Saturday NIght Live..What do you think?
By ersmommy1
@ersmommy1 (12587)
United States
October 18, 2008 1:36pm CST
Do "SNL" impersonations help or hurt candidates? Saturday Night Live" has been parodying politicians for years. Sometimes their catchphrases (Carvey's "wouldn't be prudent," Ferrell's "misunderestimated") have become more closely associated with the politicians than the politicians' own words. Some presidents that have been done are:Chevy Chase as Gerald Ford. Dan Aykroyd as Jimmy Carter (and Richard Nixon and Bob Dole). Dana Carvey as George H.W. Bush. Will Ferrell as George W. Bush.
Do you have a favorite impersonation?
3 people like this
6 responses
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
19 Oct 08
SNL just takes what the politician does and exaggerates it a bit for a laugh. Of course we all know it's an exaggeration only meant in fun and not what the politician is truly like.
What has been bothering me lately though is that SNL seems to be leaning towards one side, and it's coming through in their skits. They are obviously biased towards Obama, and I think it's going to make SNL fans lean more towards Obama. I don't think it's right for a television show to do this. They should make their skits unbiased so the people don't get the wrong impression of any particular politician.
1 person likes this
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
16 Nov 08
They kind of have to work with what they have. Palin was an easy target, especially with the resemblance between her and Tina Fey and her distinctive accent and way of talking. Tonight they started out with a parody of Joe Biden. I'm a big supporter of his and have been since well before the election but I still think it's fine to make fun of him. Heck, he makes fun of himself! I don't really think a SNL skit would sway anyone's vote. If anything it may just confirm whatever your original view was about someone. If you like someone and they make them seem funny or even stupid and silly at times you can still laugh but realize it's just a comic exaggeration. If you dislike someone you'll probably say, "See, he (or she) really is just a dumb as I thought. This skit is truer to life than they realize!"
Annie
@Haylie2610 (582)
• Dominican Republic
18 Oct 08
I dont have a favorite, but I think that Tina Fey's impersonation of Sarah Palin its really both clever and funny... It takes Palin's actions and makes them hillarius
Happy MyLotting and have a nice day!
Xp
@ersmommy1 (12587)
• United States
19 Oct 08
I think it will eventually become a classic! She does a wonderful job.
1 person likes this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
26 Jan 09
I don't feel that it hurt the candidates at all and Tina Fey done a great job looking like Sarah Palin. I think that everyone knows that it is a little bit of funning and not to take it seriously.
@anniepa (27955)
• United States
16 Nov 08
I guess they could do both but I don't really think they have much of an effect with most voters. They just play up their most noticeable mannerisms and make them funny. I loved all of the ones you mentioned and I also enjoyed Phil Hartman as Bill Clinton. I love that skit years ago with Admiral Stockdale (Ross Perot's running mate) but I can't think who played him. Dana Carvey was a great Perot!
Annie
@DaddyOfTheRose (2934)
• United States
19 Oct 08
That is hard to tell. They say any publicity is good publicity. In some cases, such as Sarah Palin, it seems the satire has a negative interpretation. However, Palin has been quoted as saying she'd be interested in appearing on the show or finds it interesting. This is good, as it indicates an ability to laugh at oneself (genuine or not is irrelevant for our discussion.) So, a politician who is politically well-coached can probably spin things to their favor.
1 person likes this
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
25 Oct 08
i watched it for the first time the night sarah palin was going to be on. silliest mess i ever saw. didn't even watch the whole show.did not enjoy it at all.
