QUICK TAKES - June 12, 2009

David Letterman played it both ways on Wednesday night’s “Late Show” as he apologized for wisecracks aimed earlier in the week at Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and one of her teenage daughters -- even as he milked the situation for more laughs.

“Of course, we make mistakes left and right,” the CBS host said as he began a lengthy discourse that blended flashes of contrition with moments of hilarity as he took more pokes at Palin and her family.

Letterman had made several jokes on Monday’s monologue about the Palin family’s visit to New York, including one about one of the daughters getting “knocked up” by Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez.

Sarah Palin subsequently blasted Letterman for “sexually perverted comments made by a 62-year-old male celebrity.”

On Wednesday night, the late-night host invited Palin to be a guest on his show, saying, “I think we could put these differences behind us.” But the offer was turned down on Thursday.

“The Palins have no intention of providing a ratings boost for David Letterman by appearing on his show,” said Palin spokeswoman Meghan Stapleton.