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. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.
Editor at Large
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...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"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 byGary: "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 byLame: "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.... 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 byIt'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 byNoel 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....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 discrace to a show that in its hay day never took sides.
Guns and Violence are not the answer but they are one solution to the problem== SARG
Abe
September 23, 2008 - 11:24 ET by Noel SheppardAbe,
"...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'."
You might want to zip up your fly there, Abe, because your naivete is showing. I assume you are unfamiliar with down-ticket voting? What this means is that since most people only come out to vote every four years during presidential elections, and most people are much less concerned with Senate and House races, they typically vote with their Party "down-ticket." Furthermore, Independents will typically vote down-ticket for the same Party they choose for president.
As such, every vote for Barack Obama in the state of Minnesota increases the likelihood that Franken will defeat Coleman. Your question therefore either shows an ignorance of how politics work or a willful intent to deceive. Which is it? ns
Noel, my guess
September 23, 2008 - 11:35 ET by Clear thinkerNoel, my guess is... 'deception'.
A Feminist Cat Fight Over Sarah Palin
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
Neil, Neither
September 24, 2008 - 23:46 ET byI'm neither naive nor deceptive. Though I wasn't familiar with the term down-ticket, I'm very familiar w/ what it is and I took it into consideration. That's why I wrote “no ...direct self serving advertising”( we could debate the proper word- “direct” or “indirect”).
It is most definitely not “way beyond the pale."
1st and foremost- It's a COMEDY SKETCH on a COMEDY SHOW*. I'm not that familiar w/ exactly how journalistic standards/network standards apply to comedy shows other than journalistic standards don't, and network standards are fairly liberal for comedy/satire as long as FCC standards are met.
2nd - The real story of how the sketch came about tells a more innocuous story than your article leads readers to believe.
3rd- The idea that this one sketch on SNL is going to sway some Minnesota voters not to vote for McCain and vote for Franken ,though possible, is highly unlikely. If there will be any examples they will be at best inconsequential (even in the close Coleman-Franken race). When you consider the multitude of improper and/or silly reasons why people vote the way they do, you can't get your knickers in a bunch about most of them. How about Bimbaugh's “Operation Chaos”, illegal in some of those “OC” states (though extremely difficult to prosecute) and definitely unethical?
How about unethical propagandists (redundant) distortion, deception and dishonesty about candidates? In terms of improper this is like the weight of a gnat's wing compared to Rushbo's weight.
I don't believe even NB complained just because Hilary, Obama, appeared on SNL, certainly not McCain or Huckabee. Wasn't that self promotion? A form of selling themselves to SNL's audience? Was SNL/NBC way beyond the pale in those appearances. Of course not.
I stand by my comments: It is not “beyond the Pale” let alone “way beyond the pale and “no big wup” and evidently the media (including mainstream conservative, ) and the public agrees. Just another example of NB's fanaticism.
"Yesterday the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, challenged John McCain to a debate. McCain says if he wanted to be attacked by an extremist in an unfair environment, he'd appear on MSNBC." - Conan O'Brien
It could also violate election laws.
September 25, 2008 - 01:48 ET by JWFHow many years in jail would one have to spend before they meet your criteria for wup, big wup, or gnat's wing?
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
JWF -Nope, No Violation of Election Laws
September 25, 2008 - 21:09 ET by"meet (my) criteria for gnat's wing?"
I compared Franken's unfair political infraction to a gnat's wing. So, in that regard, your question doesn't make sense.
Actually, I'd like to see Rush go to jail for "Operaion Chaos" for about 400 Million years (a year for every dollar in his contract). but I'm justifiably* prejudiced toward him.
* Right wingers incl. many NB must be very proud of having this lying propogandist sack of BS be your favorite spokesman. "On the September 22 broadcast of his syndicated radio show, Rush
Limbaugh baselessly claimed that Sen. Barack Obama is “not black,” and
went on to ask: “Do you know he has not one shred of African-American
blood?” Limbaugh continued: “He’s Arab. You know, he’s from Africa.
He’s from Arab parts of Africa. … [H]e’s not African-American. The last
thing that he is is African-American.” Noice he also didn't mention anything about being 1/2 White. BO's just Arab =Muslim.
He told 4 obvious outright lies (1."He's Arab" 2."he's from Africa". His father's from Africa. Obama's from Hawaii,Indonesia and America. 3"He's from the Arab parts of Africa." It's very well known that his father's from Kenya, a very African part of Africa 4."he has not one shred of African-American
blood" He's definitely American. He's 1/2 African black. Liebaugh's obvious intent is to try to "prove" that Barack's a Muslim.
