Tina Fey Calls Her Sarah Palin ‘SNL’ Jokes a ‘Fair Hit’
Tina Fey recently discussed the significant role of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in political commentary during a History Talks event in Philadelphia. This event celebrated the 250th anniversary of the United States, co-produced by the History Channel and Comcast NBCUniversal. Fey humorously stated, “One fifth of America’s history has been covered by ‘Saturday Night Live.’”
Tina Fey’s Influence on SNL
Fey was part of the SNL cast from 1997 to 2006, collaborating with notable figures like Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers. Her era was crucial in enhancing SNL’s political relevance. She noted that public officials began engaging with the show more directly, saying, “They said something, we said something back.”
After leaving the show, Fey continued to leave her mark, notably hosting the first episode post the 2007–08 writers strike. In this episode, she delivered a poignant monologue addressing staff cutbacks at NBC. Furthermore, during the 2008 presidential election, her portrayal of Sarah Palin became a cultural phenomenon, potentially influencing public perception of the McCain-Palin campaign.
The Impact of SNL on Politics
Media analysts suggest that SNL’s sketches during the 2008 election season impacted the candidates’ voter appeal. In March 2008, Variety reported on the so-called “SNL Effect,” which suggested that the show’s comedy influenced how candidates were perceived in the media. Fey remarked on the importance of delivering a “fair hit,” ensuring that sketches were grounded in truth for maximum comedic effect.
- Notable SNL Moments: Fey mentioned favorite impressions by cast members, including:
- Darrell Hammond as Al Gore
- Dana Carvey as George H. W. Bush
- Matt Damon as Brett Kavanaugh
Damon’s portrayal of Kavanaugh during the 2018 Supreme Court hearings was particularly praised. Fey said Damon’s performance addressed the frustrations viewers felt during those hearings, explaining, “It only works if it’s correct.”
History Talks Panel Highlights
During the History Talks event, Kate McKinnon moderated a panel featuring Colin Jost, SNL’s current Weekend Update co-anchor. The event attracted high-profile attendees including NFL players Tom Brady and Jason Kelce, singer Garth Brooks, and actress Nicole Kidman. Most notably, all four living former U.S. presidents—Barack Obama, Joe Biden, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton—were present.
In closing her remarks, Fey encapsulated the essence of SNL’s political role: “It is fascinating to know that what you say will be taken seriously.” Her reflections highlight the ongoing influence of humor in shaping political discourse on SNL.
