NOT Ready for Primetime Politician: Sarah Palin

Last weekend's episode of Saturday Night Live (with the cast of 'Not Ready for Primetime Players') was not only interesting and hilarious, but the show received its highest ratings since 1994 according to Nielsen Media Research which made it the third highest-rated show of the week. Millions of viewers tuned in to watch Alaskan Governor Sarah PalinSarah Palin appear in the show's opening sketch and on 'Weekend Update'. It was amusing to watch Fey and Palin glare at each other as they passed on stage in the opening sketch. The irony is that Fey is not a supporter of Palin. Fey has been quoted saying, "If she wins, I'm done. I can't do that for four years. And by 'I'm done,' I mean I'm leaving Earth."

'SNL' has always capitalized on viewer interest in US elections, and no other show has done such brilliant political humor and impersonations. Politicians and stars who have been highly ridiculed on SNL often try to get (or will agree to) guest appearances to improve their image. Their strategy is to appear as if they are 'in' on the humor, can be self deprecating and laugh at themselves. In reality, most probably despise being the butt of SNL jokes, especially those with big egos but an insecure nature. Given how much SNL mocks Palin, the McCain-Palin campaign probably felt desperate to ask SNL for (or accept) a guest appearance by Palin. Even though I'm not a fan of Palin (hence my naming her the 'Not Ready for Primetime Politician'), she was certainly tested to at least 'pretend' she found it humorous.

In addition to Fey's always dead-on and hilarious parody of Palin, Josh BrolinJosh Brolin (W., No Country for Old Men) was superb as the show's host. Alec BaldwinAlec Baldwin (who has hosted the show a record 13 times) made a funny guest appearance along with Mark WahlbergMark Wahlberg and Oliver StoneOliver Stone. And Adele was wonderful as the guest musical act. If you have not already seen it, go to http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/.

P.S. Check out the unbelievable video from Countdown with Keith Olbermann where the show asks, "Are you smarter than a 3rd grader?" about Palin. You can view it by going to the 'Videos' tab on this page.