“Saturday Night Live” becomes a major news network during the presidential election cycle; a one-stop shop for a comedic recapitulation of current events and over-lampooned (of course, that’s debatable…) presidential hopefuls. Sure, we love seeing everyone from pop stars to athletes don wigs and bad accents. But with full strategery, I’ve compiled a list of “SNL”’s top 11 best political sketches to date. The current election circus is far from over -- cross your fingers for better sketches to come. This is a subjective list; but if you're an undecided voter, these might be the inspiration you need.
So, uh...live from your laptop? It’s “Saturday Night?”
11. A Message from President Ford
Chevy Chase was the OG King of Impressions back in the first season. His “non”-impression of President Ford may have actually been his best -- much to Chase’s dismay (note the “this is not a good impression” message). Gerald Ford may not be the most remembered president of all time, but Chevy Chase certainly helped you remember the name.
10. Bern Your Enthusiasm
This pre-filmed sketch is a BOGO special capitalizing on the parallels of Larry David and Bernie Sanders. Any “Seinfeld” or “Curb Your Enthusiasm” fan is familiar with David’s mannerisms and black comedy style. Heading into the 2016 election, it was evident “SNL” writers would use the Donald vs. Hillary smackdown to their advantage. But underdog Bernie Sanders gets his own special Larry David “dialed to a 10” treatment.
9. Bill Clinton Visits McDonald's
The tragic departure of Phil Hartman both from “SNL” and real-life (R.I.P.) left us with possibly some of the most detailed and nuanced impersonations of our favorite politicians. It’s in the details with his Clinton; from his Arkansas drawl right down to the laugh. Darrell Hammond might be the reigning king of the Bill Clinton, but Hartman did it better.
8. Al Gore, Parallel Universe
“SNL” elected the real Al Gore to open the show in a parallel universe where he was president. In the United State of Gore, global warming has ended, he has appointed his opponent George W. Bush as baseball commissioner, and tensions are so loose in the Middle East that Afghanistan is the most popular spring break destination!
7. “Scary!” George H. W. Bush
Dana Carvey’s tenure on the late-night sketch comedy empire produced what many hard-core fans would label “iconic,” simply because of Carvey’s ability to emulate the Chevy Chase-style of slapstick political figures coupled with hilarious exaggerations of character. In this H.W. era cold open, Carvey explains his night vision goggles to the American public, and warns us how “Scary!” he truly can be.
6. Racists for Trump
To say “SNL” isn’t afraid of controversy would be an understatement. Earlier this season, the controversy magnet and Republican frontrunner Donald Trump hosted his second episode. Despite his comments about Mexicans and the protests outside 30 Rockefeller Plaza, the Trump campaign has morphed into its own meta parody. “SNL” decided to lampoon the select group of voters who support Trump’s “racist” comments -- in turn, they created a political ad with normal, everyday Americans depicted as racists supporting Trump.
5. Bill Clinton: Husband of the Secretary of State
Former President Bill Clinton just received an exciting appointment from President Obama: Husband to the Secretary of State! He explains to "Weekend Update" anchor Seth Meyers why he will perform his job with due diligence and his plans to travel the world alongside Hillary.
4. George H.W. Bush Debates with Michael Dukakis
It’s a tribute to the late ABC News anchor Peter Jennings, as well as one of the best impressions performed by a host. Tom Hanks is no stranger to studio 8H. Dana Carvey unveiled his H.W. impression for us against Jon Lovitz’s Michael Dukakis, who seems to have trouble adjusting his height to the podium.
3. 2016 Republican Debate feat. Jebra Bush
It wouldn’t be fair to this rollercoaster of an election cycle to not include the meta parodies the Republican hopefuls have graciously written for “SNL” themselves. Darrell Hammond’s “IDGAF” Trump impersonation artfully contrasts Beck Bennett’s anxiety-ridden Jeb Bush...or, excuse me...Jebra. Although Jeb dropped out a few months back, don’t knock him down! If you combined his poll numbers with the rest of these clowns, he’d almost win!
2. First Presidential Debate with George W. Bush and Al Gore
Who could forget that one time “SNL” basically invented a new word from Bush’s (in?)famous flubs during speeches? “Strategery” even has its own Wikipedia page, and has been use colloquially by former President Bush himself and Sarah Palin. But, don’t forget about Hammond as Gore, using the word “lockbox” enough times to turn this 10-minute sketch into a drinking game. It’s been said this particular sketch may have even swayed the 2000 Election. It was at this point where “SNL” became America’s other election coverage network.
1. A Non-Partisan Message from Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton
Perhaps it’s one of the most iconic cold opens in recent “SNL” history on its own, political angle aside. Penned by then head writer and “Weekend Update” anchor Seth Meyers, who can forget Fey’s heavily quoted, “I can see Russia from my house!” You definitely just read that like Sarah Palin in your head, don’t lie. Although Fey had left two years prior to focus on “30 Rock,” it’s undeniable that this return to “SNL” proves she and her partner in crime, Poehler, shaped the show for women and political parody in the coming decades.
