Of course Letterman was talking about himself when he said the bit about pretending to be courageous. That much is obvious if you try not to bring preconceived notions to the table.
I honestly do NOT think that David Letterman intended to slight Bush when he gave this talk. I think the man sincerely wanted to say what he felt about Rudy and that's the end of it.
If others choose to read secret codes into what he did NOT say, then have at it.
But I have to say that I agree with every word Dave said about Rudy. The man is real.
Did you watch the Philbin interview? If so, please explain this:
(accurate paraphrase)
Philbin: Well at least Bush seems to be going about this the right way ...
Letterman (interrupting): So Regis tell us about how you first met Joey Bishop.
If you think this was not an attempt to drop the subject -- President Bush --which Philbin, ever the polite guest, did then I invite you to present another explanation.
Letterman by his facial expression made it plain that he didn't dare speak his mind about Bush. He's made it clear over many months that he considers Bush a lame-brain incompetent.
Letterman said it was important to even 'pretend' one is courageous. He didn't have the decency to 'pretend' he supported the commander-in-chief.
I commend to you Andrew Sullivan's request to Bush's critics to get behind our President. Perhaps Letterman should read it too: SULLIVAN LINK