Letterman admits affairs, discusses extortion attempt

[boberot]

David Letterman Reveals Extortion Attempt Over His Affairs - NYTimes.com (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/02/business/media/02extort.html?em)

Haven't seen the clip from last night's show yet, but the NYT put it on the front page.

[Kodos]

Heh. While the affairs are really disappointing, it's nice to see him turn the tables on the extortionist.

Doesn't excuse what he did though.

[molson]

So instead of $2 million, the guy will lose his job at CBS and go to prison. Oops!

This is the definitely the best way for these celebrities to deal with this stuff. Sure, Letterman looks bad, who's surprised that any celebrity has affairs? Letterman was an especially stupid target for this. It's not surprising at all that he would just come clean and let the prosecutors go after the guy.

[ISiddiqui]

n/m

[spleen1015]

I don't think anyone should be surprised that he was doinking show staffers.

[RomaGoth]

I was hoping for some pics of these alleged "women" on the show. Anyone have any? I am curious what passes as tail for Mr. Letterman...

[cartman]

I was hoping for some pics of these alleged "women" on the show. Anyone have any? I am curious what passes as tail for Mr. Letterman...

Bitten and Bound dot com has some pics up of who they think was the girl.

[Klinglerware]

I was hoping for some pics of these alleged "women" on the show. Anyone have any? I am curious what passes as tail for Mr. Letterman...

TMZ is your friend. It saddens me to admit that I know to go there for celebrity gossip, and that I care enough about celebrity gossip to know.

[boberot]

I was hoping for some pics of these alleged "women" on the show. Anyone have any? I am curious what passes as tail for Mr. Letterman...

Never mind -- the cat is apparently out of the bag already.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I believe it is Dave's attention to do his best to protect the hoochie mamas in question.

It seems impossible that their identity won't emerge at some point, but for now, he wants to shield them from the glare the best he can.

Dear Dave,

If you need any independent consulting on how to protect those poor, innocent women, just let me know.

Sincerely,
John Edwards

P.S. Those jokes you made about be are coming home to roost, no?

[Draft Dodger]

Sarah Palin unavailable for comment?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Sarah Palin unavailable for comment?

Dear Dave,

I prayed to God that he'd show you're a liberal pig who had it coming. You should know that my prayers always get answered. I figured if you weren't sleeping with my daughter, you were sleeping with someone else's daughter, you bastard.

Sincerely,

Sarah Palin

[ISiddiqui]

What is Palin going to say? Letterman comes out pretty well in all this.

[Samdari]

Letterman comes out pretty well in all this.

Except for sleeping with someone at work younger and more attractive than the mother of his child at home (who, btw, was a staffer he boinked while in another long tern relationship) yeah, he comes out great. In fact, how does he come out looking good at all? Because he decided to admit it rather than pay extortion? That makes him look cheap, not honorable.

[ISiddiqui]

Having affair stopped being such a horrible blight after the Clinton fiasco. Letterman owned up to it publically. Most people don't care anymore.

I mean, Letterman isn't dating/screwing anyone I'm close to, so it really doesn't matter to me personally. And I think that's how most people see it.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

What is Palin going to say? Letterman comes out pretty well in all this.

It's a sad day indeed when someone admits to an affair and anyone considers him higher than the level of schmuck.

I've got no problem with him nailing other girls. I just think he should file for divorce before that happens.

There is a wonderful irony in the fact that someone who makes a living tearing down other celebrities who have affairs through his jokes ends up being the real joke.

[flere-imsaho]

Unless I've missed Letterman being all self-righteous about adultery in the past (which is different from just making fun of adulterers, especially considering his line of work) I wouldn't say there's a lot of equivalency between him and guys like Sanford & Craig. And I exclude Edwards and Clinton from that list because unlike those two guys (and others), I don't recall Edwards or Clinton being all self-righteous about adultery either.

[RomaGoth]

So, anyone think that Conan O'Brien and his writers have the ballz to poke fun at Letterman for this? I don't see it happening, it almost seems like a taboo thing to me. But, it could help his ratings (of course, so could about anything at this point so I digress).

