MSNBC's "Morning Joe" and "News Live" on Sunday and Monday repeatedly played clips from Sen. John McCain's appearance on the November 1 edition of "Saturday Night Live" for a combined total of 11 times. One MSNBC host, Alex Witt, on Sunday, even claimed, "We're gonna have a lot of clips of that for ya so you can be smiling through this morning." However, MSNBC did not show even one clip of Ben Affleck's impersonation of "Countdown" host Keith Olbermann from the same broadcast.
Many of the hosts expressed that they thought McCain was funny during his SNL appearance, probably because he was making fun of himself and his campaign. But apparently MSNBC didn't want its viewers laughing and smiling at SNL's imitation of Olbermann which cast him as pompous and as someone who commonly has hypersensitive overreactions. After all, a senior executive at the cable channel has admitted that Olbermann "runs MSNBC."
MSNBC has a history of repeatedly replaying SNL parodies of the Republican ticket while virtually ignoring other parodies from the same show, specifically those of the Democratic ticket. On September 29, MSNBC played clips of Tina Fey's SNL parody of Palin's interview with CBS "Evening News" anchor Katie Couric seven times between 6:00 a.m. and 12 while only "Morning Joe" featured the SNL parody of Senator Barack Obama from the same night, and even then the focus was on the portion of the skit which parodied McCain's "gimmicks."
One week later on October 6, the cable channel replayed bits from Fey's parody of Palin's performance in the vice presidential debate. The SNL parody of Joe Biden's debate performance was only played twice, and both times were during "Morning Joe."
MSNBC pop culture columnist Courtney Hazlett on October 6 made sure to note that "Saturday Night Live" is "nonpartisan, too. That's something that a lot of critics are saying, that it's all about Sarah Palin and it's anti-John McCain and they're taking advantage of the McPalin ticket, if you will. And when I was speaking with the cast members and with Lorne Michaels, they said, 'you know what, there's material on both sides here.' It's just that sometimes there are things that get more attention than others.'" MSNBC, though, seems to want the SNL parodies of McCain and Palin to get more attention than the SNL parodies of Olbermann, Biden and Obama.
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Hissy fit
November 3, 2008 - 20:07 ET by Secret ConservativeThat's because they know Olbermann will throw a hissy fit! You know, while I thought Ben Affleck was spot on in his impersonation of the Olbermaniac, the skit went on w-a-a-y too long - kind of like Olbermann's show.
It's interesting to me that while McCain and Palin can poke fun at themselves, and react with good humor when others do, it's revealing that Obama and Biden apparently can't. And the libs know that. These people take themselves far too seriously.
And, BTW, I think John McCain's poke at Barbra Streisand is still one of the funniest bits EVER on SNL.
SC
November 4, 2008 - 03:06 ET by DoktorFrankenI don't know. In my opinion, the length was good because Affleck (who's 'acting' I am not fond of) had to show the gamut of Olbermann emotions and bits (twisting and/or ignoring facts - running up to a whacko frenzy kinda thing - SIR!). At times it was spooky the way Affleck nailed Olbermann. And, when you think about it, for SNL to become balanced in their portrayals, this sketch could have possibly taken days.
I would have liked to have seen the rehearsal where Olbermann broke into the closed set to stare at Affleck. I have to give Ben credit where due and he deserves it for this performance.
I do agree with your BS comment. McCain was great - it's one of my all time favorites. Mem-mries . . .
They may not have played it
November 3, 2008 - 20:30 ET by gueinThey may not have played it on the air, but I would be willing to bet that Joe and Chris had it set up on a loop playing in their office, with most of the staff looking on as well. Even liberals know a pampas arse when they see one.
I'm not surprised - if I
November 3, 2008 - 20:56 ET by MikeknaJI'm not surprised - if I were Olbermann I wouldn't want that replayed. Ever. Ever ever ever ever.
And what's this about Matthews and Olbermann now "hosting" MSNBC's election night coverage tommorow? Didn't we already go through this and learn from our mistakes, Phil Griffin??
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Affleck
November 3, 2008 - 21:14 ET by jaywlI would give anything to see Affleck on Morning Joe discussing the skit. Can you imagine Olbermann's reaction that day! OR, maybe Affleck can just drop in for a visit to OberHole! He would have to be restrained, first, then put in a straight-jacket before being carried off, babbling nonsense and eating his throw-away papers. How good it would be!
The McCain skit involved John McCain
November 3, 2008 - 22:48 ET by Josh SNThe Olbermann skit involved Ben AFLAC.
The writer for the Olberman skit had the subtlety of steam-powered locomotive rushing headlong over the lip of the Grand Canyon.
Some of the cracks in the McCain QVC ad were pretty good.
I totally forgot! Republicans generally lack a sense of humor. I mean, who do you have? Drew Carey? The guy who gets laughs by making fun of his two friends (who make Beavis & Butthead look smart) and an overweight woman dressed like a clown?
No, I guess I should not be surprised "you just don't get it."
Josh
November 3, 2008 - 22:57 ET by MightyMouthWhat about Sarah Palin's sense of humor a few weeks ago? Cool right? But I guess you cant admit she didn't "get it". You are so transparent, in the bag, on your knees for the great one! Dopes, dumbasses, sheeple, SUCKAS!
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Josh is just another troll
November 3, 2008 - 23:00 ET by Clear thinkerJosh is just another troll on the Obama payroll. I suggest ignoring him until at least Wednesday!
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Afflect as Olbermann
November 4, 2008 - 00:09 ET by nandrelliI have to give it to Affleck on this one, he had Olbermann down pat.
I guess "bathtub boy" just can't take it like he gives it out.
Are you serious? Because McCain is running for president!
November 4, 2008 - 13:12 ET by air conservativeAre you serious? Because McCain is running for president! That's why he should be shown more. He did a great job, too. Quit complaining. If they showed the Olbermann sketch 11 times and McCain none, what would you say then? McCain deserves the airtime.