SNL goes where press can't in Bush-Palin satire
Watching the Thursday night installment of Saturday Night Live, I was reminded yet again what a profound service political satire serves in this democracy. Again, if the Peabody Awards folks want to retain any sense of relevancy as a reward for socially-conscious programming, SNL has got to be honored first and foremost.
Given the general sense of insecurity and even confusion as to the role of the press in this era of vast economic and technological change, I don't think there are any journalistic voices that could comfortably say what SNL said Thursday night about the performance of outgoing President George W. Bush and the increasingly obvious ambition and recklessness on Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin. And yet, I am sure SNL's actions and words spoke to what millions of Americans are feeling (as the record ratings for SNL's overall skewering of the candidates and current administration has shown this year).
The concept of the opening sketch Thursday with Bush endorsing the McCain-Palin ticket was inspired. It cut straight to the embarrassment the president's own party has for his performance and the troubled state in which he leaves this country. Will Ferrell returned to play Bush, with Tina Fey (I had to stop myself from using the words "the brilliant" in front of her name) as Palin.
Here's a bit of it...
WILL FERRELL AS BUSH: "Hello, my fellow Americans. I have chosen to schedule this impromptu address at night because quite frankly every time I speak during the day, the Stock Market goes in the crapper. So, sorry, Asian markets. You take the hit on this one. I come to you tonight in the midst of a very important election between two very qualified candidates: the hot lady and the Tiger Woods guy. Both candidates are heavily patriotized and display much characterization. And yes, I did have three Xanax and a Silver Bullet about a half-hour ago. I'm out of here in a few months, so screw it. But before I leave I wanted to help Sarah Palin and John McCain by giving them what every candidate wants most: a prime-time heavily publicized network endorsement from George W. Bush. Hey, don't pinch yourself John, you are awake!"
FERRELL AS BUSH (continues) -- "Now I tried to do this several months ago but somehow it kept getting pushed to a written press release or a shouted sentence as I walked to the helicopter. I began to suspect that they didn't want my endorsement to be too public. But now with the country on a big upswing and my numbers on the rise, I thought it was time to give a proper, large scale 'much love' to McCain and Palin..."
(WILL FORTE, playing an AIDE to the president, enters and whispers in BUSH's ear)
FERRELL AS BUSH (continues) – "What? Really? Why didn't you tell me Jeff? I've just been told by my trusted aide Jeff, that the country is actually in a horrible downward spiral and that my approval numbers are lower than ever. That one's on me. Four months ago, I declared the Oval Office a bummer-free zone. So... You know what, let's bring on Senator McCain and Governor Palin."
(TINA FEY as SARAH PALIN enters smiling and waving and sits next to BUSH on the front the desk)
TINA FEY AS PALIN – "So nice to meet you, Mr. President. I've seen you on TV."
FERRELL AS BUSH – "Where's McRage?"
FEY AS PALIN – "You know, John McCain and I have been so busy travelin' around this great country of ours talkin' about change and energy independence and William Ayers, and doin' a little shoppin', but unfortunately Senator McCain, upon hearing you wanted to give him a super public endorsement, cannot be found. He was last seen travelin' on foot through the Adirondacks. But my husband and two of his drinkin' buddies are in pursuit on snowmachines.
FERRELL AS BUSH – "Well, We'll smoke him out. George Bush always finds his man save for one huge exception."
FEY AS PALIN – "We are gonna get 'er done."
FERRELL AS BUSH – "My God you are folksy."
FEY AS PALIN – "Why thank you Mr. President. I like to think I'm one part practiced folksy , one part sassy and a little dash of high school bitchy."
FERRELL AS BUSH – "For a little while I was trying to be folksy but after a bit, it just came off douchey. All right, let me get into my endorsement for you as Vice President. As you know America, the office of Vice President is the most important office in the land. The Vice President decides when we go to war, how we tax the citizens and how we interpret the Constitution. The President can do nothing without checking with the Vice President. That is why Sarah Palin..."
FEY AS PALIN – "Actually, Mr. President, I don't want to go all Katie Couric on you, but I think it's actually the other way around. I think the Vice President reports to the President."
FERRELL AS BUSH – "Really? That's not what Dick Cheney told me when he sat me down on the first day."
The press could do better. NBC anchorman Brian Williams had a chance to ask Palin about her "little shoppin'" spree, but chose not to. But here is a group of comedy writers and performers not only riffing on it, but putting it in the context of her look-at-me/look-at-me personality. (She did all but elbow her running mate, John McCain out of the camera shot during the interview with Williams to the point where I was watching a political remake of A Star is Born.)