[flere-imsaho]

A segment with Conan attempting (and failing) to seduce his staff members would be pretty funny. Even funnier if he tried with both the women and the men. :D

[ISiddiqui]

So, anyone think that Conan O'Brien and his writers have the ballz to poke fun at Letterman for this? I don't see it happening, it almost seems like a taboo thing to me. But, it could help his ratings (of course, so could about anything at this point so I digress).

They may... but I think it may be an unwritten rule to not go after other late night hosts revelations. That and O'Brien has a massive deal of respect for Letterman.

[ISiddiqui]

Of course Conan is probably thinking, "I'm getting killed in a ratings and then THIS comes out? I can't catch a break!"

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Unless I've missed Letterman being all self-righteous about adultery in the past (which is different from just making fun of adulterers, especially considering his line of work) I wouldn't say there's a lot of equivalency between him and guys like Sanford & Craig. And I exclude Edwards and Clinton from that list because unlike those two guys (and others), I don't recall Edwards or Clinton being all self-righteous about adultery either.

Yeah, because Dave was just doing some co-workers while married, right? No big deal. That's much different than another person cheating on their spouse. At least he did it in the office!

I used to like Dave until he became way too full of himself several years ago. He's just an ego-driven fool at this point.

[larrymcg421]

There is a wonderful irony in the fact that someone who makes a living tearing down other celebrities who have affairs through his jokes ends up being the real joke.

The problem with that is you're pretending Letterman is some self-righteous guy that holds himself above others. If you ever watched or paid attention to Letterman's show over the years, the one celebrity that gets the brunt of his jokes is Letterman himself.

[ISiddiqui]

Yeah, because Dave was just doing some co-workers while married, right? No big deal.

He's an entertainer. Who the fuck cares? Unless his wife is related to you or something...

Seriously, was Dave ever supposed to be a paragon of virtue?

[ISiddiqui]

The problem with that is you're pretending Letterman is some self-righteous guy that holds himself above others. If you ever watched or paid attention to Letterman's show over the years, the one celebrity that gets the brunt of his jokes is Letterman himself.

Word. I mean is there any other talk show host who makes as much fun as himself? Conan tries, but Letterman has far more self-depricating humor.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

The problem with that is you're pretending Letterman is some self-righteous guy that holds himself above others. If you ever watched or paid attention to Letterman's show over the years, the one celebrity that gets the brunt of his jokes is Letterman himself.

OK, I'm good with that. I'm sure we'll see lots of jokes making fun of his infidelity then. If so, I have no beef with it.

***But we all know that won't happen because he'll get his ass beat at home if he makes light of the situation.

[cuervo72]

How does anyone know this was when Letterman was married, exactly? While he's been with his wife for quite a long time, they weren't married until this March.

[Samdari]

How does anyone know this was when Letterman was married, exactly? While he's been with his wife for quite a long time, they weren't married until this March.

Well, they have been living as husband and wife since at least the kid being born six years ago.

[RomaGoth]

How does anyone know this was when Letterman was married, exactly? While he's been with his wife for quite a long time, they weren't married until this March.

He has been with her for over two decades, at least according to the article. I am one of those people that believes if you are in a committed relationship, regardless of whether you have a paper that says you are committed (marriage certificate) or not, being faithful means something. Call me crazy I guess.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

I'm sure Dave will find some way to make up the trust he has lost with you.

[larrymcg421]

Yeah, because Dave was just doing some co-workers while married, right? No big deal. That's much different than another person cheating on their spouse. At least he did it in the office!

I used to like Dave until he became way too full of himself several years ago. He's just an ego-driven fool at this point.

Are you going to take up the cause against all celebrities that have had affairs? If so, I think you won't have much free time, but let me know when you share your thoughts on McCain.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

The world is shattered. What are we to think when a man who the world holds as a beacon of morality admits to such activities. Who's next, Hefner?

[RomaGoth]

I don't really care what he did or didn't do, it doesn't affect me in the least.

[cuervo72]

It's a sad day indeed when someone admits to an affair and anyone considers him higher than the level of schmuck.

I've got no problem with him nailing other girls. I just think he should file for divorce before that happens.

