone other than someone in the Palin family, nothing would have been said! Just more publicity seeking crap by that family!

Bad joke – apology accepted – let's move on!

Letterman should be fired....end of story.

This woman is special...that's the only word i can use to describe her...just darn special