Al Franken's SNL Parody of John McCain's Ads

[MrAirbuster57]

I cannot say the skit without giggling. I could never be as good as him

[steveagan]

Got it.

[steveagan]

It's not Al Franken. It's Darryl Hammond.

[texbookie]

@steveagan - Al Franken wrote the skit.



[MrAirbuster57]

this is on snl's website. It is called McCain Approves Open.

[MrAirbuster57]

where are the other commercial spoofs?

[MrAirbuster57]

we don't have to have health care for bin laden. he is dead

[1990GreenDay2009]

If he ever runs for president he should host and parody himself

[GreenKid1988]

@texbookie oh sorry, your an idiot...do you need me to dumb it down for you?

[texbookie]

@GreenKid1988 - Sorry, I don't allow profane or vulgar comments on my site. Again, if you have anything to say in a civilized manner, please feel free to comment.

[texbookie]

@GreenKid1988 - I am an idiot? You are illiterate and can't spell the most rudimentary of words! If you have something coherent to say, please do so, otherwise keep your ignorance to yourself.

[ryan54]

This skit was pretty funny!

[philberz]

Yeah Al sure has struggled since leaving SNL. All he's done is become a United States senator.

[texbookie]

@philberz "Our constitution protects aliens, drunks and U.S. Senators." Will Rogers

[ujean56]

This is a truly funny piece but at another level is is really sad. It shows the true state of America's democracy. They didn't have to write much. This is actually what happens during election seasons which seem to go on forever.

[originalname138]

Though the sketch itself wasn't all too great, you're introduction made me giggle. Of course, I enjoy the impotent tears of butthurt right-wingers, so others might not have gotten the same out of it.

Cry more. Please.

[Truggy]

long intro is gay.

[sinterics]

John McCain is corrupt... face it. fools.

[DeckOf21]

I just saw that one a few days ago... It was season 34, and I think that was Hammond...? Did Franken write it or something?

[texbookie]

@DeckOf21

Yes, he was credited with the skit.

[texbookie]

@cobrompton

I guess before you move there, you should know how to spell the state.

[peachbass]

Maybe you should post the skit without the biased introduction, no-one respects you for it

[texbookie]

@peachbass

I can't just post the skit -- it is a copyright issue. I can only post parts of it. And I could care less if I am respected for my opinion.

[Ematched]

@texbookie "struggling to find his way"???

Actually, he's been writing best-selling books for the past two decades, supporting our troops on USO tours, participating in debates, and trying to combat the mainstream conservative bias.

Oh yeah, he also successfully ran for U.S. Senate.

Certainly, you must not care whether or not your opinion is respected. The mainstream conservative-biased media and its lackeys (you) don't care much about facts &/or accuracy.

[texbookie]

@Ematched - yes, entertaining the troops with such lyrics as

"sorry 'bout the prisoners

sorry they got raped

sorry they got tortured

sorry it got taped...

believe me when I say their apology is sincere

I'm awfully sorry for that broomstick up their rear..."

Now that is definitely a morale booster .

Too bad about his attempt to combat the "mainstream" conservative bias. If it was so mainstream, why did Air America fizzle out faster than a skunk's welcome at a picnic?

[Ematched]

@texbookie Apparently you missed the class freshman year about satire and social criticism. Of course, you are aware the lyrics are actually a condemnation of Administrations that send soldiers to war and soldiers/officers who misuse what authority they are allowed, not "soldiers" in general?

The failure of Air America doesn't connote the non-existence of a mainstream conservative bias. Learn to complete a syllogism, then return to airing your opinions.

[texbookie]

@Ematched - No I didn't miss the satire, but when his tripe is used to support propaganda that results in the murder and torture of American soldiers as well civilians, it begins to lose its humor.

As far the failure of Air America, this is a consumer drive country. If there were enough consumers to support AA, then the would still be broadcasting. Does that help to complete my syllogism for you? Sorry that I assumed that you had the mental capacity to make the logical leap from lack of

[texbookie]

@Ematched - revenue produced by a company though their consumers, equaling a successful enterprise. I guess you missed that part in high school economics.

Conservative mainstream bias? I guess that is code for Fox News which continues to not only claim the highest viewer rating over the other options, Zogby polls also show that most people believe that Fox is a more reliable source than the others.

[texbookie]

And viewership numbers among those identifying themselves as either liberal of progressive are higher at Fox than MSNBC or CNN.

As far as Franken's election, the margin was amazingly close. And I hope he serves his constituents well. However, the amount of voter fraud and irregularity is second only to the 1960 election of JKF over Nixon. 

[gworksnell]

@marzilyas

Should've kept your mouth shut.

[texbookie]

My video is a shortened version of the original which I had published in unedited. Within 24 hours of my original upload, YouTube had contacted me saying the video was being taken down.

There had been quite a lot of press coverage as to Al Franken's involvement in the writing of the skit some of it making NBC "appear" to be biased.

Although SNL is an equal opportunity abuser in most cases, having an active Democratic candidate write a satire on the Rep POTUS candidate is a little unseemly.