There is a wonderful irony in the fact that someone who makes a living tearing down other celebrities who have affairs through his jokes ends up being the real joke.

Yeah, because Dave was just doing some co-workers while married, right? No big deal. That's much different than another person cheating on their spouse. At least he did it in the office!

I used to like Dave until he became way too full of himself several years ago. He's just an ego-driven fool at this point.

Well, they have been living as husband and wife since at least the kid being born six years ago.

I'm not looking for them living "as a husband and wife would"; based on MMBF's assertions, were they legally married while this was going on? That's what he's accusing him of. Regardless of if he was in a "committed relationship." For something to be adultery, you have to by definition be married, yes?

[RomaGoth]

I'm not looking for them living "as a husband and wife would"; based on MMBF's assertions, were they legally married while this was going on? That's what he's accusing him of. Regardless of if he was in a "committed relationship." For something to be adultery, you have to by definition be married, yes?

You are looking at the legal term of adultery, however, there is a biblical/religious aspect of the term adultery as well. Not arguing with you here, but there is a difference between the two, at least for those who are religious. In my opinion, it doesn't matter if he was married or not, what matters is that he was in a committed relationship with someone.

At the end of the day though, doesn't really affect me.

[Galaxy]

Who cares? It's no one business but his and those involved.

[RomaGoth]

Who cares? It's no one business but his and those involved.

While I tend to agree with you here, he made it everyone's business by announcing it and discussing it on his show.

[Galaxy]

While I tend to agree with you here, he made it everyone's business by announcing it and discussing it on his show.

Only because he is a celebrity. It would of got out through the tabloids.

BTW, I see why his company is called Worldwide Pants. :)

[Young Drachma]

Apparently, the relationship ended before his wife had their son in 2003. So says the interwebs. And maybe his admission that he's had sex with women who are staffers on the show was just a blanket thing since well, his wife used to be one of those.

I dunno. I think he handled it about the best way you could. Had it not addressed it how he did, it would've come out anyway and we'd be like "scumbag," and he does it like this, people still go "scumbag," but at least it'll keep the ratings up.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

While I tend to agree with you here, he made it everyone's business by announcing it and discussing it on his show.

Or, a foiled attempt at extortion forced his hand. But your way works too.

[RomaGoth]

Only because he is a celebrity. It would of got out through the tabloids.

True, but he didn't have to talk about it on his show. He could just let the tabloids talk about it and keep the real details private.

BTW, I see why his company is called Worldwide Pants. :)

:lol:

[cuervo72]

You are looking at the legal term of adultery, however, there is a biblical/religious aspect of the term adultery as well. Not arguing with you here, but there is a difference between the two, at least for those who are religious. In my opinion, it doesn't matter if he was married or not, what matters is that he was in a committed relationship with someone.

At the end of the day though, doesn't really affect me.

Sure...I'm not saying what he did was particularly nice or "right". But MMBF's level of indignance seems a little misplaced, and he seems to be playing a little loose with details.

[RomaGoth]

Or, a foiled attempt at extortion forced his hand. But your way works too.

Still don't see why he had to address it on his show. I don't really care either, so you win.

[RomaGoth]

Sure...I'm not saying what he did was particularly nice or "right". But MMBF's level of indignance seems a little misplaced, and he seems to be playing a little loose with details.

I get ya. Pretty much agree too.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Are you going to take up the cause against all celebrities that have had affairs? If so, I think you won't have much free time, but let me know when you share your thoughts on McCain.

Why would McCain be any different?

I believe that a person committed in a relationship should not cheat on that person. I realize that's too much to ask for some people who don't have that kind of self control, but that's the way I feel and I hold to that belief personally as well. I can't imagine a higher level of disrespect to a person whom you've committed to as a spouse and best friend.

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Still don't see why he had to address it on his show. I don't really care either, so you win.

I think it's pretty basic PR that being ahead of the story is infinitely better than being behind it. I really doubt he was anxious to discuss it in that manner. In the future, can you indicate which posts you make that you actually care about for my reference?

[ISiddiqui]

Still don't see why he had to address it on his show. I don't really care either, so you win.

