Watch CBS News

Dave Hits McCain For Suspending Campaign, Cancelling Appearance

David Letterman was none too happy that John McCain cancelled his appearance on the "Late Show" last night and he spent a good deal of the show hammering the Republican candidate for that – and for his decision to suspend his campaign temporarily.

"This doesn't smell right. … This is not the way a tested hero behaves," Letterman said. The late night host also had some things to say about McCain running mate Sarah Palin. "Let's say there's a time of crisis and the poor guy, because he's a little older," he said. "Then Sarah Palin takes over as president, well she ought to be ready because she's handled crisis like this in the past. Oh, wait a minute, she really hasn't handled a crisis like this in the past."

Letterman intimated that there is not a little political calculation involved with the move. "I'm more than a little disappointed by this behavior," he said. " 'We're suspending the campaign.' Are we suspending it because there's an economic crisis, or because the poll numbers are sliding?"

More Letterman: "Do you suspend your campaign? No, because that makes me think, well, you know, maybe there will be other things down the road –- if he's in the White House, he might just suspend being president. I mean, we've got a guy like that now!" Video below:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.