EXCLUSIVE

For the first time ever, Kathy Griffin might actually have a good point -- telling TMZ, of course she tried to kiss Anderson Cooper's penis on New Year's ... because who wouldn't??? IT'S ANDERSON COOPER!!!

Kathy was out in NYC yesterday -- with her boyfriend -- when we asked about her infamous penis-smooching escapade while hosting the New Year's Eve countdown on CNN with Anderson Cooper.

Kathy didn't try to minimize it either, telling us, "I've hit on [Anderson] many times."

It must be his laugh.