John McCain had canceled his arrival to “Late Show with David Letterman” because the senator had to go back to Washington to take part in the congressional efforts to make up an emergency bailout package to help the financial industry. Because of this, McCain had to suspend his presidential campaign too. But he appeared on the show and apologized for his absence.

On Thursday night, McCain told Letterman that he had screwed up with not showing to the show in September. It has been three weeks since the senator canceled his live appearance and this pissed Letterman off that he actually said: "Are we suspending it because there's an economic crisis or because the poll numbers are sliding?"

He also added that "this doesn't smell right. This is not the way a tested hero behaves. Somebody's putting something in his Metamucil." While Letterman was saying this about the Arizona senator, McCain was getting ready for an interview with CBS News anchor Katie Couric. A live internet video feed showed him having makeup applied. Seeing this, Letterman stated: "He doesn't seem to be racing to the airport, does he? Hey John, I got a question! You need a ride to the airport?"

McCain tried to make a joke during the show on Thursday and said that Letterman must thank him for the talk show that replaced his appearance that night. The MSNBC liberal talk show host, Olbermann, came to “Late show with David Letterman” to make up for McCain’s absence.

McCain also talked about Sarah Palin to become president. He said that all her experience as a mayor, governor and PTA member have set her ready to start to defend the United States. "In all due respect, one of the people I admired most was an obscure governor of a southern state called Arkansas and he turned out to be a fairly successful president," McCain said.