NBC's "Saturday Night Live" opened its most recent installment with a John McCain-bashing skit believed to be the idea of Senate Democrat candidate Al Franken.
In the segment, McCain, played by Darrell Hammond, approved numerous campaign ads making absolutely absurd claims about Democrat presidential candidate Barack Obama.
One accused the junior senator from Illinois of wanting to provide health insurance for everyone in the universe including Osama bin Laden, while another said Obama approved tax cuts for pedophiles (video embedded below the fold).
Yet, according to Politico, this was all the brainchild of Franken:
Al Franken, the former "Saturday Night Live" star now running in a high-profile Senate race in Minnesota, helped craft the opening sketch mocking John McCain that kicked off the NBC comedy show Saturday, according to two well-placed sources inside the network.
Franken, who hasn't been a staff writer on the show for 13 years, "phoned in" a spoof of McCain recording campaign ads in an edit booth, said an NBC source. Seth Meyers, the show's current head writer, wrote it, but the sketch was hatched by Franken, a longtime liberal satirist and comedian.
An SNL insider said that, as of the Wednesday script read-through, Franken was the "credited writer with Meyers" on the opening sketch. Show veteran Darrell Hammond is to play McCain.
Honestly, NBC, candidates are certainly fair game. But allowing one candidate to assist in the creation of a skit attacking another goes way beyond the pale and should have been obvious to someone in the network before it was approved.
Sheesh.
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters.















Comments Policy
Does SNL ever lampoon Obama negatively?
September 21, 2008 - 09:52 ET by geoksterI don't watch the show, but from my understanding of their famous skit about Obama and Clinton, the real object of the piece was neither of them but was aimed at the fawning of the media over Obama.
Does anyone know of ANY late night show, or any famous comedian, doing anything about Obama in such nasty, negative, disrespectful way that they do this routinely about McCain and Palin?
The sheer cumulative weight of this constant barrage of slander, slamming, and sliming by ever sector of the media and entertainment has got to have an impact on this race. In my opinion, if there had been anything like even handed coverage, Palin/McCain would be ahead by 40 points now.
Does SNL make references to Obama's Kids and incest?
September 21, 2008 - 12:47 ET by PamTwice last night, the show made reference to Bistol Palin's baby being the product of and incestuous relationship with her father. "The Palin camp has neither confirmed nor denied the story"..tell me how many of you think that that is funny? Would that have been said of Biden or Obamas kids?
Pam...not only is it
September 21, 2008 - 13:43 ET by bigtimerPam...not only is it unfunny, it's disgusting.
I could go on with my anger over this along with Franken being able to get his slimy claws into SNL while he running for office himself...this is absolutely outrageous...
I would like to hear some voices from our side of the aisle screaming about this illegality of this as far as I am concerned, at the top of their lungs.
Could anyone imagine what would happen if this whole thing was in reverse...the msm would not shut up about it, arm in arm with the leftist party...they wuld be demanding that the FEC do something about this...now!
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
I thought the incest
September 21, 2008 - 14:41 ET by balboaI thought the incest reference skit was pointing out how ridiculous the NYT could be. They were lampooning the media.
balboa
September 21, 2008 - 15:08 ET by well99It seemed like it but that is a road that shouldnt be travel no matter which candidate.
Really Bal?
September 21, 2008 - 15:08 ET by PamI watched it and it wan't once but twice and neither time was it funny nor was it derogatory against the NYT's. It was an attack on Palin.
I agree with balboa! It's been a really long time
September 21, 2008 - 15:17 ET by Dee Bunksince that happened. I thought they were 100% making fun of the NYT and reporters in general for being out of touch and ignorant about anyone who wasn't from the East.
The NY Times editorial
September 22, 2008 - 11:07 ET by Hero SquadThe NY Times editorial staff came across looking like a bunch of clueless prima donnas in that sketch. The incest joke went way too far, no question. While I think they did it as an example of an absurd accusation piled on by the media, it was still inexcusable and unnecessary to deliver the point of the skit.
