Letterman jokes about protest

NEW YORK, June 17 (UPI) -- David Letterman joked about this week's New York rally calling for his firing by making it the subject of a "Late Show" Top 10 list.

About 50 people turned out for a protest Tuesday night outside the Manhattan studio where Letterman tapes his talk show to demand the host be fired for his recent rude remarks about Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin's teenage daughter.

Letterman said he was sorry for the tasteless joke and Palin said she accepted his apology; however, the demonstration against Letterman went on as planned.

The late-night comedian read his Top 10 list of "Things Overheard at the Fire David Letterman Rally" on Tuesday night's edition of the show. The list went as follows:

-- 10. "David who?"

-- 9. "Well, it was nice of CBS to provide the catering."

-- 8. "We should have done this years ago."

-- 7. "What idiot turned Broadway into a pedestrian mall?"

-- 6. "Isn't there always a crowd demanding Letterman be fired?"

-- 5. "March around the potholes, people."

-- 4. "Can we also get CBS to bring back 'Gunsmoke?'"

-- 3. "When does (former U.S. Vice President Dick) Cheney get here with the water-boarding gear?"

-- 2. "He should apologize for that hairpiece."

-- 1. "Thanks for coming, Regis."