And if he didn't people would say he was trying to sweep it under the rug. So he addressed it openly. To some, Letterman just couldn't win regardless of how he handled it.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Sure...I'm not saying what he did was particularly nice or "right". But MMBF's level of indignance seems a little misplaced, and he seems to be playing a little loose with details.

It lies in the fact that I couldn't even fathom doing that to my own spouse or even girlfriend when I was younger. It's a ridiculous level of disrespect to that person.

I'm not playing loose with any details. If you want to argue that he might not have been married, that's fine. Let his wife (who was his live-in girlfriend for many years) know that it's not quite the level of infidelity that she thinks it is because they didn't have a piece of paper when it happened.

[RomaGoth]

I think it's pretty basic PR that being ahead of the story is infinitely better than being behind it. I really doubt he was anxious to discuss it in that manner. In the future, can you indicate which posts you make that you actually care about for my reference?

My point is why is there a need for him to do this on his show? He could keep it private and let the media/tabloids speculate all they want. It isn't like the extortioner was going to run out on the set and announce the affair, forcing Letterman to do it first. I don't see the majority of famous people going about it this way, so just wondering why he decided to.

[Arles]

As unrelenting as he was on Clinton, as long as he gets a little "just desserts" in the media on this I'm OK with it. I don't think he should face any penalties with CBS or his show, but I think a little public humiliation is in order. ;)

[ISiddiqui]

I don't see the majority of famous people going about it this way, so just wondering why he decided to.

And you see he's getting flack than other famous people who try to hide it, so it seems a bit obvious, doesn't it?

[molson]

Are you going to take up the cause against all celebrities that have had affairs? If so, I think you won't have much free time, but let me know when you share your thoughts on McCain.

I was wondering when the first "McCain cheats on his wife too!" post would happen. I must admit, it was sooner than I thought it would be, considering this even't a thread about a politician.

You guys LOVE that angle, even though it never goes anywhere because nobody defends McCain's infidelity.

Go ahead and keep throwing it out there though.

[RainMaker]

Am I the only one who just doesn't give a shit when celebrities and athletes cheat? I kind of assume they all do. Then again, I hate how much attention we give to celebrity lives and am annoyed by the neverending news cycles (this, Jackson death, Jon & Kate, etc).

[RomaGoth]

And you see he's getting flack than other famous people who try to hide it, so it seems a bit obvious, doesn't it?

They all get flack, just depends upon how much information is available and how famous they are.

[RomaGoth]

Am I the only one who just doesn't give a shit when celebrities and athletes cheat? I kind of assume they all do. Then again, I hate how much attention we give to celebrity lives and am annoyed by the neverending news cycles (this, Jackson death, Jon & Kate, etc).

:+1:

[Noop]

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.tmz.com/media/2009/10/1002_joe_halderman_bn_getty_lrg.jpg

Am I the only who thinks this guy is Izulde's long lost twin?

[larrymcg421]

I was wondering when the first "McCain cheats on his wife too!" post would happen. I must admit, it was sooner than I thought it would be, considering this even't a thread about a politician.

You guys LOVE that angle, even though it never goes anywhere because nobody defends McCain's infidelity.

Go ahead and keep throwing it out there though.

But uh, the point was that MBBF is being self-righteous here but was never self-righteous about it in the past, sort of like when he pretended to be outraged by Obama's special olympics joke. I could care less that McCain had an affair. I never called him a schmuck for it. And neither did anyone else here that's criticizing Letterman.

[RainMaker]

I still don't get why anyone gives a shit if McCain cheated or not. Same goes for any politician.

They work for us and that's it. We judge them on their performance in that job. If you owned a company, would you fire a great salesman because you found out he was having an affair? Of course not, you wouldn't give a shit as long as he was making your company money.

[RomaGoth]

I still don't get why anyone gives a shit if McCain cheated or not. Same goes for any politician.

They work for us and that's it. We judge them on their performance in that job. If you owned a company, would you fire a great salesman because you found out he was having an affair? Of course not, you wouldn't give a shit as long as he was making your company money.

