Sunday, March 8, 2009

SNL: The Rock Obama

Saturday Night Live still hasn't managed to do a skit directly mocking Barack Obama.

This one from last night makes Rahm Emanuel (Andy Samberg) and the Republicans, Tom Coburn (Will Forte), Kay Bailey Hutchison (Kristen Wiig), and John McCain (Darrell Hammond) look like buffoons.

Emanuel's wonderful dream of Obama (Fred Armisen) getting angry, transforming into an Incredible Hulk Obama (Dwayne Johnson), depicts Emanuel as a nutjob.

RAHM EMANUEL: If I may, Mr. President, I sometimes think you're too calm. You need to get angry.

BARACK OBAMA: Yeah, getting angry is your thing, Rahm.

When the Republican senators enter the office and discussion begins, Emanuel encourages Obama, with a demonic hiss, "Get angry." "That's it. Get angry." "Yes. Get mad. GET MAD."

The scrawny Fred Armisen version of Obama does get mad, becoming the muscular monster with a tattered shirt and pants Obama.

EMANUEL: What happened was you made Barack Obama angry. And when you make Barack Obama angry, he turns into the Rock Obama.

The Rock Obama talks like Tarzan.
OBAMA: No be alarmed. The Rock Obama much like Barack Obama only stronger and more impulsive. Now, where were we? You... little man in suit.

When the Rock Obama throws the Republican senators out the window, Emauel nods approvingly.

The Rock Obama refers to McCain as "old man."

He smashes the phone.

OBAMA: Now, where were we?

McCAIN: I was just saying that you're not going to have any more problems from me.

OBAMA: Ah! Is good.

McCAIN: Can I show myself out?

OBAMA: Yes, out window.

Alas, it's just a dream. The scrawny Obama wakes Emanuel, bursting his fantasy bubble.

Emanuel implores Obama to get angry with the Republicans.

EMANUEL: Will you please get angry?

OBAMA: Nope.

EMANUEL: Please?

OBAMA: Nope.

So Emanuel is depicted as a sadist and McCain as an old, frightened wimp.

And the real Obama is shown as a patient, totally in control, totally cool guy.

Overall, I thought it was a funny bit. What's annoying though is that Obama remains untouchable. He's a god and the comedy world won't allow him to be mocked. I guess it would be blasphemous.

When will SNL and comedians get around to making Obama out to be the fool that he is at times?

I'm waiting for a skit about Obama's weird attachment to his teleprompter and his inability to make decent off-the-cuff remarks.

I don't expect that to happen anytime soon.


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