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It is interesting to note that, in the 2008 primary, every single primary candidate has appeared on Saturday Night Live. This is interesting to note since SNL is the biggest comedy show in America even though this is a serious time in our nation's history. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the low economy, and illegal immigration are issues that are incredibly important to our nation's well being and it is the candidates' stances on these issues that will decide who the presidential nominees will be. Also, let us not forget the prestige that the presidency holds. Why would these nominees who wish to hold the highest office in the United States wish to show up on a comedy show?
If you look at history, though, it's not surprising that this has happened. After all, Richard Nixon guest starred on Laugh-In before the 1960 presidential election. Also, Bill Clinton was a guest on The Arsenio Hall Show and played a saxaphone to a crowd of youngsters, which greatly bolstered his popularity to voters.
But the difference here is that all the presidential nominees still in the race have shown up on SNL. Mike Huckabee, Barack Obama, and Hillary Clinton have appeared on the show specifically for the presidential election, while John McCain made an appearance in 2002. What does this fact say about politicians in America nowadays that they're willing to go on a comedy show? What does it say about Saturday Night Live that all of the candidates have been on the show?
John McCain was on SNL in 2002, so his appearance had nothing to do with the presidential race. It's only being brought up now to compare it to the appearances of the other candidates. Why did John McCain show up on SNL? Well, if you ask me, that's just the kind of guy he is. He doesn't mind having a bit of fun with himself. After all, ever since the 2000 presidential race, McCain has been on The Daily Show, which combines comedy with politics and news, ten times, making him a frequent guest on that show. McCain knows how to tap into all aspects of the media. The news channel just report facts and analyses, but McCain knew, even back then, that it was a good idea to connect with the audiences of the Daily Show, which comprises of young adults and those whose politics lean to the left. This way, McCain was able to get in touch with those that the GOP machine bypasses. This goes with McCain's reputation of being a moderate and his ability to work across party lines.
Barack Obama was the next one to appear on SNL in November
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by Stephen Pate
It is interesting to note that, in the 2008 primary, every single primary candidate has appeared on Saturday Night Live.
by Tali
Laughter is Your Voting Ballot
Sometimes political humor is tasteless, but that's because it isn't really political. Poking
Humor can be a powerful tool for the savvy politician. Elections are long and brutal; the papers are filled with unkind,
This past October, Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin was featured in a Saturday Night Live skit that definitely left
by Will Kester
Political humor comes in many varieties. There is the political cartoon on the editorial pages, which shapes the public's
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The effect of political humor on US elections
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