He told a tasteless, poorly thought out joke for "cheap laughs". He was led to believe the the older daughter, not Willow, was with the Governor that night. He himself said that he checked to make sure that Bristol was 18 before he made the joke.

In Letterman's 30 year history has he ever made a poor joke that is along this line? I would think not.

What about people like Imus and Limbaugh who make similar statements. Imus making a racist comment, being fired and rehired.

I just do not understand what the hubbub is all about. I get that the joke was bad, I get that it was poorly delivered, I get that his staff and Letterman fell down on the intelligence gathering. I understand all that. What I do not get is why is this such a big deal? It is like Letterman said, I have not heard from A-Rod or Spitzer.

George Carlin said it best in one of his standup routines. "...There are two knobs on the radio, one changes the channel and one turns it off." If Letterman offends you, turn him off and get at him with ratings.

IMHO this is a political stunt by Palin to secure some odd fantasy that she has of running in 2012 with Jindal.

I do not want this thread to be a political finger pointer. I just want to understand what the big deal is.