Actually, I'd like to see Rush go to jail
September 25, 2008 - 21:51 ET by R D HelmActually, I'd like to see Rush go to jail for "Operaion Chaos" for about 400 Million years.
Spoken like a true totalitarian, nose-picking, booger-eating liberal bed-wetter.
Up yours, you NAZI socialist.
-Dave
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them - Rick Roberts
RD... Bravo! My thoughts
September 25, 2008 - 21:53 ET by Clear thinkerRD...
Bravo! My thoughts exactly.
Palin/Gore/Clinton - Hate/Love/Hate
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
Thanks, Ct.
September 25, 2008 - 22:15 ET by R D HelmHell, even I still have time, barely, to nail one once in a while. :-)
-Dave
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them - Rick Roberts
And something else, Abigail Hitler...
September 25, 2008 - 22:13 ET by R D HelmDo not ever post a comment on this site that asserts that you believe in freedom of speech, or freedom in general, for that matter, as it is more than clear that you support neither.
I have saved your posts above, and will be whiling away my spare time gleefully inserting them beneath every post you place here that attempts to suggest that you are, in any way, a supporter of true freedom.
-Dave
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them - Rick Roberts
Sorry Abe, you're the one who's wrong here.
September 25, 2008 - 22:10 ET by bloolooMr. Obama is 50% Caucasian, that from his mother. What those who want
Mr. Obama to write history by becoming "America's first
African-American president" ignore is that his father was ethnically
Arabic, with only 1 relative ethnically African Negro - a maternal
great-grandparent (Sen. Obama's great-great grandparent, thus the 6.25%
ethnic contribution to the senator's ethnic composition.). That means
that Mr. Obama is 50% Caucasian from his mother's side. He is 43.75%
Arabic, and 6.25% African Negro from his father's side. Put another
way, his father could honestly claim African-American ethnic
classification. He was the last generation able to do so."
The
question no one wants to answer - particularly Mr. Obama and his
supporters, is, "Why do you think he has an Arabic name? Why does his
father have an Arabic name? Why does every ancestor on his father's
side have an Arabic name?" The answer is obvious: They have Arabic
names because his father's side of the family tree is Arabic. Need
proof? Research the Kenyan records for yourself. You will find that his
father was officially classified as "Arab African" by the Kenyan
government.
I'll readily admit I cut and pasted the above, but, I already knew it to be true. So, so long and thanks for playing. Alas, there will be no parting gifts... so sad.
blooloo... Don't worry
September 25, 2008 - 22:18 ET by Clear thinkerblooloo...
Don't worry about the copy and paste, it's the truth that counts!
FYI... If you are not very familiar with Abe, let me give you the lowdown... him getting it wrong is as guaranteed as me having to get up in the middle of the night to pee. Like clockwork!
Palin/Gore/Clinton - Hate/Love/Hate
Making Fun of AGW http://giovanniworld.wordpress.com/
blooloo, Thanks for backing me up!
September 26, 2008 - 21:51 ET byYou title your response: "Sorry Abe, you're the one who's wrong here." but then you post information which proves me right. ?!?!?! Both on Rush being a liar and my comments about Obama's ethnicity.
Rush: “He's Arab.” Rush couldn't be clearer in what he means. The vast majority of Obama's ethnicity is high enough to simply label him “Arab”. Blooloo's information states he's 43.75% Arab*. Based on that statistic, no sane intelligent person, let alone any ethnologist would label Obama simply as Arab.
Rush:“He's (Obama) from Africa. ”There's nothing in the info blooloo cited about this. Why not? Because, evidently, not even the info source* thought it was true or it would've been addressed. Oh yea, and there's the State of Hawaii's and FactChecker's verification of Barack's Hawaiian birth certificate. Plus the fact that if anyone could prove Obama's not American born HE WOULDN'T STILL BE IN THE RACE.
Rush: “He's from the Arab parts of Africa.” The blooloo's cited info refers to Kenya*. Nobody, or virtually nobody , not even Rush, has claimed Obama's father is not from Kenya. Kenya is 99% African Black, less than 1% Arab. Anyone (sane/honest) wanna try and convince anyone (sane/honest) that Kenya's is an Arab part of Africa?
Rush:“he (Obama) has not one shred of African-American blood.”
Blooloo's info: “6.25% African Negro from his father's side.
blooloo provided evidence that Obama does have at least some shred of African Negro blood in him. The fact that Obama's mother was American,(not disputed by blooloo info) and the fact that Obama was born in the USA proves he has every right to identify himself as American and African American.
