Ten of the best ‘SNL’ political impressions
Tina Fey earned Emmy nods for Palin portrayal
“Saturday Night Live” couldn’t return to the studio this weekend without recruiting a big star to play Joe Biden. News that Jim Carrey will temporarily join the cast to portray the Democratic presidential candidate has me reflecting on some of the best impersonations of politicians in the show’s 45-year history.
Fred Armisen as David Paterson
Emphasizing the former New York governor’s partial blindness could have come across as a cruel joke, but there was a sweetness in the way Armisen wandered aimlessly around the “Weekend Update” set. Paterson, who initially balked at the portrayal, eventually came around, appearing as himself in 2010.
Tina Fey as Sarah Palin
The show’s former head writer looked so much like the vice presidential candidate that even Fey’s own daughter had a hard time telling them apart. Fey took full advantage, capturing both the Alaska governor’s guile and gumption in a string of Emmynominated appearances.
Will Ferrell as Janet Reno
The comic superstar’s take on George W. Bush would end up on Broadway, but he really found his rhythm as host of “Janet Reno’s Dance Party.” .
Darrell Hammond as Dick Cheney
This longtime cast member, who left in 2009 but remains the show’s announcer, may have turned in more political impersonations than anyone in “SNL” history. But he peaked with his interpretation of the vice president as a James Bond villain. .
Norm Macdonald as Bob Dole
The “Weekend Update” anchor didn’t appear in a ton of sketches and he barely altered his normal speaking voice when he did. But there was something devilish in the way he approached the Kansas senator, suggesting that at any moment he might turn around and moon the audience.
Dana Carvey as Ross Perot
The show’s standout star for seven seasons became best known for his affectionate take on George H.W. Bush, but his impersonation of Perot was more hilarious, imagining the former presidential candidate as the Church Lady with elephant ears. Any signs of sympathy went out the window.
Alec Baldwin as Donald Trump
This isn’t so much an impression as it is a takedown. Baldwin does nothing to hide his hatred of the president, casually dropping racist and sexist asides as if he were ordering a Diet Coke. No wonder Trump often goes on a Twitter rant after one of Baldwin’s appearances.