• Yahoo News, Friday, June 12, 2009 9:30 AM

David Letterman seems to be using a controversy with Alaska governor and one-time media darling Sarah Palin to boost buzz in his show at a crucial time. Longtime talk-show leader Jay Leno just stepped down and has been replaced by Conan O'Brien, upending the late-night status quo.

Letterman made some cracks Monday about one of the Palin girls having to fend off Eliot Spitzer and getting knocked up by Yankees star Alex Rodriguez during a recent trip to the Big Apple. In a statement to Fox News, Palin fired back at the CBS comedian.

Facing the family's wrath, Wednesday night Letterman addressed the controversy and jokingly apologized. He offered his regrets and noted that he regrets thousands of jokes he's made. He also said he doesn't condone inappropriate behavior with underage girls. In a final show of his semi-sincerity, he invited Sarah Palin on as a future guest.

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