John McCain, the Republican Party’s presidential nominee finally made it to Late Show With David Letterman, after abruptly cancelling his appearance last month saying he had to rush to Washington to help deal with the country’s financial crisis, when actually he stayed on in New York to be interviewed by Katie Couric, CBS’s news anchor, a lie that earned him the comedian’s considerable ire.  To make things worse, McCain attended former President Bill Clinton’s philanthropic summit in the city, the following morning.  Letterman responded by taking on-air potshots at McCain for standing him up,

However, both McCain and Letterman ribbed each other good-naturedly, with McCain saying his no-show was a result of his screwing up, and though he had asked his son in the Marines to FedEx his helmet and flat jacket, it failed to arrive in time for finally meeting up with Letterman on the CBS television stage.

Putting the incident behind him, Letterman questioned McCain about his final nationally televised debate with Democrat Barack Obama and questioning him about his doubtful choice of running mate.  Though, trailing in the polls in key swing states and nationwide, McCain though the debate went well.  As for selecting Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, whose lack of political experience and international exposure has earned deep criticism for McCain’s choice, the latter defended his selection saying she was qualified to assume the presidency and capable enough to lead the country in times of crisis, such as, 9/11.