LARRY MC SHANE

Associated Press

NEW YORK -- OK, so maybe this one doesn't sound like a surefire ratings winner: "Late Afternoon With Al Gore." But the ex-vice president has lined up a special guest for his Wednesday class at Columbia University's graduate school of journalism -- David Letterman.

The CBS talk show host will address "The Use of Humor in the Media to Cover Politics and National Affairs," and is bringing along a pair of his writers.

As in the past, Gore's class -- even with Letterman -- is off the record for students and off-limits to the media.

"The rules are the same as always," university spokeswoman Kim Brockway said.

While the appearance might seem unusual, Gore and Letterman share a comedy history.

Back in 1993, Gore visited Letterman's program and the pair quickly found some common ground. They put on safety goggles, grabbed a hammer and smashed government-issue ashtrays.

"Cool," Letterman said after taking his whacks at what the federal government officially designates as an "ash receiver, tobacco (desk type)."

Last September, Gore appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman" to read a top 10 list of rejected Gore/Lieberman campaign slogans. Among the highlights:

"No. 6: We know when the microphone is on."

"No. 3: You'll thanks us in four years when the escalator to the moon is finished."

"No. 1: I'll be twice as cool as that president guy in the 'West Wing."'

After losing last year's presidential election, Gore signed on to teach courses at Columbia and at Middle Tennessee State University and Fisk University, both in his home state of Tennessee.

It's unclear exactly what Letterman has planned for his gig in Gore's class. There's no word on a top 10 list or musical interludes from Paul Shaffer.

"This is not a media event in Dave's mind," Letterman spokesman Steven Rubenstein said. "He's not saying much about it."

4/6/01