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Saturday Night (Live) Open Thread

Live from New York, Celebrity John McCain hosts Saturday Night Live tonight. This is an open thread to discuss his performance or anything else.

Update(TL): Anita and I loved the intro. It was the most human we've ever seen McCain. Cindy's role was perfect. Palin holding the t-shirt was genius. They were almost likable. Too little, too late though. Thank goodness. Now we're looking forward to the skewering of Olbermann. (We're also on our third biff of the evening.)

Update: Transcript of McCain segment below:

SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN – "Good evening, my fellow Americans, I'm John McCain.

TINA FEY AS GOV. SARAH PALIN – "And, you know, I'm just Sarah Palin."

MCCAIN – "The final days of any election are the most essential. This past Wednesday, Barack Obama purchased airtime on three major networks. We, however, can only afford QVC."

FEY AS PALIN – "These campaigns sure are expensive. (She strokes the rich fabric of her jacket's lapel)

MCCAIN – "They sure are. So tonight, we come before you to give you some final remarks on our campaign."

FEY AS PALIN – "And, as part of our agreement with the QVC folks, we're gonna try and sell you some stuff."

MCCAIN – "This has been an historic campaign, so why not remember it with our line of collectible products. Such as ten commemorative plates that celebrates the ten Town Hall debates between Senator Obama and myself. They're blank, he wouldn't agree to those debates. Too bad. They're still nice plates.

FEY AS PALIN – "And who wouldn't want the complete set of limited edition 'Joe' action figures? There's 'Joe the Plumber,' 'Joe Six-Pack,' and my personal favorite, 'Joe Biden.' If you pull this cord, he talks for forty-five minutes.

(SHE pulls cord)

JASON SUDEIKIS AS SEN. BIDEN (O.C.) -- "I take the Amtrak to work every day. Then -- after work -- I take it home. Let me tell you something about Joe Biden..."

MCCAIN – "It's great if you want to clear out a party."

FEY AS PALIN – "Or keep deer out of your yard."

MCCAIN – "But we're not just here to sell products. We're here with a message. We are at a crossroads in American history. The leadership of the next four years will have many challenges and I believe my experience and my leadership will make a difference.

FEY AS PALIN – "Also too – sorry -- I need to remind you that there are just two minutes left in our 'Washington outsider jewelry extravaganza.'"

MCCAIN – "Are you someone who likes fine jewelry and also respects a politician who can reach across the aisle? If so, you can't go wrong with McCain Fine Gold.

(CINDY MCCAIN displays the "McCain Fine Gold" like a game show model) MCCAIN (CONT'D) – "It commemorates the McCain Feingold Act -- and also looks great with evening wear. Thank you, Cindy."

FEY AS PALIN – "And what busy hockey mom wouldn't want to freshen up her home with Sarah Palin's 'Ayers Fresheners.' You plug these into the wall when something doesn't quite smell quite right. Also too, it's good because it reminds people about William Ayers."

MCCAIN – "Having trouble cutting through a tough piece of pork? Not anymore, with John McCain's complete set of pork knives. 'They Cut The Pork Out!'"

FEY AS PALIN – "So instead of going to one of those elite department stores with their liberal agendas and over-priced items and their gotcha return policies that violate your First Amendment rights, why not do your holiday shopping with us? (SHE turns to a different camera) Okay, listen up everybody, I am goin' rogue right now so keep your voices down. Available now, we got a buncha' these 'Palin in 2012' T-shirts. Just try and wait until after Tuesday to wear 'em okay? Because I'm not goin' anywhere. And I'm certainly not goin' back to Alaska. If I'm not goin' to the White House, I'm either runnin' in four years or I'm gonna be a white Oprah so, you know, I'm good either way."

MCCAIN – "What's going on over there, Sarah?"

FEY AS PALIN – "Oh...just talkin' about taxes." (SHE winks)

MCCAIN – "Look, would I rather be on three major networks? Of course, but I'm a true maverick -- a Republican without money. And I'm not like my opponent; my only showbiz connections are Jon Voight and Heidi from 'The Hills.' So, I'm here on QVC, and like QVC, this campaign promises you three things: quality, value and convenience."

FEY AS PALIN – "And great deals on juicers."

MCCAIN – "So when you go to the polls on Tuesday remember, 'Country First,' as a reminder all undergarments are non-refundable and Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!!!

***McCain's "strategies" for the final days of the campaign from "Weekend Update follow below:

SETH MEYERS – "With the election only three days away, most polls show Barack Obama leading John McCain by a slight margin. Here to comment on his campaign strategy, Senator John McCain."

SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN – "Thank you Seth. You know, a lot can happen in three days. And while I am confident that we will emerge victorious, I'm also considering a few radical last-minute strategies."

MEYERS – "New strategies, like what?

SEN. MCCAIN – "Well you know how people call me "the maverick"

MEYERS – "Yeah."

