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March 3, 2008
Note to SNL: Politician cameos have lost their novelty
There was a time when it was something of a coup to land a big-time politician on a sitcom or sketch comedy show. It was, for example, a milestone when Nixon appeared on "Laugh-In" and it was, at the very least, a kitschy novelty when First Lady Nancy Reagan showed up on "Diff'rent Strokes."
But in these media-savvy times, appearing on television is practically a necessity for anyone running for national office. Presidential candidates in particular pop up on whatever show will have them. Thus a candidate's mere presence on a TV show like "Saturday Night Live" isn't enough to make him or her seem hip. Particularly when said candidate brings nothing to the table, humor-wise.
Case in point: aspiring democratic presidential candidate Sen. Hillary Clinton made a brief appearance on the most recent episode of SNL. Her cameo immediately followed a sketch about the presidential debates featuring Amy Poehler as Hillary. In a woodenly-delivered monologue, Hillary professed her love for Poehler's work. Then Poehler popped in in Hillary garb, and the two engaged in a mutual lovefest before proclaiming "We're Hillary Clinton and we approve this message! Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!"
Oof.
The whole thing was clumsy and unnecessary. It wasn't edgy. It wasn't even funny (save for the brief hint of disapproval on Hil's face when Poehler uncorked her impression of Hillary's infamously robotic laugh). Why bother?
To SNL's credit, last week's appearance by Republican candidate Mike Huckabee WAS actually funny, but that's because he took the opportunity to really make fun of himself (as when he refused to leave the Weekend Update anchor desk). Hillary, on the other hand, seemed to view her SNL appearance as just another opportunity for TV time.
It was kind of depressing.
Posted by amanda on March 3, 2008 2:28 PM
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