Local News anchor Bill Ritter, of ABC New York, let go of a whopper of a blooper Tuesday night. He called former NYC Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik the "former top c**k." We assume he wasn't referring to a chicken.

While Ritter has since apologized for the gaffe, we wonder if there isn't as much truth to his flub as there is to the intended line, "former top cop."

Check out the video (language NSFW) of Ritter's slip, and why we think maybe Ritter should have let it stand.


Bernie Kerik was New York City's Police Commissioner, and damn near became Secretary of Homeland Security, which qualifies him as a "top cop." Here's why some may also think he's "top c**k":

Corruption Indictment: Kerik just had his bail revoked in a pending case that sees him accused of accepting apartment renovations from mobbed-up contractors, in exchange for his influence with city regulators. Wouldn't it have been great to have a Homeland security chief who could raise the Terror Alert Level to "Fuhggedabowdit!"

Exploiting Immigrant Labor: In connection with his nomination to Homeland Security, it was revealed that he employed an undocumented alien as a nanny.

Affair With Judith Regan: Kerik, a married father of four, had a year-long affair with publisher Judith Regan.

Used 9/11 Rescue Workers' Apartment for Booty Calls: Kerik, one of the "heroes of 9/11," took over an apartment that was intended for use by weary Ground Zero rescue crews, and used it to carry on his affair with Judith Regan.

We think that last one, alone, certainly qualifies Kerik for the flubbed title. To be fair to Ritter, this isn't the first time this has happened. Fox News' Jane Skinner had the same slip in 2006.

What do you think? What's the best way to handle the situation with a slip of the tongue like this?

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