And SNL nailed it all like no one -- not even the savviest, smartest and snarkiest political columnists -- has this week.
SNL's live primetime Weekend Update Thursday ended its run last night. I will miss it. But what a service to democracy it provided.
(Above: NBC Photo of Darrell Hammond as Senator John McCain, Tina Fey as Governor Sarah Palin, Will Farrell as President George W. Bush by Dana Edelson)
Comments
You are spot on with this article David. SNL is really outdoing themselves. The latest skit was HILARIOUS and scary at the same time because it so real. Kudos to the actors because they are spot on with their portrayals.
Posted by: KC | October 24, 2008 9:43 AM
SNL was awesome last night. I wish those great writers and actors could find a way to skewer Obama/Biden too. If the "fairness act" is passed in the next political cycle in Washington it is my understanding that such brilliant satire will be illegal.
Good and funny points. There were some Democrat jokes, but there was a definite imbalance. Still, no one says satire has to be balanced. If some are making themselves bigger and more outrageous targets, so be it. Thanks. Z
Posted by: Dave Rymenave | October 24, 2008 9:55 AM
Agreed, yes, totally, yup, mm-hmm, 10-4 to all of the above. Political satire seems more important than ever, and Ferrell's Dubya was amazing. Thanks for the partial transcript, and for leaving out the moment that had me on my feet, yelling and clapping: the actual endorsement dialogue, plus the reactions of Fey's Palin and Hammond's McCain are very, very telling.
That's a must-see. Period. If for no other reason, it is a patriotic duty to view what is grounds for imprisonment and execution on part of the planet right now. It's also proof that a good laugh is not so hard to find.
Hi Brad, Thanks for the passion. I share your feelings. Z
Posted by: Brad Eleven | October 24, 2008 10:12 AM
If Brian Williams interrogates Governor Palin about her wardrobe, he should also ask Obama and Biden about their, as well as Michelle Obama. And, why Obama's Campaign has spend well over $425,000.00 on food.
The mainstream media has had a field attacking Governor Palin for everything else, so it's not suprising they would attack her for the clothes she wears. The media likes to discuss her thin resume but not Obama's because it thinner.
Governor Palin started at the bottom of the political ladder and worked her way up to the Governor's office by hard work, determination, confidence in herself, honesty, and the many other attributes she has. Obama, on the other hand, is the product of "affirmative action." He will not tell us how he got into Columbia and Harvard, who paid his tuition and living expenses, and his grades. The reason is, he does want us to know that he was admitted to Columbia and Harvard based on "affirmative action."
In other words, he was not admitted on his own merit, but on the charity of both universities. This leave two more questions that he will not answer. Who paid his way and what were his grades?
Posted by: Richard | October 24, 2008 10:13 AM
I have to echo Richard. The first couple times Fey did Palin, I laughed hysterically. The next few, I chuckled. Seeing her do it twice a week with regularity now, I'm over it. When was the last time they skewered Obama the way they skewer Palin? No, I'm not a big fan of hers, and don't agree with her on the ticket. And I know SNL is a left of liberal show. But how about SOMETHING to balance the scales just a bit!! With all the controversies surrounding "The One", they couldn't do one skit?? Last nights was half-funny, and half downright vicious. What's Fey going to do when McCain/Palin lose?
Posted by: Phoenix Jeff | October 24, 2008 10:41 AM
"Obama, on the other hand, is the product of "affirmative action."
WOW. That is amazing. I am sure he also got to be the editor of the Harvard Law Review out of charity and that 80% of the world would love him for president because he is black and they want to give him charity.
Sadly, if affirmative action plays a role in anything it was for Palin who was ONLY picked because she is a woman and because she is attractive and not McCain's choice. Had Hillary been picked, she would be in Alaska still. Can you honestly tell me Palin is the most qualified/intelligent female in the GOP party? I can name you at least 6-8 women that are better than her in the GOP. Picking Palin was discriminating against those other, more qualified eomen
Posted by: Anna | October 24, 2008 10:48 AM
Its a sad day when a comedy satire program registers better than any of our politically biased TV news organizations which the public trusts no better anymore than our politicians and Wall Street business "leaders"
Posted by: AMC | October 24, 2008 11:02 AM
To Brad Eleven: political satire may be a healthy diversion, and SNL is really quite good at it, I enjoy their skits very much; but I think it's a bit presumptuous to try to label anything that entertainers do as "important". And heck, with the "wear our endorsement on our sleeves" attitude of NBC News, even NBC's journalists would have a tough time making the case that they are doing anything other than entertaining the public (as opposed to actually *informing* anyone about anything important).
