The entire rant, transcribed below via Examiner.com:

Mika, you need to buck up.  I know you think this story has no purpose other than keeping Sarah Paln’s name in the headlines for another news cycle.

I know you think she has nothing to offer the national dialogue, and that her speeches are just coded talking points mixed in with words picked up at random from thesaurus.

I know you think Sarah Palin is at best a self-promoting ignoramus, and at worst a shameless media troll who will abuse any platform to deliver dog whistle encouragement to a far-right base, that may include possible insurrectionists.

I know you think her reality show was pathetically unstatesmenlike, and at the same I know you think it represents the pinnacle of her potential, and that her transparent desperation to become a celebrity so completely eclipsed her interest in public service so long ago that there would be more journalistic integrity in reporting on one of the lesser Kardashian’s a#& implants.

I know, I know that when you arrive at the office each day you say a prayer that maybe, just maybe, Sarah Palin will shut up for just ten f*&cking minutes.

I know, I know because I can see it in your eyes.

But guess what Mika, that’s the gig.  It’s only January of 2011 kido.  You still have at least two years ahead of you.  You want to stay in this game you dig deep.  You find another gear.  You show up to work every day, get your hair and makeup done.  You slap on a smile.  You get on T.V., and repeat what Sarah Palin said on Hannity last night right into the lens.  You know, news.

I have faith in you kid, you can do it.  I’ll see you in New Hampshire.  I’ll buy.

Conan O’Brien continued his gag of having his writers come up with a list of options for him (a continuation of another bit where he listed some of the rumors). The include several good jabs, including one at the end that seems sarcastic only in Conan actually doing it. Take a look.

Meanwhile, Conan’s old rival, Craig Ferguson, responded with a simple ‘who gives a f—?’, and mocked the fact that himself and Letterman were now the stable ones.

But one person who really enjoyed himself was David Letterman. A good chunk of his jokes, including his Top Ten, delved into the subject. Including one great sight gag I won’t describe, you have to see it on video (which I will post when it comes online). And he closed it all off wondering if he, in fact, still had a show.

UPDATE: And now Colbert weighs in, with the help of Morgan Freeman.

But video can.

So, here, via the Indianapolis Star, are what each Late Night show host said:

David Letterman: “Welcome to the program. My name is David Letterman, or as the staff calls me, ‘That one.’”

Conan O’Brien: “During last night’s debate, John McCain sparked a controversy when he referred to Barack Obama as ’that one. Afterwards, McCain said: ’What — like I’m supposed to remember EVERYONE’S name now?”’

Jon Stewart:to Michelle Obama
“So you’re a lot like Sarah Palin.”

Stephen Colbert: “The only thing missing was Karl Rove dumping Gatorade over John McCain’s head at the end.”

Jay Leno: “It was broadcast live from Nashville. I don’t want to say the debate was boring, but I never thought a political event in Tennessee could be that dull without the help of Al Gore.”

Craig Ferguson: ““’Which one of these senators tapped your foot in the bathroom?’ ’That one.’ That would be appropriate.”

So which one of these is the best? Vote below.

This could be the biggest mistake of the campaign and one of the biggest blunders in politics in recent memory. The New York Post is reporting that CBS News is upset about Letterman using the private feed. The story also contains a quote from a McCain advisor that says it “wasn’t a night for comedy.” It turns out, yeah, it sort of was. Oops.

Meanwhile The Indy Star has a story on Day II of the Letterman assult. It contains some more quotes from Letterman that didn’t make the clip I showed.

The Boston Herald, meanwhile, is the first news outlet, it seems, to actually let an Op-Ed columnist address the real issue here: Bailing on Letterman is really, really hurting the campaign, and has opened McCain up to attacks from the wit of Stephen Colbert and Chris Dodd. (The Huffington Post and the SFGate are on it too, of course)

Wired is also reporting that it is one of the biggest viral videos right now, already regestering over 1.4 million viewers.