Overall, though, I thought the skit was great... skewering the NY Times and media bias is alway welcome in my book.
I thought the reporter obsessed with being attacked by a polar bear was pretty funny; especially when you learn that 3 days later, he was attacked and killed by a polar bear. And then hit by lightning.
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
Well guess it didnt go over that well
September 22, 2008 - 13:41 ET by well99If you read this you will see how NBC is trying to hide it.
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/22/snl-palin-incest-joke-falls-flat-in-sketch-lampooning-new-york-times/
w99... Hey thanks for the
September 22, 2008 - 13:59 ET by bigtimerw99...
Hey thanks for the update...
I found it absolutely disgusting, beyond disgusting, and as far as I am concerned this was an intentional put down to the Palin family, Todd, and the people of Alaska...it had nothing to do with the NYTs in my view.
Either way, they had an agenda...and it was filthy...beyond the pale.
For me no excuse will work.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
BT here is a partial of the SNL incest video
September 22, 2008 - 21:10 ET by well99Gee you dont think SNL is trying to hide this do you
"Now, some bloggers are urging protests of the show be sent to producer Lorne Michaels. The video was not posted on the SNL Web site.
Editor’s Note: When this story was originally published at 12:07 pm ET, the video was available on YouTube. It has since been removed and a notice posted that NBC Universal has issued a copyright claim. Many other SNL videos remain on YouTube."
Update:Someone has part of it up
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRXQ2ZueP5c
w99... Thank you. Great
September 22, 2008 - 21:19 ET by bigtimerw99...
Thank you.
Great work...much appreciated.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
bigtimer, Oh, you maka me so happy.......
September 22, 2008 - 21:30 ET by Abe_Jefferson...when you get so angry and outraged. In this case, ridiculously being upset about Franken exercising his First Amendment rights. NO violation of any rules or laws or ethics. For 1, it's a comedy show.
" Could anyone imagine what would happen if this whole thing was in reverse." You mean, like when John McCain HOSTED SNL?
Just to befuddle those NB's who are quick to "boycott" anyone associated w/ what they deem liberal and who plan to vote for McCain, let me point out that if McCain is elected, he'll be the 1st President who has hosted SNL.
The Fairness Doctrine does not apply here.
September 21, 2008 - 09:53 ET by ThalpyThe Fairness Doctrine does not apply here.
»→ Franken
September 21, 2008 - 10:06 ET by Cool ArrowFranken's even too goofy for Minnesota.
"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" - Joe Biden 6/12/87
Yeah . . .
September 21, 2008 - 14:56 ET by DoktorFranken. . . And the revolution will not be televised.
Franken's parents mis-named him. He should've been called Dick.
There He Goes Again...
September 21, 2008 - 10:10 ET by BeresfordAl, when are you going to get it?
You Are Not Good Enough, You Are Not Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me Don't Like You!
SNL is over
September 21, 2008 - 10:17 ET by Gat New YorkI have not looked at the numbers but SNL has not been very funny for years. Needing Franken to write their skits shows how bad their own writers are.
I stopped watching SNL many
September 21, 2008 - 10:35 ET by pocomocoI stopped watching SNL many years ago because, like Leno and Letterman, their humor is for 20-something adolescents who haven’t reached puberty and the age of common sense and rational thought, and consider Howard Stern intellectually superior the Thomas Aquinas.
A bit off the deep end but speaks some truth , pocomoco
September 22, 2008 - 21:07 ET by Abe_Jefferson"pocomoco: "I stopped watching SNL many years ago because, like Leno and Letterman,
their humor is for 20-something adolescents who haven’t reached puberty
and the age of common sense and rational thought, and consider Howard
Stern intellectually superior the Thomas Aquinas."
... Hence the justification for an incest joke.
