Two hour SNL Presidential bash tonight

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the impact of political satire, particularly through "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), on public perception and voting behavior during presidential elections. Participants explore the role of comedy in political commentary, the influence of media, and the honesty of politicians, with references to historical figures and current candidates.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that Chevy Chase's impressions of President Ford were intended to make him appear foolish, potentially affecting his electoral success.
  • Others express concern that voters may rely on comedians for political decision-making rather than on rational analysis.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of comedy as a reflection of societal truths, with references to Lorne Michaels' views on SNL's comedic approach.
  • Some participants argue that media coverage is often biased and misleading, necessitating independent research to uncover the truth about political issues.
  • There are claims that both McCain and Obama have been dishonest, with participants debating the extent and significance of their respective lies.
  • A participant mentions a study indicating that Obama has been more honest than McCain, while others challenge this assertion.
  • Concerns are raised about the potential similarities between McCain and Bush, questioning how McCain would differ in policy and approach.
  • Participants reference Sarah Palin's controversial statements and their reception in the media.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on the influence of comedy in politics, the reliability of media, and the honesty of political figures. There is no consensus on these issues, with multiple competing views remaining throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some arguments depend on subjective interpretations of honesty and media bias, and there are unresolved questions about the impact of political satire on voter behavior.

Ivan Seeking
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High expectations for one more round of Presidential classics.
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/

Chevy Chase, who was famous for his President Ford impressions, was just saying that they specifically targeted Ford with those skits. The goal was to make him look so silly that it cost him votes. And allegedly it worked!
 
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Ivan, sorry if this is off topic but that is an awesome avatar. Now if you will excuse me I have to go vote for Obama.
 
Topher925 said:
Ivan, sorry if this is off topic but that is an awesome avatar. Now if you will excuse me I have to go vote for Obama.

Thanks, vote for Obama Janus found that one and passed it along. vote for OBama.
 
Ivan Seeking said:
Chevy Chase, who was famous for his President Ford impressions, was just saying that they specifically targeted Ford with those skits. The goal was to make him look so silly that it cost him votes. And allegedly it worked!

Too bad people would rather base their political decision-making on a bunch of comedians than on common sense and reality. :rolleyes:
 
Moonbear said:
Too bad people would rather base their political decision-making on a bunch of comedians than on common sense and reality. :rolleyes:

Lorne Michaels - creator of the show - was talking about this the other night, and he claims that the comedy only works if there is something to spoof in the first place. That is to say that it wouldn't be funny if it wasn't based in truth. The comedy acts as more a social observation - the King has no clothes, that sort of thing - and as an amplication of what people are already thinking.

Ford was known for falling down a couple of times, as well as hitting his head. So Chase went for prat falls to spoof these events.

The sad thing about Palin is that SNL used exactly what she actually said, and it was comedy!
 
Ivan Seeking said:
Thanks, vote for Obama Janus found that one and passed it along. vote for OBama.


Along the same lines, I've given myself a new avatar for the election.
 
Moonbear said:
Too bad people would rather base their political decision-making on a bunch of comedians than on common sense and reality. :rolleyes:

Could be worse. You could base it on what the common media has to say.
 
  • #10
Integral said:
Could be worse. You could base it on what the common media has to say.

Exactly. The common media is terrible at reporting things truthfully and accurately, reporting the most unbiased sources, and reporting what matters.

You essentially have to conduct a research product if you want to find the truth on a given issue or piece of history, or look to the social sciences for analysis.
 
  • #11
Integral said:
Could be worse. You could base it on what the common media has to say.

Yep, the "common media" seems to think Obama walks on water and is untouchable; I certainly have issues with that. It's sad that people have turned such blinding hatred of Bush into blind faith in Obama just because he has a "D" next to his name instead of an "R" and can't see how closely they're both cut from the same cloth of deceipt.
 
  • #12
Just vote for the person who'se supporters yell the loudest, that's what I always do.
 
  • #13
russ_watters said:
Just vote for the person who'se supporters yell the loudest, that's what I always do.

Really?

VOTE FOR MOONBEAR![/size]​
:biggrin:
 
  • #14
OrbitalPower said:
Exactly. The common media is terrible at reporting things truthfully and accurately, reporting the most unbiased sources, and reporting what matters.

You essentially have to conduct a research product if you want to find the truth on a given issue or piece of history, or look to the social sciences for analysis.

The truth is that what politicians say means very little if they are willing to lie every step of the way, as McCain and Palin have done. We have picked apart their many lies time and again in politics.
 
  • #15
russ_watters said:
Just vote for the person who'se supporters yell the loudest, that's what I always do.

Actually, you are completely predictable.
 
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  • #16
Ivan Seeking said:
The truth is that what politicians say means very little if they are willing to lie every step of the way, as McCain and Palin have done. We have picked apart their many lies time and again in politics.

Too bad you can't see that Obama has lied just as much. Why do you give him a free pass but not McCain?
 
  • #17
I know all about what Obama has said. There is spin and stretch, and then there are bald-faced lies. Gokul already posted the study by a non-partisan group showing that Obama has been much more honest.

"Palling around with terrorists." Show me where Obama told a lie even close in magnitude or significance.
 
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  • #18
You could check any day of the week, and while Obama was generally talking about issues, McCain was usually talking about Obama.
 
  • #19
Ivan Seeking said:
You could check any day of the week, and while Obama was generally talking about issues, McCain was usually talking about Obama.

Yes. I still don't understand how McCain would be different from Bush.
 
  • #20
lisab said:
Yes. I still don't understand how McCain would be different from Bush.

McCain's spokesman even stated publically that if they talk about the economy, they are dead. They would have to go negative.
 
  • #21
Wow, Palin's little statement threatening NBC if she wins the election, went over like a lead brick.
 
  • #22
Here we go.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/thedishrag/2008/11/sarah-palin-thr.html
 
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