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Last Debate Is Not a Winner, In the Ratings

Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain drew nearly 60 million. (Pool Photo By Gary Hershorn -- Getty Images)

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"I know what we need to do, okay?" McCain responded. ". . . I think I know, because of my many years being involved in these issues, how to develop a plan. One of the areas, of course, is human intelligence, which we're very badly lacking. And I am confident that we can get him."

McCain also said Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was "absolutely" his "first choice" for vice president, while adding, "I didn't know her well at all -- I knew her by reputation."

But is Palin "the woman to lead us through the next 9/11 attack," Letterman wondered.

"Absolutely," McCain said. "She has inspired Americans. That's the thing we need."

After discussing Barack Obama's relationship with former Weather Underground member William Ayers, Letterman brought up McCain's relationship with G. Gordon Liddy, convicted in the Watergate scandal.

"I met him, you know, I mean," McCain said.

"Didn't you attend a fundraiser at his house?"

"Gordon Liddy's?" McCain asked.

They cut to commercial.

Coming back, McCain said, "I know Gordon Liddy. He paid his debt, he went to prison, he paid his debt. . . . I'm not in any way embarrassed to know Gordon Liddy."

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