SEN. MCCAIN – "Well, I thought I'd try a strategy called the 'Reverse Maverick.' That's where I do whatever anybody tells me. I don't ask questions – I just go with the flow. If that doesn't work, I go to the 'Double Maverick.' That's where I go totally berserker and just freak everybody out. Even the regular mavericks."

MEYERS – "That doesn't sound like the best strategy."

SEN. MCCAIN – "It isn't. And here's another bad one. It's called 'The Sad Grandpa.' That's where I get on TV and go, 'C'mon, Obama's gonna have plenty of chances to be President! It's my turn! Vote for me!'"

MEYERS – "Yeah, I don't know if I'd do that."

SEN. MCCAIN – "Ok, then here's a good one. It's called 'The Charleston.' That's where I only campaign in Charleston, South Carolina. Really lock it down. Meet every single resident three or four times. Or how about 'The Forrest Gump.' That's where I just start jogging across America and eventually everything works out.

MEYERS – That might work.

SEN. MCCAIN – "Or maybe 'The Rocky IV.' I live alone in the wilderness and pull a sled through the snow until I'm in peak physical condition."

MEYERS – "How would that help you win an election?"

SEN. MCCAIN – "It won't. But if I ever have to fight Vladimir Putin, I'll be ready."

MEYERS – "Alright, well if you had to choose one strategy in the remaining days, what would it be?"

SEN. MCCAIN – "Seth, my basic strategy is the one I've stuck with since I started this campaign: connect with the voters, talk with them honestly about the issues, and stand by my record of service to this great country."

MEYERS – "And if that doesn't work?"

SEN. MCCAIN – "Probably the 'Double Maverick.'"

MEYERS – "Senator John McCain everyone!"

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  • Display: Sort:
    Affleck as Olberman (5.00 / 3) (#1)
    by Artoo on Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 10:55:44 PM EST
    Absolutely hilarious. Hopefully they post it on Hulu for anyone who misses it.

    Very funny. I forgot about it until TChris (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by Teresa on Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 11:00:00 PM EST
    put this thread up. I was watching Texas Tech beat Texas.

    LOL at Olbermann. He is a cartoon to me now.

    Parent

    Palin prank call (5.00 / 2) (#4)
    by cannondaddy on Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 11:13:54 PM EST
    I think a campaign staffer was setting her to be a patsy.  How the hell could that of actually happened?

    Back on Topic (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by womanwarrior on Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 11:52:11 PM EST
    Well, McCain did look like a fool on the QVC part with Tina, but they were a little nice to him on the Double Maverick part.  Were they trying to imply he is conceding it is lost?  

    Now I guess they will have to have Olberman on.

    I haven't watched in awhile.  Did Obama ever go on SNL? I thought he was great with Jon Stewart.  

    That was my take, as well. (5.00 / 1) (#18)
    by KeysDan on Sun Nov 02, 2008 at 08:27:24 AM EST
    It seemed like McCain was giving a concession speech---light-hearted, good humored, you know, I am not really that bad-type performance.  And, I plan on continuing my life as a senator.  It was a little tense and even a little odd, in my view, having Tina Fey standing next to McCain and his wife and doing her Sara simulacrum that was hilarious, but flattering neither to Palin nor McCain.

    Parent
    Saturday Live (5.00 / 0) (#12)
    by nycstray on Sun Nov 02, 2008 at 12:48:10 AM EST
    Well, today was the last day for the season of our CSA distribution (corn in a non green wrapper is pop corn!)

    Dot (my Dalmatian) decided to steal the cauliflower, thankfully she traded for some cottage cheese and I get to enjoy most of this most wonderful tasting farm fresh veggie. If anyone is looking for healthy farm fresh veggies in their area, check here. If you want to join a CSA next season, start working on it now. Many sell out before the season starts :) One of the best things I ever did. And also very cost effective. I'll be enjoying the veggies, poultry and fruits all winter between freezing and canning :)

    Thought McCain was funny as usual on SNL. Don't agree with him, but appreciate he can laugh at himself and he had a few good lines. Seemed more comfortable than his earlier appearance, with a better/smoother delivery.

    "Too Radical, Too Risky." (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by robrecht on Sun Nov 02, 2008 at 07:44:23 AM EST
    The National Republican Trust PAC is running Rev. Wright adds against Obama this morning.  Saw it on MSNBC a few minutes ago.  I'm in the NYC-NJ market so perhaps it was a national buy.  "Too Radical, Too Risky."  However, they will certainly deny it's a liberal mandate if we win.

    McCain slapped down Palin on SNL (5.00 / 1) (#19)
    by Xclusionary Rule 4ever on Sun Nov 02, 2008 at 09:33:45 AM EST
    First - say what you will about McCain, he was funny and a good sport.
    To me, the campaign's decision to let him perform next to Tina Fey and to approve the skit with her being rogue, interrupting him, and holding up the T-shirt was remarkable.  I think he probably went against their advice on this.

