Chicagoist: "Fauxbama" Revealed on SNL

joseph_dunphy_in_chicago

Wed, 27 Feb 2008 20:44:14 -0600

I'm not surprised. Obama is kind of a sacred cow. He's likely to become the first African-American president, and unlike Jesse Jackson, who has been satirised effectively, I don't get the feeling that he has a sense of humor about himself. In a white candidate, such a trait would translate into open season on him on the comic circuit, but with a black candidate, memories of the politically correct 90s are too fresh. Comedians and audiences will be joined in their timidity, because down deep so many have learned to fear the groundless charge of racism that may come at any moment. Comedy without fearlessness, without irreverence, has nowhere to go.

Tankboy

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:03:14 -0600

Armison needs work but as a funny commentary on the media's lovefest with Obama, the sketch as a whole is pretty right on. I heard an interview with the show's head writer last week and he said he'd be happy if Barack would guest every time they wrote a sketch with him in it since it would save them a lot of headaches.

Tankboy

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 00:02:15 -0600

skywater

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 18:06:42 -0600

After all that they still couldn't find a. one black comedian to play Barack Obama or b. someone who does a good impression of Obama? It's too bad, but not surprising for SNL. The guy who did Barackula does a better job.