Element of humor
September 21, 2008 - 10:22 ET by OldfogeyFranken seems to have forgetten that the first element of humor is that it has some truth to it. Obama's policies do go overboard and this skit pointed out this fact. It was funny not because of the parody of McCain but because it again exposes the idiocy of Obama's policies.
It's clear that from now until election day SNL will bash McCain
September 21, 2008 - 10:29 ET by Dee BunkThey are done making fun of Obama's inexperience and the media adoration of him now that there is a Republican in the race.
I was thrilled and surprised to see that they made fun of the NYT later in the broadcast.
SNL
September 21, 2008 - 10:42 ET by GothampcThe skit could have easily been turned around to be about Obama approving messages, but that would have drawn attention to his inexperience. No, SNL rarely touches Obama.
However, they did do a skit about New York Times reporters being too effete to go to Alaska. While it wasn't funny, at least they poked fun at the out-of-touch NYT.
Unfortunately, SNL hasn't been consistently funny in many years. They should really shut the program down.
from both sides
September 22, 2008 - 07:53 ET by mom_roxThe skit was so-so (the not-so-subtle jabs from the announcer were not funny). The skit could have been funnier if they showed both McCain and Obama trying to one up each other with over-the-top claims.
(but that would have portrayed Obama in a negative light, so I'm not holding my breath.)
What's the difference between Barack Obama and Sarah Palin?
One is eye candy while the other kills her own food.
Franken
September 21, 2008 - 10:43 ET by jaywlI just know in my heart that after Al Franken is elected to the august US Senate, he will become a deliberative examiner of the nation's problems and work for non-partisan solutions.
OK, guys, I know where I can put my heart.
Barack Obama's kind of Change!
September 21, 2008 - 11:11 ET by ChasvsYes indeed, this is the kind of people that will lead our Country if the Marxist Racist Candidate of CHANGE is elected!
If you think the 9/11 perpetrators were evil, wait until you see what the Socilaist Leftist that support Obama are going to do to this Country!
We have a chance to stop him now! Wake up before it's too late!
FEC
September 21, 2008 - 11:21 ET by Heather RadishUnder FEC regulations, don't all these skits have to be declared as "in-kind" contributions to Obama?
»→ in-kind
September 21, 2008 - 11:23 ET by Cool ArrowDoesn't it depend on which party is stretching the rules?
"Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" - Joe Biden 6/12/87
Heather..
September 21, 2008 - 11:28 ET by Gary HallIndeed.. something here about offering up equal air time comes to my mind.. not to mention the "fairness doctrine."
Wikipedia says, "The equal-time rule specifies that U.S. radio and television broadcast stations must provide an equivalent opportunity to any opposing political candidates ...."
Curious as to how that applies to television writers, who are candidates? (;~> gary
The laws don't apply to
September 21, 2008 - 12:05 ET by guefyThe laws don't apply to comedy or parodies. It was funny. Most of the U.S. are smart enough to differentiate between comedy and politics. I felt it was making fun of the stuff Obama is claiming that McCain is doing.
And yet, someone ought to
September 21, 2008 - 12:08 ET by dmntd1And yet, someone ought to take the time to turn the (D)'s tactics back on them. Since we can't report them to the IRS, FEC seems like a good bet!
Fascism is a religious conception in which man is seen in his imminent relationship with a superior law and with an objective will that transcends the particular individual - Mussolini
guefy, the writer of this
September 21, 2008 - 12:11 ET by Smartypantsguefy, the writer of this sketch is a self-avowed hardcore liberal. There is no way he wrote a skit which is making fun of Obama in favor of John McCain. Also, what is funny is in the eye of the beholder. To me, Al Franken never was funny, even before he became so overtly political.
guefy
September 21, 2008 - 12:21 ET by Gary HallIn all seriousness - was not trying to be on the straight there. A bit of a tease, with a little fairness in the air, was hinting that perhaps a Republican candidate be given a fair opportunity to write a skit for SNL bashing Obama. (;~> Gary
There may be a case against Franken and SNL
September 25, 2008 - 20:52 ET by nkviking75You know, when Schwarzenegger ran for governor in California, TV stations and even national cable networks kept his movies off the air for fear of having to give other candidates equal time. This situation is probably unprecedented since Franken has access to the ear of Lorne Michaels in a way most candidates wouldn't. I'm no lawyer, but there may be a case here.