Cheating/infidelity is widely considered to be a character flaw (and rightly so). That salesman who is having an affair, is he representing your company poorly by doing so? Maybe, maybe not. I guarantee that a politician, and even most celebrities are making a poor representation of their respective profession by showing poor personal judgment such as infidelity. I feel confident in saying that every time one of our politicians is caught in an infidelity scandal, the rest of the world is laughing its collective ass off at us.

In addition, when your job involves anything to do with the public eye, that is part of how we judge your performance.

[Edward64]

On the surface, I don't really care what Dave was doing on the side and would consider it a private matter between him and his family.

However, a boss sleeping with staffers is just wrong. The story has yet to come out but would not be surprised if there was some quid-pro-quo etc involved etc. Lawsuits forthcoming and wouldn't be surprised if Dave was canned.

[Edward64]

I feel confident in saying that every time one of our politicians is caught in an infidelity scandal, the rest of the world is laughing its collective ass off at us.
Except in France and Italy!

[Kodos]

Lawsuits forthcoming and wouldn't be surprised if Dave was canned.

I would be shocked if Dave lost his job over this. And if he was, somebody else would scoop him up immediately.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And if he was, somebody else would scoop him up immediately.

Just hypothetically speaking, who, and for what purpose?

NBC would likely be out as they're not only on the block but also have a surplus of late night hosts already.

Would ABC be willing to completely revamp a lineup that they've already invested time & money into and that's happily perking right along at this point? I think not.

That leaves Fox, who doesn't even program past 10pm at this point. Maybe they would be interested in trying something like an 11pm Letterman to follow 10pm local news but that'd be awfully expensive for something likely to be clobbered by 11pm news in a lot of markets.

What's left then? HBO? Showtime? I don't see any regular cable network paying him the kind of money he gets now.

Point being that it might be tougher than you think for him to find a gig that isn't a major drop from the current one. And at his age, would he even be interested in taking a huge pay & status cut just to keep working? More likely to me is that he would end up in at least short term semi-retirement or inactive status for a while.

Not that I think he's going to lose his job over this in the first place, just speaking hypothetically here.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

But uh, the point was that MBBF is being self-righteous here but was never self-righteous about it in the past, sort of like when he pretended to be outraged by Obama's special olympics joke. I could care less that McCain had an affair. I never called him a schmuck for it. And neither did anyone else here that's criticizing Letterman.

Pulling out McCain was a weak argument ploy. Everyone else called you out for it, so I won't bother going any further.

[RainMaker]

Cheating/infidelity is widely considered to be a character flaw (and rightly so). That salesman who is having an affair, is he representing your company poorly by doing so? Maybe, maybe not. I guarantee that a politician, and even most celebrities are making a poor representation of their respective profession by showing poor personal judgment such as infidelity. I feel confident in saying that every time one of our politicians is caught in an infidelity scandal, the rest of the world is laughing its collective ass off at us.

In addition, when your job involves anything to do with the public eye, that is part of how we judge your performance.
As long as he's not screwing in the office or with anyone else in the office, I don't care. He is an employee who is hired to do a job. If he does it between 9-5, that's all that matters in my book. He can go home and do whatever debauchery he wants to do and as long as it has no effect on my busienss, I don't care.

I understand that is how we judge performance, I'm just saying we shouldn't. We should judge a politician on what they do in the job they were voted in to do. What they do in their personal life is their own business. I doubt many people here would fire their best salesman for having an affair on his own time. Why should we treat our politicians any differently?

[stevew]

Really need to see pix of the ladies before I can make a judgement on whether or not it was worth it.

[larrymcg421]

Pulling out McCain was a weak argument ploy. Everyone else called you out for it, so I won't bother going any further.

Since when does molson = everyone else?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Cheating/infidelity is widely considered to be a character flaw (and rightly so). That salesman who is having an affair, is he representing your company poorly by doing so? Maybe, maybe not. I guarantee that a politician, and even most celebrities are making a poor representation of their respective profession by showing poor personal judgment such as infidelity. I feel confident in saying that every time one of our politicians is caught in an infidelity scandal, the rest of the world is laughing its collective ass off at us.

