McCain goes all out to appease Letterman

Addendum: Sen. John McCain came, saw and conquered the late-night ratings. For his appearance Thursday, "The Late Show With David Letterman" drew its biggest audience in nearly three years. Nielsen Media Research says 6.5 million viewers watched, nearly 3 million more than Letterman typically gets.

Sen John McCain has learned the hard way not to risk the wrath of David Letterman.

That's why the Republican presidential nominee flew by helicopter to New York today to tape the "Late Show With David Letterman" after a weather delay grounded his campaign plane.

McCain was supposed to appear on the show Sept. 24 but abruptly canceled after briefly suspending his campaign to return to Washington to deal with the financial crisis. Since then, Letterman has regularly lampooned the Arizona senator on the show.

McCain headlined a campaign event in Philadelphia today and planned to fly to New York this afternoon before his plane was delayed for several hours on the tarmac in Philadelphia. So McCain rented a helicopter and flew to New York with his wife, Cindy, a small Secret Service detail, and a handful of staff while the candidate's traveling press was left behind. (By Beth Fouhy, Associated Press)

Photo: Sen. McCain makes a belated appearance on David Letterman. Photo credit: AP Photo/CBS, J.P. Filo