When you put the clowns in charge, don't be surprised when a circus breaks out.
Do some catchin' up, Dude.
September 22, 2008 - 21:00 ET by Abe_JeffersonGary: "Curious as to how that (Fairness Doctrine) applies to television writers, who are candidates?"
The Fairness Doctrine doesn't apply to anyone, and hasn't for a long time., and never applied to comedy programs.
Abe..
September 23, 2008 - 12:03 ET by Gary HallAbe.. I'm well aware. Point is, the want to reinstate the fariness doctirne has been in the air, and I wondered, out loud here in a bit of a tease, if the supporters of such action would wish it to apply to this situation. I'm caught up, by the way. (;~> gary
Al Franken needs to worry about his Minnesota race
September 21, 2008 - 11:47 ET by Lame CherrySen. Norm Coleman in Minnesota is mopping the floor with Franken and where Franken should be investing his time. Coleman is running an ad with Franken using more foul language than Hillary Clinton.
I saw Franken's work and it was not amusing. Usually Hammond does a great mimic but he looked nothing like McCain.
It is though wonderful news that Franken has tossed in the towel in Minnesota and is looking to move back to New York with a job at SNL, Smearin n' Liberal.
PS: Why is it with Bill Clinton a known rapist was never once outed in a SNL skit about sexing Chelsea and yet SNL was saying that about the Gov. and her family?
*HIC IACET ARTORIVS REX QVONDAM REXQVE FVTVRVS
Lame Cherry, Let's hope Al Frankenberry keeps this up!
September 21, 2008 - 16:06 ET by goldenthroatThis moron continues to demostrate his complete lack of credibility and credentials as a viable candidate and, if he keeps this up, it will not only be a Norm Coleman win but a win by a landslide.
Isn't it fun watching the dimwitocrats make total jackasses of themselves? Let's just hope and pray that Minnesota voters learned their lesson with that pathetic Jesse Ventura!
"Mediocrities everywhere! I absolve you! I absolve you!" - Antonio Salieri in Amadeus
Lame = Another NB able to deny reality
September 22, 2008 - 21:38 ET by Abe_JeffersonLame: "Sen. Norm Coleman in Minnesota is mopping the floor with Franken." Rasmussen poll released today (9/22): Coleman 47%, Franken 46% - statistical tie.
Statistical tie - in a Democrat state!
September 22, 2008 - 21:48 ET by CobraManStatistical tie - in a Democrat state! Franken better improve his poll ratings soon or he's going to lose! I live here in Minnesota, and I can tell you that a "statistical tie" between a Democrat and a Republican means that the Republican is winning.
Obama: My job is above my pay grade
CobraMan, Just so I understand you.....
September 26, 2008 - 18:24 ET by Abe_Jefferson.... let me get this right. IF Franken wins, and it is a big IF (he wins), by just the smallest of margins you and Lame Cherry would look at the outcome as Coleman wiping the floor w/ Franken?
Not likely
September 21, 2008 - 12:00 ET by guefyI have to say, I don't think for one bit that Franken had anything to do with this. I've watched SNL from the beginning. This skit was funny. I've yet to see anything from Franken that was funny.
What would've made this skit better, would have been at the end, they have Obama say that he approves this message, as though the whole thing was an Obama ad.
SNL skit? Less than 1000 people saw it
September 21, 2008 - 12:02 ET by jefflebowskiWho cares? SNL lost any relevance a generation ago. It is painful to watch these days. Every time I try to give it a few minutes, I end up shaking my head and changing the channel. MadTV is pretty good if it is still on. Al Franken is just another of the un-funny "comedians" of the left like Jeneane Garofalo, that idiot tool Robin Williams and Bill Maher.