In addition, when your job involves anything to do with the public eye, that is part of how we judge your performance.

I'd also note that I've seen several people canned in various jobs because they became so preoccupied with mending fences at home or involved in a divorce because of it that they neglected their job duties as a result.

[Young Drachma]

Really need to see pix of the ladies before I can make a judgement on whether or not it was worth it.

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[RainMaker]

Just hypothetically speaking, who, and for what purpose?

NBC would likely be out as they're not only on the block but also have a surplus of late night hosts already.

Would ABC be willing to completely revamp a lineup that they've already invested time & money into and that's happily perking right along at this point? I think not.

That leaves Fox, who doesn't even program past 10pm at this point. Maybe they would be interested in trying something like an 11pm Letterman to follow 10pm local news but that'd be awfully expensive for something likely to be clobbered by 11pm news in a lot of markets.

What's left then? HBO? Showtime? I don't see any regular cable network paying him the kind of money he gets now.

Point being that it might be tougher than you think for him to find a gig that isn't a major drop from the current one. And at his age, would he even be interested in taking a huge pay & status cut just to keep working? More likely to me is that he would end up in at least short term semi-retirement or inactive status for a while.

Not that I think he's going to lose his job over this in the first place, just speaking hypothetically here.

ABC would change everything for him. They've wanted him forever and there is nothing they are running that is really all that exhilirating. They'd bump Kimmell back a half hour and Letterman would be a great lead-in for him anyway.

I could also see Fox doing something with him at the 11pm timeslot. It's mostly just re-runs they run of some syndicated show, but it's actually a great timeslot since it runs against most local news outlets that people are starting to not watch anyway. Gives a nice option for those at 11pm who don't want to watch the local news.

He's simply too talented to be unemployed.

[RainMaker]

I'd also note that I've seen several people canned in various jobs because they became so preoccupied with mending fences at home or involved in a divorce because of it that they neglected their job duties as a result.
But that's different. That's him not performing his duties at work. I'm saying all that should matter is job performance.

[ISiddiqui]

Agreed that ABC would move heaven and earth to get Letterman on their network.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

But that's different. That's him not performing his duties at work. I'm saying all that should matter is job performance.

Sure, but his loyalty to the job could be brought into question given his relative lack of self-control on a personal level. The salesman could just as easily leave the company high and dry.

[molson]

Sure, but his loyalty to the job could be brought into question given his relative lack of self-control on a personal level. The salesman could just as easily leave the company high and dry.

I think its just TV/hollywood/the movies.

Everybody cheats. If you're a big star, nobody cares (including in many cases, the wife). Letterman will buy his wife a big ring. He might have to testify at a trial. Otherwise, nothing's different on his end, or from the perspective of his employer.

[Young Drachma]

Ex-wife of David Letterman blackmail suspect lives in Fort Collins | coloradoan.com | The Coloradoan, (http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20091002/UPDATES01/91002043/Ex-wife+of+Letterman+blackmail+suspect+lives+in+Fort+Collins)

Not cool that the press is sitting outside her house now waiting to talk to her. I'm guessing they're going to ask about that child support bill and how he's gonna pay it now that he's probably headed to prison and will certainly lose his job at CBS.

[Kodos]

Just hypothetically speaking, who, and for what purpose?

The Tonight Show would probably drop Conan and scoop up Letterman! :D



Obviously, you're much more in tune with this stuff than I am. I just think a guy like Letterman, who has a loyal following, would not remain unemployed long. I could well be wrong.

[RomaGoth]

I think its just TV/hollywood/the movies.

Everybody cheats.

Um, what?

[RomaGoth]

I'd also note that I've seen several people canned in various jobs because they became so preoccupied with mending fences at home or involved in a divorce because of it that they neglected their job duties as a result.

But that's different. That's him not performing his duties at work. I'm saying all that should matter is job performance.

:)

[Kodos]

Everybody cheats.

But not everybody is clutch.

