Assignment 3-1: Weekly Written Analysis 3

This week I have chosen an article from the Los Angeles Times that appeared in the Columbus Dispatch, Sunday October 19, 2008 written by Matea Gold: “Palin “way hotter in person” on SNL. This article was written in response to Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin’s appearance on the popular live television shows Saturday Night Live.

For many years Saturday Night Live has boosted its ratings by incorporating satire related to those in politics. This latest episode was no different. Saturday Night Live has made itself an icon on American Popular culture through emphasizing flaws in those we see in the public eye and as such, politicians are fair game. Ever Since John McCain announced his Vice Presidential running mate Sarah Palin, Saturday Night Live has had a ball with making fun of her political stance, lack of experience, and Soccer Mom mentality. Her character in played by Tina Fey of the popular TV show “30 Rock”. Many have been astounded by how much she resembles Palin. This makes the political satire all the more amusing.

In this particular episode, Fey is going through her usual antics making fun of Palin and all her flaws. Palin is observed talking to SNL producer Lorne Michaels backstage. She appears to be watching Fey’s depiction of her. She makes a comment that she doesn’t think the depiction is accurate and that her press conferences would not have been handled in that way. As the skit continues, Alec Baldwin (also of 30 Rock) makes his way backstage and bumps into the “real” Palin and Michaels. He greets Palin as “Tina” and pleas for Michaels not to let Tina go out with the real Palin who he thinks is part of the live skit taking place on stage. When Michaels tells him the real Palin is right in front of him he says, “Forgive Me, I feel I must say this: You are way hotter in person.”

In a presidential election year our candidates are anxious to be present in the public eye to win your vote. It seems they will stop at nothing even self humiliation to tell you they are human. Sarah Palin’s presence on SNL is proof of that.

Reference
M. Gold (2008). The Columbus Dispatch. Originally written for the Los Angeles Times. Palin “way hotter in person” on SNL. Sunday October 19, 2008.