    The backstage interview with him and Cindy proved once again that he would have won this election had he run as himself.  We are all lucky the Repubs screwed this up and made him spew conservative talking points through clenched teeth. Their case must have been pretty convincing for him to buy into it.

    The next Republican stars are going to be moderates like Judd Gregg, Christie Whitman.  After the blue landslide, they are going to clean house and dump the whack jobs.  Palin was just what GOP moderates needed.  She makes their case for dumping the religious right.  

    SNL (2.00 / 0) (#16)
    by cutterswife on Sun Nov 02, 2008 at 05:48:46 AM EST
    I THOUGHT IT WAS GREAT! SHOWS HOW HUMAN MCCAIN REALLY IS COMPARED TO..... THE ROBOT (YES, NANCY WHATEVER IT TAKES)

    Detroiter's Kwame Moved into My building (none / 0) (#3)
    by samtaylor2 on Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 11:13:11 PM EST
    He was here for a few days with his family (before he went off to prison).  

    Also, for th lawyers out there, what do you guys do at the polls to make sure everything is kosher?

    Texas lost to Texas Tech (none / 0) (#5)
    by Makarov on Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 11:30:38 PM EST
    in a great, crazy game.

    Conventional wisdom for polls next week:

    1. Bama
    2. PSU
    3. Texas Tech

    Sugar Bowl rematch for national championship, please.

    Why won't Tech leapfrog the others? They were ranked below 3 teams with 1 loss and 1 team with 2 losses, due to schedule weakness to date. Tech will play OK State next week and Oklahoma the following.

    Rematch with TT and Texas? (none / 0) (#6)
    by Teresa on Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 11:37:51 PM EST
    From what I read, Penn St will be knocked out of the championship game because of strength of schedule and it will be the winner of AL/FL (assuming neither loses until then) against whatever number 2 they come up with.

    I think Texas Tech should be number 3 at least after this win.

    Parent

    "sugar bowl rematch" (5.00 / 1) (#8)
    by Makarov on Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 11:52:49 PM EST
    refers to the infamous 1979 Sugar Bowl game between Bama and PSU, culminating in a successful goal line stand for the Crimson Tide, who won the national championship.

    It was the last time the two teams met for a national championship. I believe it was the last time the two teams played in a bowl game, as well.

    Parent

    Ah...are you at Penn St fan? (none / 0) (#9)
    by Teresa on Sat Nov 01, 2008 at 11:56:21 PM EST
    Personally, I think it would be awful if they go undefeated and don't get in the game. The Big 10 (11) needs a championship game.

    Parent
    Agree Teresa (none / 0) (#14)
    by cal1942 on Sun Nov 02, 2008 at 02:05:23 AM EST
    If Penn State remains undefeated they should be in the title game.  I believe that (correct me if I'm wrong) two thirds of the BCS rankings are from the polls. I can't see poll participants leaving out an undefeated team coached by a  legend.

    But I don't agree that the Big Ten should have a title game. The make-up of the potential divisons would be lopsided and then there would be pressure on the Pac-10 to have a title game.

    I feel this is one more step towards a national championship playoff which I find repugnant to the regional tradition of college football.

    I think that the "we NEED a national champion" idea is a bonanza for and promoted by the broadcast media at the expense of college football.

    The only real benefit is for the media; the creation of programming that would be very profitable and damage the great regional tradition of the world's greatest sport.

    So college football ends up with one winner instead of 25 or so winners at the end of the season and that's no benefit.

    No thanks.  There's no compelling NEED for a national championship series.

    Parent

    Tech will jump Penn State (none / 0) (#20)
    by zvs888 on Sun Nov 02, 2008 at 12:42:47 PM EST
    If they beat OSU and OU.

    That's a tall order.

    If Tech and Alabama go undefeated; there's your title game.

    Penn State only makes it if there is only one other undefeated team.  If Tech and Alabama remain undefeated, they have no chance.

    Parent

    I guess since he was on SNL (none / 0) (#10)
    by white n az on Sun Nov 02, 2008 at 12:12:53 AM EST
    Once again, Zogby plays games (none / 0) (#11)
    by andgarden on Sun Nov 02, 2008 at 12:17:46 AM EST
    with his special sauce.

    Why Reuters and C-SPAN continue to pay for his "poll" is beyond me. They might as well just give everybody a free sample of Miss Cleo.

    agree (none / 0) (#13)
    by pixpixpix on Sun Nov 02, 2008 at 12:37:45 AM EST
    have to agree, funny and enjoyable, he's much better even as an awkward comic than as president, even when reading a tedleprompter,

    perhaps he is relaxing a bit now it's nearing the end.

    Caricatures (none / 0) (#15)
    by stevea66 on Sun Nov 02, 2008 at 04:07:31 AM EST
    Both McCain and Palin were caricatures of themselves.  How sad McCain was tonight.  All but conceding defeat and turning his campaign into a joke.  Oh, well.  I guess at some point ya gotta try to save a little face.  He just wasn't funny, though.