[RomaGoth]

Ex-wife of David Letterman blackmail suspect lives in Fort Collins | coloradoan.com | The Coloradoan, (http://www.coloradoan.com/article/20091002/UPDATES01/91002043/Ex-wife+of+Letterman+blackmail+suspect+lives+in+Fort+Collins)

Not cool that the press is sitting outside her house now waiting to talk to her. I'm guessing they're going to ask about that child support bill and how he's gonna pay it now that he's probably headed to prison and will certainly lose his job at CBS.

Yeah I agree. There seems to be no lines that can't be crossed anymore for a good story on TMZ, Access Hollywood, ET, etc...(not that I watch these shows or anything).

[RainMaker]

Sure, but his loyalty to the job could be brought into question given his relative lack of self-control on a personal level. The salesman could just as easily leave the company high and dry.
Would you not hire fat people? I mean they have self-control issues too I guess.

[JonInMiddleGA]

ABC would change everything for him. They've wanted him forever and there is nothing they are running that is really all that exhilirating. They'd bump Kimmell back a half hour and Letterman would be a great lead-in for him anyway.

Seems like you're assuming Nightline has no value to them, in spite of the fact that it's well on it's way to becoming the #2 show in the time slot and if there's a weakened (or suddenly gone) Letterman, it's a legit contender to win the timeslot outright. No chance in hell they'd throw Letterman money at him in that scenario, it'd be too idiotic even for network TV execs.

I could also see Fox doing something with him at the 11pm timeslot. ... Gives a nice option for those at 11pm who don't want to watch the local news.

Damned small audience you're talking about there though. If they're on broadcast at that time, they're on local news by a huge margin. And if they've already gone to cable, there's nothing that indicates that they're ever coming back to broadcast. That's a steadily shrinking niche and it'd be a hell of an expensive proposition for minimal return to the local affiliate.

He's simply too talented to be unemployed.

Major fallacy there, nobody is too talented to be unemployed at a price of the talent's choosing. I don't picture him willing to rebuild his situation at a discount, nor do I believe if he were eliminated as competition anyone would pay him what he'd likely want in order to come to work. The value of him to ABC today lies in taking him away from someone else, if that were hypothetically done already, it's a whole different ball game.

[JonInMiddleGA]

Obviously, you're much more in tune with this stuff than I am. I just think a guy like Letterman, who has a loyal following, would not remain unemployed long. I could well be wrong.

Like I said, I just think it'd be a longer run that anyone would expect at first blush. There aren't that many candidates to hire him and I think his value gets diminished the minute he becomes unemployed, quite possibly to a point that isn't worth it to him at least not without some lengthy negotiations. Eventually he probably finds a job in that scenario, I just don't believe it's as quickly as first look would tend to make people think.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Would you not hire fat people? I mean they have self-control issues too I guess.

I've also seen a fat guy who was fired because he fell asleep on the job. It was caused by sleep apnea. Same thing. It was a personal situation, but it adversely affected his job performance, so you have to fire them if it continues to happen.

[path12]

Word. I mean is there any other talk show host who makes as much fun as himself? Conan tries, but Letterman has far more self-depricating humor.

Craig Ferguson?

[cuervo72]

Just hypothetically speaking, who, and for what purpose?

CNN as Larry King's replacement?

[Karlifornia]

Just watch Conan if you're that pissed off.

Oh, who am I kidding? Nobody watches Conan.

[Galaril]

So he was banging sweet little Stephanie:)

[Abe Sargent]

Awesoe

[kcchief19]

I believe that a person committed in a relationship should not cheat on that person. I realize that's too much to ask for some people who don't have that kind of self control, but that's the way I feel and I hold to that belief personally as well. I can't imagine a higher level of disrespect to a person whom you've committed to as a spouse and best friend.
That is what disappoints me about this. I wish David hadn't done what he did because it's not right.

But I've had friends who have cheated on their spouses. If they're my friend, I don't love them any less. I've been watching Dave for 30 years -- I was probably the only nine-year-old in America who watched his morning show religiously and my first memories of him are from when my grandparents let me stay up late and seeing him on the Tonight Show. I've been a fan for a long time.

This doesn't change the way I feel about Dave. I wish he hadn't done it but it's no different to me than if my best friend had done this. I might smack him in the head and ask what the hell he was thinking but at the end of the day he would still be my friend.