Rush dishonestly ommitted the fact that Obama's 50% white in his attempt to say he's Arab. blooloo's info states that fact.
Thanks for backing me up blooloo!
*OK, I've shown that the info provided,taken by blooloo and others as all true, is information that proves me right. But it's not all true.
There are plenty of honest accurate sources that prove I'm right about Rush's lies. But again I thank blooloo for his support, though unintended.Obama's father is of the Luo tribe. A group that is all African Black. NOT Arab! The majority of which is Christian but some Muslim. Talk about confusion. Blooloo's info source confuses Arab and Muslim.
Obama Sr's parents were Muslim but they were African Blacks. Obama Sr. is not identified as a Muslim because although he may have been in his youth, he converted to Catholicism when he chose his own religion, he's also identified as an atheist. Run w/ THAT NB as you run away from the fact I'm right. As for blooloo's source asking and answering why Barack Hussein Obama Jr. has an Arab name. Though the origin of Hussein is Arabic it is widely used as a Muslim name. That's why Barack Hussein Sr was given that name. His parents were African Blacks and Muslims. Hence the reason for "Hussein". Obama's father gave him his own name. Hence the Jr..
As for the Kenya records. The source was wrong about other info. It's fair to doubt the accuracy of the Kenya records claim. And if it is correct, the Kenya records themselves are provably wrong.
Abe you lie!
September 26, 2008 - 22:14 ET by MightyMouthNo white, mature male conservative would ever state such racist drival in their contact info. You are a plant, a fake, bogus, a phony.. and by the way... you are going to be very close to being banned if you continue with this hate speach. We have seen your kind before... your NB life span is probably measured in days...
"There are two types of people in this country; those who provide freedom and those who enjoy it." MM says...
Friends, the above is Exhibit "A" as to why smoking crack is bad
September 28, 2008 - 08:10 ET by R D Helm-Dave
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them - Rick Roberts
My troll fuse length today: 0.003mm
I want to cry just for Abe.
September 25, 2008 - 23:23 ET by JWFSen. Obama was born in Kenya to a Kenyan father, a muslim. His mother flew to Hawaii a month later to register his birth.
That makes him Arab, from Africa, the Arab part of Africa.
Please don't cry.
Sincerely,
a Veteran of a 1000 psychic wars.
JWF, it isn't Abigail's fault. It was his $13k/yr per student...
September 25, 2008 - 23:29 ET by R D Helm...guv'mint ejumicashun.
After all, the teacher's union goons had to be paid first. :-)
-Dave
Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them - Rick Roberts
My troll fuse length today: 0.003mm
Abigail
September 25, 2008 - 09:27 ET by Noel SheppardAbigail,
Do you REALLY expect a serious response from me when you can't even spell my name properly? Was that intentional, or are you intellectually challenged?
As you chose to disparage a conservative talk show host by misspelling his name, I must conclude that you were trying to disparage me by misspelling mine. As such, this conversation is over, and I'll never again waste my time responding to you. Have a nice life. ns
Joyeux Noel
September 26, 2008 - 22:09 ET byI didn't REALLY expect any response from you, regardless of the mistaken name. I would've appreciated your acknowledging I'm right, but I seriously didn't expect that. I obviously can spell your name right since I've always done it in the past. I guess I was caught up in how well "Neil, neither" went together. Sometimes I'm too clever for my own good. I would appreciate your acknowledement that I've always been personally respectful to you, along w/ my all but once correct spelling of your name. Hey, you use a pre-set insert for your name and use just your initials, doesn't that indicate you have trouble with your name? But then, mistaken name is not really what this is about.
Your indignant outrage is just a little way over the top. Obviously you're diverting attention and making excuses. What you're really saying is: "I got nothin'. I surrender. I'm no match for Abigail's* intellect and debating skills." Plus, evidently I'm so intimidating to you that you're covering your future non-responses to me.
* Since the only Abigail I know of is Abigail Adams, I take it as high praise and a huge compliment.
No need to respond.
-Abigail
Actually Abe
September 25, 2008 - 19:15 ET by well99"Yesterday the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, challenged John McCain to a debate. McCain says if he wanted to be attacked by an extremist in an unfair environment, he'd appear on MSNBC." - Conan O'Brien
That is funny.
Tribute to Tommy Smothers, 1/2 of a Very Funny Duo
September 23, 2008 - 01:38 ET by" The truth is only what you can get people to believe."
- Tommy Smothers
1/2 of The Smothers Brothers
»→ Yo Abe
September 23, 2008 - 01:49 ET by Cool ArrowThere's PUMAS in the crevices. - Tom Smothers
"Say goodnight Abe" - Joe Biden