Moral of the story? Think before you end up the laughingstock on late night TV.

1. McCain Stands Up Letterman

John McCain canceled his appearance on CBS's "Late Night with David Letterman," saying that he was suspending his campaign and "racing to the airport" to tackle the impending financial crisis. Midway through the show, however, Letterman learned that McCain was mere blocks away ... sitting down with CBS stablemate Katie Couric. McCain's response, when he did make it onto "Late Night" a couple weeks later, was apt but unapologetic: "I screwed up."


2. Microsoft Blue Screen Of Death At Press Conference


A classic Microsoft moment. During a press event audience members watch as a pre-release of Windows 98 crashes before their very eyes. Bill Gates was a good sport, chuckling and saying, "That must be why we're not shipping Windows 98 yet."



3. McDonald's: "I'd Hit It"

In January 2005, McDonald's launched an ill-conceived banner campaign featuring a young man slavering over a double cheeseburger. "Double cheeseburger? I'd hit it. I'm a dollar menu guy," went the animated ad. Amidst controversy, McDonald's pulled the banners and said their marketing department misunderstood the term. For our part, The Consumerist only copulates with food that's certified organic fair-trade.

4. Southwest's Skimpy Outfit

It’s been a tough year for fliers, whose rights seem to have disappeared into thin air as crews judged consumer behavior and appearance in what MSNBC.com describes as “the general lack of respect for customers that seems to be growing in the airline industry.” In one example, Southwest passenger Kyla Ebbert was threatened with removal from a San Diego to Tucson flight for wearing an allegedly inappropriate outfit. When Ms. Ebbert took her case to NBC’s “Today” show and CBS’ “The Dr. Phil Show,” Southwest issued a mangled apology more than a week later, attempting to make light of its treatment of Ebbert by announcing a “skimpy” fare sale. Rival airline Virgin America didn’t hesitate to capitalize on Southwest’s mishandling of the situation, booking her to appear with Virgin Group chair Sir Richard Branson for the launch of new San Francisco to Las Vegas flights

5. Aaaaaarnold's Lost in Translation

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger clearly thought he could use his own immigrant experience to make headway when speaking at the annual convention of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists but struck a sour note, according to CBS News, when he told the assembled journalists, “‘you’ve got to turn off the Spanish television set’ and stay away from Spanish-language television, books and newspapers” in order to “learn English quickly.” Although Schwarzenegger’s remarks were intended as advice for Latino students, they offended the audience, many of whom were in fact members of the Spanish-language media. Pilar Marrero, political editor for La Opinion, was on hand — CBS News says she “chuckled at the governor’s comments,” saying “‘they’re [Latinos are] too busy working.’”