Jeff Lebowski
www.angrywhitedude.c...
Hey Jeff... You have a
September 21, 2008 - 13:51 ET by bigtimerHey Jeff...
You have a great blog post along with Youtube video about Williams on your site...I really enjoyed it, plus commented too..
As far as SNL goes for me when they lost Hartman it was over for me...when he joined the show that is when I really enjoyed the majority of the show... now it is just fish-wrap for me like the majority of it has always been with some exceptions here and there over the years.
"America isn't the problem...America is the solution." ~ Rush Limbaugh
Thanks Bigtimer, glad you liked it
September 21, 2008 - 19:32 ET by jefflebowskiI saw your comments and always agree with your opinions. Robin Williams is pure and simply an idiot. His schtick was old a looonnng time ago.
Please visit the site anytime you have a few minutes. We're growing and it is a lot of fun. My favorite page..lol. NB is second!
Jeff Lebowski
www.angrywhitedude.c...
Second golden age.
September 21, 2008 - 20:47 ET by JWFwhen he joined the show
Showing your age again. That was the mid 80s and they started the second golden age of SNL.
If and when they finally come out with the complete season dvd's, I will finally remove my satellite subscription and retire happy as my life will be complete.
My all time favorite sketch was from that period when they made Reagan out to be some kind of super genious that was overseeing the whole Iran contra thing, made complex arithmetic calculations in his head, and spoke other languages fluently. It was funny because it was completely opposite of the way he was portrayed by the media.
Now excuse me while I do the superior dance.
That was definitely one of
September 22, 2008 - 11:13 ET by Hero SquadThat was definitely one of the top 10-15 skits SNL ever did.
Number one for me was the male syncrhonized swimming sketch featuring Martin Short, Harry Shearer and Christopher Guest.
Wow, that one might make a great Halloween costume.
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
I'm going to LMAO in November after.....
September 21, 2008 - 12:06 ET by BEGRUNTthis vicious, coke snorting, un-funny, petty little man, gets steam rolled in the election. You would be hearing the Dems howling if the shoe were on the other foot......HYPOCRITES!!!
"If a man does his best, what else is there"?
General George S. Patton Jr.
After thought..................
September 21, 2008 - 12:14 ET by BEGRUNTNotice that a lot of Dems running this year have "coke snorting", in common?
"If a man does his best, what else is there"?
General George S. Patton Jr.
Begrunt, "coke snorting"?
September 21, 2008 - 12:50 ET by goldenthroatActually I prefer Pepsi.
"Mediocrities, everywhere! I absolve you! I absolve you! " - Antonio Salieri in Amadeus
Sprite
September 21, 2008 - 15:19 ET by Indiana JoeColas burn my sinuses.
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
Benjamin Franklin
September 21, 2008 - 12:18 ET by dmntd1Why does this quote only pass around in reference to the Patriot Act? Why do we not shout this from the rooftops when the US Govt socializes our financial markets, insurance markets, housing markets, and healthcare? What about Social Security? Medicare? Are the liberties they represent so minor that we would give up the essential rights to our hard-earned dollars to purchase the temporary safety they represent?
"Socialism is the philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy."Winston Churchill
A nice article, for those that care....
Socialism is government of the duds, by the duds and for the duds. -Winston Churchill
Franken had better get busy writing his concession speech.
September 21, 2008 - 12:46 ET by CrashI saw that skit and thought it was very funny.
Shameless plug ...
September 21, 2008 - 12:52 ET by Dave PierreAll you need to know about Al Franken ... Frankenlies.com: Al Franken debunked
That sucked
September 21, 2008 - 13:50 ET by well99That was as funny as a accident.I see SNL still is humorless.Glad I dont watch that junk.Maybe Lorene Michaels should do a skit on his love of barnyard animals.That was a joke.Maybe.