The day that Brian Williams (or any other talking head journalist) tries to explain to his viewers the true long-range consequences to the average American of the Federal government continuing to run budget deficits, will be the day that watching TV news becomes "important" again.
Posted by: Jim | October 24, 2008 11:12 AM
Let see here - Biden retorical flourishes or Palin Criminal Investigations - tell me what is worse. Not to mention the fact she still cannot tell you what the VP Job is.
Sarah Palin the most unqualified candidate ever chosen for VP.
Posted by: whynot | October 24, 2008 11:38 AM
Richard asserts that Obama got into Columbia and Harvard on the basis of affirmative action.
So what if he did? When blacks, the poor and minorities get the worst schools and least opportunities how can they compete on an equal footing with rich, white kids?
The pointy is not affirmative action, but what did Obama do with the opportunity presented to him. By all accounts he did exceptionally well in law school. Better than most of his non-affirmative action selected class-mates.
Posted by: Ralph | October 24, 2008 11:54 AM
Well done. Richard. Obama was summa cum laude at Harvard law school, gained a Juris doctors of law for his efforts and spent 12 years lecturing in constitutional law.
If I know that in Australia why don't you stop watching the dreadful Murdoch Fox news and search it out yourself.
Posted by: Marilyn | October 24, 2008 12:16 PM
Richard: Any attempts to question Obama's merits based on the possibility that he was an affirmative action student are undermined by Obama's subsequent performance. Obama graduated MAGNA CUM LAUDE from Harvard Law School making the manner under which he was accepted immaterial. Palin, on the other hand attended five colleges for six years before managing to graduate. More damning, none of the professors at any of the institutions could recall anything about her while she was matriculating. Not a very distinguished record.
Posted by: kalix | October 24, 2008 12:38 PM
One doesn't get to be President of the Harvard Law Review without substantial intellectual mettle. At this point in the U.S. Presidential campaign, it is also patently obvious that Obama is superior to McCain in this respect as well. Those who would chalk up his success to affirmative action are ignorant and conveniently choosing to ignore his insight, intelligence and integrity. His candidacy is such a refreshing far cry from the angry, bitter, partisan nominee the Republicans have chosen in John McCain. I actually supported him over Bush in the prior election, but his time in the spotlight is now over, as his ideas and political ideology have been proven detrimental to our country's standing in the world.
It's an optimistic stretch to propose that Governor Sarah Palin ascended to the office of governor due to hard work, determination and "honesty" with all that has been recently published regarding her unusual brand of roughshod ethics. Let character be at the center if this final week, and let those new depositions of Sarah and Todd Palin further illuminate public opinion.
Hi, Laura, and amen to what you say. Thanks. Z
PS. I am so happy to see you and other readers taking on this "affirmative action" talk by Richard. Wow. Thanks. Z
Posted by: Laura | October 24, 2008 12:40 PM
I agree ... SNL has been spot on, hilarious and will be part of the living history of the election 0f 2008.
Frank, Oregon
Yes, thanks for the context. I think it will be reviewed years from now and admired for the role it played. Z
Posted by: FRank | October 24, 2008 12:55 PM
McCain is not George Bush. He is George Bush 90% of the time. Does that make him 10% better, or 10% worse than the worst President in American history?
Posted by: Larry Linn | October 24, 2008 2:01 PM
"I was reminded yet again what a profound service political satire serves in this democracy"
Amen to that. I'd written SNL off a long time ago. It's nice to see them come back, but I still can't help but think the real kudos belong to John Stewart and Stephen Colbert. They were the ones standing up and screaming The Emperor has no Clothes back when Bush's approval ratings were sky high and the press was utterly complacent.
Posted by: Norm | October 24, 2008 2:02 PM
Is it just me, or does David seem to lose some (i.s. all) of his objectivity when it comes to politics?
This seems to be pretty common thing lately. I've been getting a lot of e-mail from politically minded friends who titled "Hysterical!!!" and "SO FUNNY! LOL!!" And usually it turns out to be some gradeschool joke that either skewers Obama, McCain or their respective parties. This is always the kind of thing they never so much as snickered at when the same joke was told about OJ or Michael Jackson or whomever.
But politics seems to cloud people's judgement and temporarily alter their sense of humor. I would have hoped David Surawik might be immune to this malady but, until I see him fawning over some well made but anti-Obama programming (you have to look for it, but it's out there) I'm afraid I won't believe otherwise.
Posted by: michae1 | October 24, 2008 2:39 PM
I also thought SNL nailed it. The best line "What every politician wants most right now" - a prime time endorsement from George W. Bush.
