The joke was targeting the child of a politician, not the politician. Comedians have their targets, and for whatever reason Letterman likes going after Palin. She’s fair game in the world of politics, although I would keep the jokes on what she says and does as opposed to the way she looks. Sarah can not help that she is attractive, and calling her look a “slutty flight attendant” is a joke in very bad taste. Bad taste is not reprehensible per se.

As for the Palin kids, they should be off limits. I thought the jokes about how ugly Chelsea Clinton were were completely out of bounds, but for the most part she and the Bush girls were spared media scrutiny (with the key exception being their drinking binges, which to me was not a personally demeaning story). Obama’s daughters should be left along and any fringe comedian who went after them would not deserve any respect.

This is not a Lefist sin only. Laura Ingraham went over the line a few months ago making fun of Meghan McCain’s weight. We can argue policy and positions, but making fun of someones appearance dehumanizes them, and discredits the person putting forth the line. Meghan has chosen to be in the limelight herself, but she should still not be belittled and dehumanized.

Bottom line, Letterman and his writers should concentrate on writing jokes about their intended targets, regardless on how tasteful they are or are not. Willow and Bristol Palin should be left alone. The only reason that Bristol not Willow) could even be considered “fair game” is because she is now a public figure in her own right, taking on that spokesman position for abstinence or something. On the other hand, it is not the role of a nationally famous comedian to tear apart a young girl like he does… it is despicable.