Just a note.This is on SNL on Palin incest.Someone can explain what is suppose to be funny about this.
http://www.worldnetdaily.com/?pageId=75852
Al Franken is the Democrat
September 21, 2008 - 15:18 ET by Indiana JoeAl Franken is the Democrat Senate candidate in Minnesota. If that's not a sign of a completely ideologically bankrupt organization, I shudder to think what is.
"... smells like... victory." - Robert Duvall
Yawn!!
September 21, 2008 - 15:45 ET by northoneI was watching this skit last night, thinking there was nothing funny about it. Even the live audience didn't react much. Then I learn Al Franken was the brains behind the skit, and the fact that it wasn't funny made all-the-more sense. This moron is the potentially the best that Minnesota can offer? At least that's a joke!
The not so antiestablishment, antiestablishment
September 21, 2008 - 16:05 ET by Kuso JijiThese guys would be a whole lot funnier--and i include, Maher, Stewart, Letterman etc in the list of hacks--if they weren't so completely in the tank for the Democratic Party
SNL is in real trouble if they have to rely on Al Franken for inspiration.
NBC has become the network useful idiots i guess.
Al Frankin
September 21, 2008 - 16:21 ET by I.am.DILLIGAFthis guy wasnt funny when he was on SNL but then again those who thought he was are still watching it. How can Minn. even suggest that they want him as a Senator? I thought they were out of there minds when they elected Jesse the bod Ventura as Gov.
What I want to know is why is it so warm and what is this basket Iam in?
Guns and Violence are not the answer but they are one solution to the problem== SARG
Frankie goes to Hollywood
September 21, 2008 - 18:51 ET by caiobabeAnd that's just it 'cause he ain't going to Washington!
Al Franken has done himself in way before this stupid SNL skit.
Personal attacks and slurs, foul language and graphic sexual writings , tax evasion, poor political ethics practices, lying about his enemies personal lives, hypocrisy.
He has a snowballs chance and that snow comes from Minnesota. Residents of that state CANNOT be so ignorant to let all his failures get pushed aside in favor of Stuart Smalley.
Isn't this political advertising?
September 21, 2008 - 19:24 ET by retroconWhen a commentator, editor, writer, or journalist produces this stuff, it's free speech, i'm ok with it.
When an active candidate writes something, and a media outlet runs it (or produces it), isn't that political campaigning/advertising?
Shouldn't NBC (and the NYT, when they did the O-ditorial) either charge for the advertising or consider it campaign financing?
I don't watch SNL
September 21, 2008 - 20:02 ET by KTI don't watch SNL anymore. It used to be funny when Chris Farley and Adam Sandler were on it. Now I just don't watch it. I thought it was a joke when I heard Al Franken was running for senate? Do you think this will make him look good on his campaign?
Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.- George Santayana
SNL
September 21, 2008 - 21:59 ET by UnsaneOnce upon a time, like, say around 1991 or so (and times previous), SNL was extremely funny and a breeding/proving ground for countless comedians, many of whom made it big.
The last time I saw an entire SNL...maybe 1995 or 1996...it spent a ton of time in a self-congratulatory mode, and being extremely unfunny. And that could be the problem. It is no longer a show, it is an institution, and as such, the powers that be behind SNL feel that all it needs to do is to self-congratulate itself for its glorious past, throw up whatever they want on the screen, and the crowds will come.
The plug should have been pulled on this program long ago, which is a shame. Back at the peak of its freshness and creative powers it was utterly hilarious and my entire family would stay up late on Saturday nights watching it.
Whoever casts a vote for Obama-Biden is nothing more than a common thief. Whoever fails to vote against them is nothing more than a moral coward.
These points are brought up
September 21, 2008 - 22:18 ET by balboaThese points are brought up every time there's an SNL thread, with different eras claimed as the "last time it was funny."
It is definitely in a slouch, with moments of greatness, right now. These things are cyclical, as they always have been. Great at the beginning, horrible when Lorne Michaels left, up, down, and so on.