[kcchief19]

Just hypothetically speaking, who, and for what purpose? ... Not that I think he's going to lose his job over this in the first place, just speaking hypothetically here.
Including the last line because I want to agree with it right off the bat. The only thing that might happen is that CBS looks to discount the extension they are currently negotiating. Letterman remains too much of a cash cow to CBS. Once you add in all revenues and subtract licensing and costs, CBS probably makes $150 million a year or more off Letterman directly, and more indirectly through promotions and other ratings boosts. Without Letterman CBS doesn't have two hours of late night programming.

As for who would want him, no doubt he would be damaged goods. But ABC would certainly disrupt their lineup for him. They were willing to do it twice before when they've made offers to him and ABC pursued both Leno and Conan.

Nightline's regurgence is nothing new. As news ebbs and flows Nightline over the years has always fluctuated. There is nothing to suggest that Nightline's recent ratings are anything more than high tide. Plus, with Letterman you're delivering a full hour, not just a 1/2 hour. In the past ABC has seemed willing to punt Nightline but let's assume for moment they don't -- let's say they throw a ton of money at Letterman and bring him in to follow Nightline with Kimmel next. Letterman would double Kimmel's audience and pushing Kimmel back an hour probably wouldn't change his ratings much at all. ABC would go from having a competitive half hour of late night to the most dominant 2 1/2 hour block on network TV, while CBS is in disarray.

Will never happen because CBS won't let Letterman go. My guess is this won't impact the ratings much at all.

[kcchief19]

And while I'm at it, it's ridiculous to compare Letterman to Clinton, Edwards, Sanford, Spitzer, et. al. (and even more ridiculous to compare him to Polanski). Letterman isn't a politician and has never preached values while living his life a different way. And for people who say that Letterman picks on people and is mean spirited, they obviously don't watch the show. Letterman is notorious for his self-deprecation and is by all accounts one of the most self-critical people in the world. This event might just be freeing for him because I bet he hasn't been proud of what he's done in the past.

And while I'm disappointed in him for what he's done in the past, I respect him for coming clean and telling the truth -- who was the last one who did that with the straight forwardness Letterman did the other night? Every two-bit politican who has pulled off this stunt has denied and lied until he couldn't any more. Letterman told us what he did before anyone else reported it. What he did was wrong but what he did Thursday was the right thing.

[JonInMiddleGA]

But ABC would certainly disrupt their lineup for him. They were willing to do it twice before when they've made offers to him and ABC pursued both Leno and Conan.

And ABC hasn't been this happy with their late night lineup in a looong while.

There is nothing to suggest that Nightline's recent ratings are anything more than high tide.

Strongly disagree on that point. The shrinking graying audience & the revamped format that hasn't turned them off while drawing younger demos are both very good signs for the show.

Letterman would double Kimmel's audience and pushing Kimmel back an hour probably wouldn't change his ratings much at all.

Agreed on both points ... but is the difference in the cost of Letterman vs Kimmel made up by doubling it? In this environment, which is only getting steadily worse for network TV, I have to think that's a no.

ABC would go from having a competitive half hour of late night to the most dominant 2 1/2 hour block on network TV, while CBS is in disarray.

Let's be honest here, given the state of disarray that CBS morning has been in for so long, do you really think they're actually that perturbed at the prospect of some disarray? Outside of primetime, that's their usual state.

[RomaGoth]

Well said, Kcchief.

[Celeval]

Let his wife (who was his live-in girlfriend for many years) know that it's not quite the level of infidelity that she thinks it is because they didn't have a piece of paper when it happened.

You're also assuming here that, if the affair (as stated) was 6+ years in the past, they hadn't already discussed it, got it out in the open, and dealt with it.

[Axxon]

Would you not hire fat people? I mean they have self-control issues too I guess. I suppose if their goal was to be a skinny person that would mean that they have self-control issues. If that wasn't one of their goals and they're maintaining a weight that has allowed them to pursue and achieve their actual goals they may have perfectly good self-control. Maintaining any weight requires some degree of self control.