It was to be expected, and I notice it has happened here, that the McCain supporters will "go all negative on you" and accuse you and SNL of media bias, their favorite term for anything they don't agree with.
I have to wonder whether they are for state censored media or something. If anything, the media is biased toward Republican positions. The media has also suffered from deregulation during the Bush years, with increasing consolidation and financial pressure tending toward convervative views. Not to mention all the "free advertising" the Republicans get from the horde of right-wing talk shows and Fox News....
So good for you - let's keep protecting our Democracy from those who would seek to kill it while spouting its name.
Amen, and thanks. Z
Posted by: Andy2 | October 24, 2008 2:53 PM
Why haven't they mentioned Biden's '3 letters: J-O-B-S'? Or Obama's '57 states'?
Posted by: Jeff | October 24, 2008 3:46 PM
Can we put the election off for a few months so we can enjoy the humor.....
I agree on the humor...but can't wait for the voting. Thanks. Z
Posted by: hockey dad | October 24, 2008 4:53 PM
Sara Palin is far, far more qualified to be Vice President than Obama is to be President. He has never run anything but his mouth.
Posted by: jeremiah | October 24, 2008 7:06 PM
To Richard: the Fairness Doctrine goes both ways. You won't be able to watch Faux (I mean Fox) News or listen to conservative talk radio -- so hey, I'm not averse to equal opportunity bashing. God Bless America and the First Amendment.
Posted by: Rachel | October 24, 2008 8:26 PM
It is a shame the talent of the SNL writers is so limited. I think a skit with Obama meeting with Ayres, Wright and Rizko could be hilarious.Maybe they would like to be informed there are TWO political parties with Four principal candidates.
I don't think they are limited at all. Brilliant is the adjective I use. Thanks. Z
Posted by: Richard Davis | October 24, 2008 11:33 PM
I think both you Mr.Z and Obama are wonderful
Maybe this will get through.
Posted by: Richard Davis | October 24, 2008 11:37 PM
So the "Dick Cheney running the White House" conspiracy theory is now conventional wisdom? Not even Oliver Stone believes that. But I guess its courageous "truth to power." Oh well.
I guess people, including even entertainers and media columnists, will realize that even Barack Obama has flaws, inconsistencies, and worse.
Right now, it appears that there is no legitimate criticism or mockery of Obama. If you question anything about his extremely vague ideology or dubious past associations, you're automatically a racist/McCarthyite/Death-Eater/puppy killer.
In all seriousness, I wonder, IS there a socially acceptable line of criticism or satire that can be directed toward the junior senator from Illinois?
Posted by: fellspointosfan | October 25, 2008 9:34 AM
The only thing more predictable than the SNL political skits is your admiration for them. Geez, Now I will go check the tube and see if Paul Begala, Keith Obermann, Chris Matthews or Sean Hannity say anything unpredictable.
Posted by: shannondoodle | October 25, 2008 1:08 PM
I couldn't agree more, To be honest while I think that SNL does political better than most of its other recent sketches. But Fey as Palin? She is brilliant! You shouldn't have held back Z!
-abby
Posted by: Abby L | October 27, 2008 12:09 AM
it would be funny if it wasn't so damn scary
Posted by: Jason | October 27, 2008 12:42 AM
"If Brian Williams interrogates Governor Palin about her wardrobe, he should also ask Obama and Biden about their, as well as Michelle Obama. And, why Obama's Campaign has spend well over $425,000.00 on food."
Obama and Biden have already stated that they buy their own clothes...
What's wrong with spending money for food? Are you implying that Obama ate $425k in food?? I would assume that there are hundreds of people working on Obama's campaign over the course of many months so the amount doesn't seem like that much to me.
Posted by: steve | October 30, 2008 10:02 AM
"If Brian Williams interrogates Governor Palin about her wardrobe, he should also ask Obama and Biden about their, as well as Michelle Obama. And, why Obama's Campaign has spend well over $425,000.00 on food."
Obama and Biden have already stated that they buy their own clothes...
What's wrong with spending money for food? Are you implying that Obama ate $425k in food?? I would assume that there are hundreds of people working on Obama's campaign over the course of many months so the amount doesn't seem like that much to me.
Posted by: steve | October 30, 2008 10:02 AM
. What's Fey going to do when McCain/Palin lose?
Well... I think she will do 30 Rock like she has for a while, quite successfully I might add.
I would think Tina would not want to be doing Palin for 4 years.
Posted by: Jeff | October 30, 2008 2:23 PM