It'll become great once again. But it's always relevant.
Commit man commit
September 21, 2008 - 22:50 ET by JWFDon't straddle the fence.
The first golden age was in the begining until the original cast left.
The second golden age was in the mid 80's through the early 90's when Dana Carvey, Phil Hartman, Dennis Miller, Jan Hooks, Jon Lovitz, and more ruled the stage.
There has been no 3rd golden age. That is why we still watch, hoping against hope, that suddenly one will spring up.
It is the same thing as Beatles vs Rolling Stones. Pick a band and put it out there. No one likes a straddler.
Wake me when it gets here
September 21, 2008 - 23:22 ET by UnsaneHmmmm...I like your likening of SNL to two Golden Ages. That makes a lot of sense. Although I would argue that the interregnum between them wasn't NEARLY as painful as what we are witnessing right now.
Except for one thing: I gave up on a 3rd Golden Age a long time ago. When it is here, wake me.
Whoever casts a vote for Obama-Biden is nothing more than a common thief. Whoever fails to vote against them is nothing more than a moral coward.
SNL RIP
September 21, 2008 - 23:29 ET by Unsanebalboa, I disagree. SNL is done and has been done for years now. And you have to wonder if its demise is being aided by the current 500+ channel universe we live in now. When SNL premiered in 1975, you had the networks, PBS, possibly two local independent channels, and that was IT.
Granted, during the "second golden age" noted below, many U.S. households had access to cable packages that expanded their spectrum of viewing to up to 50 channels. But I can't help but wonder if this has aided the rot in SNL. It CAN be relevant again, however, if it gets better writers and people who are actually, um, FUNNY.
Whoever casts a vote for Obama-Biden is nothing more than a common thief. Whoever fails to vote against them is nothing more than a moral coward.
Hey! I think Tina Fey is...
September 21, 2008 - 23:45 ET by RESTLESS 1Hey! I think Tina Fey is... hot! Funny is secondary to me. :) Too bad she is not a regular anymore.
"This
liberal would be all about socialize -- uh, uh, would be about
basically taking over and the government running all of your companies."-Maxine Waters 2008
Unsane, Your news of SNL's demise is way premature.
September 22, 2008 - 22:07 ET by Abe_JeffersonIt's a shame you never learned one of the 1st valuable life lessons for children: "Wishful thinking, saying it does not make it so."
SNL is into it's 33rd season. The longest running entertainment show on TV. With NO end in sight as long as it appeals to the coveted 18-49 yr olds. We can probably all agree that SNL can be very unfunny and has gone thru cycles of excellent to downright bad. Although as Hero Squad points out, even in thier worst seasons there were always moments funny.
As for lack of relevance- Yea right, as irrelevant as this yr's election. Why is SNL so hot now? Millions are watching and talking about it , including often by NBs.
Thanks Abe.
September 22, 2008 - 23:37 ET by JWFNow please please please tell us how long apples have been around and why people still find them tasty.
Yes, relevance seems to be the key, eh? I switched satellite providers last month. I forgot 2 times now to record them. First time in 32 years. Yea, I don't really feel all that bad. Hmmmm. relevance.
By the way, this is a personal opinion just like Unsane's was. Why don't you put a bit of the ol' abe fact smackdown on me too.
Even in the bad seasons
September 22, 2008 - 11:29 ET by Hero SquadEven in the bad seasons (1985-86 still stands as the worst, followed closely by 1980-81, IMHO), in my book. But even those season had their moments of funny.
As long as Andy Samberg is making Digital Shorts, you can be certain that there will be a few funny moments in the show (even though this week's was a weaker effort.)
*****
"People only insist that a debate stop when they are afraid of what might be learned if it continues." - George Will
SNL
September 22, 2008 - 00:50 ET by VinncyGSNL has become nothing more than a demacratic mouthpiece of NBC. They decided to be political and they show their true colors. How funny of Al Franken, couldn't make it as a talk show host on the barely existing Air America and found a home in Minnesota, who else on this planet would have him.
SNL days are numbered with garbage in garbage out.
Goodbye SNL
September 22, 2008 - 08:42 ET by SpikerTwenty years ago I remember how hilarious the skits were making fun of both parties. Dana Carvey was Bush Sr. and Jon Lovitz as Mike Dukakis. They just had a much more talented cast back then. It hasn't been worth watching in years now.
fairness smearness!!
September 22, 2008 - 11:49 ET by STANISZCHARLIE : As much as i would like to deny the fact that the only reason that the so called right stations worry about the doctrine is not equal time!!, but less time for the abundant commercials. I, have watched both sides and from what i see is that most of the stacked programming is on the, PBS STATIONS and they are tax money subsidized. El RUSHBO would,nt last very long without sell, sell, sell every 8mns,.
Noel, Why, Why, Why, and WHY?!?!
September 22, 2008 - 23:59 ET by Abe_JeffersonNoel Sheppard: "But allowing one candidate to assist in the creation of a skit
attacking another goes way beyond the pale..."
Why is it "beyond the pale", let alone "way beyond the pale"?
If SNL aired a sketch about his opponent, Coleman, that Franken contributed to, w/o allowing Coleman the same opportunity, that wouldn't be right. But the fact that the writer consulted Franken on a sketch that clearly had no electioneering or direct self serving advertising for Franken is "No big whup".
If NBC's allowing SNL to get help in writing comedy from a 15 yr veteren writer w/SNL and now Senatorial candidate is "way beyond the pale" then any candidate appearing on any program- news, current affairs, commentary, entertainment, or other, should be down right illegal. I do mean any candidate as opposed to many NBs who support such laws re: dems/liberals. Most of the other NBs just feel any such media appearance by, or any discussion of liberal/Dem candidates (that doesn't attack Dems/liberals) is proof of ubiquitous liberal/Dem bias. "IT'S EVERYWHERE, IN EVERYTHING!" from everyone who uses the word "progress (short for progressive, short for commie-pinko) to the boxes of cereal they read in the morning.
NB should serve as a casebook example how hateful, ridiculous, ignorant, irrational, and just plain crazy people can get when they become obsessed and bitter about the fact there are Americans who disagree with them politically. If it doesn't apply to you, don't take it personally. Remember, I wrote "If it doesn't apply to you... " not "If you THINK it doesn't apply to you."
Seriously Noel, Why?!
Abe, go stuff yourself, troll.
September 23, 2008 - 00:03 ET by R D HelmCan you imagine the outcry of the Marxist leftie bedwetters (like you) if Dennis Miller had produced a similar skit aimed at the dems?
-Dave
Abe. Whoop? Whoop? Whoop?
September 23, 2008 - 00:25 ET by JWFThere it is.
Why did mommy not set a password on her computer? Did she not know the children could access it?
Seriously, Abe, Why?
PS: look, it did not take a 1356 word post to get my point across. Why?
JWF, Thks for taking the time to count # of words in my comment.
September 23, 2008 - 01:18 ET by Abe_Jefferson....any idea when you might be able to read words?
"PS: look, it did not take a 1356 word post to get my point across. Why?"
Maybe because your "point" is pointless.
Maybe because your writing is childish.
Probably both. Yea, Definitely both.
SARCASM ALERT!
Thks to all who responded to me with all your reasons why SNL/NBC was "way beyond the pale".
Wit.
September 23, 2008 - 01:26 ET by JWFNot a strong gene it your genetic pool, eh?
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
Abe
September 23, 2008 - 19:19 ET by I.am.DILLIGAFI really dont know who you are so I dont have an opinion about that, and I really dont take afront to Frankin helping whomever on the skit.
What I do have a problem with is its content, especially the incest part that in and of its self was deporable and should not have been aired. If Al Frankin had anything to do with the writing of it then he sould have his arse whipped. That whole skit was a disc