[Muchodelcrazy]

That's what I'm saying its not a left or right thing, it's something else with NBC. They decide this for seemingly random, sometimes very popular vids like "more cowbell." And YouTube is the absolute worst- they'll bend over for any big company and let them censor the hell out of anyone for any reason..

...so I'm partially with you BUT this is not a left/right thing at all and all the other completely neutral SNL clips that are forbidden prove this to be true.

[texbookie]

I will admit that I am neither a Y/T or SNL expert. I have never even heard of the "more cowbells" video before you brought it up, and from what I have quickly read about it, I don't know why it continues to be pulled down.

All I know is that somehow the Franken inspired SNL video got someone, somewhere in a wad. Maybe it was NBC corporate exes who feared being labeled as "partisan" by allowing Franken's contribution.

Thanks for adding to my education of the issue, though.

Regards,

[Muchodelcrazy]

Okay, well I think a little more background shows that you are making a logical, but hasty, conclusion. Nothing got NBC in a wad, they just are a wad (however, I feel the same for all the big networks).

You still COULD be right, I just think it makes way less sense when you know about the other weird vids they/youtube pulls. I understand where you're coming from, and it's not totally unreasonable. But. I'll rate it now :)

[marzilyas]

no it's a simple copyright issue. it's a really funny skit. right wing victimization comes in many forms.

[texbookie]

If it was a simple copyright issue, then all the SNL skits would be pulled from YouTube.

[gworksnell]

@marzilyas

Now now, let's not forget who is the party of the victims. That would be the libtard's favorite party, The Democrats.

[anotherzibber]

What does it matter? This is lovely compared to some of the hit jobs republicans pull.

[lovethatdirtywater78]

Um how is this related to Al Franken? He's left the show, how is this at all connected to him?

[texbookie]

He wrote the skit. I know that is not in bold letters in the introduction of the video, but it is there and has been discussed and verified ad nauseum.

NBC didn't like the back lash of a former writer turned Democratic Senatorial candidate taking shots at the Republican POTUS candidate, so the entire skit began disappearing.

At what point did English cease to be the national language here?

[lovethatdirtywater78]

@texbookie Sorry, at what point was this common knowledge? At what point did SNL credit Al Franken for writing this skit? At what point was there proof for your allegations?

I'm sorry I'm not blessed to have the same knowledge as you, but until you provide LEGITIMATE proof (i.e. multiple sources,) you're the one who looks like a dumbass here

[texbookie]

If you would take the time to scroll down through the comments, you would see where I have addressed this.

If you seek to be enlightened, use your finger and open your eyes.

[lovethatdirtywater78]

@texbookie Thanks condescending asshole I'll pass

[texbookie]

Suit yourself.

[TarpaperShackSongs]

Love the sarcastic guy. Is that who's voice we should hear when we read the opening text of your video?

[texbookie]

I would hope so. But some don't seem to get the sarcasm or the message.

[alexreidca]

Why does NBC demand that this one be taken down?

NBC demands that all videos showing their content be taken down, not just any one skit.

[texbookie]

That is not true. There are thousands of SNL skits in their entirety and unedited on YouTube. When NBC doesn't like the reprecussions of a skit, then they demand that it be taken down. That requires the poster to make changes or modify the clip to make it fit the guidelines of the fair use policy.

[Muchodelcrazy]

This is a more difficult issue than you pretend. For instance: there are no copies of the famous "more cowbell" skit on youtube. They get taken down (edited or unedited). Clearly it's not a left/right thing, it's something else. There are other totally neutral skits that are the same way.

[midgetwidget]

Franken is a douche

[thanksforthemessdick]

do you think we thaught you guys would go away?you are still here and we are still here.see you at the polls

[Muchodelcrazy]

I don't know how to rate this video.... the skit was funny, but the poster's intent was retarded to say the least. Yeah, SUCH a hateful skit .

Remember the Obama skit they just came out with, where they make fun of Obama for not doing anything? That's a million times worse and, guess what, it's totally no problem. It's actually pretty funny. I swear to God right-wingers just don't understand comedy.

[texbookie]

If I have to explain it to you, then I would prefer that you don't rate it.

[Muchodelcrazy]

If you were being sarcastic, you have to understand that when dealing with righttards, it's hard to tell the difference because their real objections are usually so laughable you'd think they were parodying themselves. Hell, they can't even tell the diff sometimes.

[texbookie]

The point was less on political ideology than hypocrisy. When NBC starts either demanding that all unaltered SNL skits be taken off YouTube rather than cherry-picking those which show their over liberal bias, then I will cease throwing verbal and video barbs at them.

[Muchodelcrazy]

Wait... but if they're demanding that this one be taken down, that's a conservative bias. Did you mistype in your video? It says "why does NBC demand that this one be taken down?" Are you saying it's because of your short intro? Was the video different originally?

[BobAnonSmith]

i honestly dont know what your message is... all i took from it is "angry al" made a funny clip that pissed some right winger off somewhere on his way to winning the senate seat.

[texbookie]

Thank you for admitting your ignorance as to the message. I certainly did not expect all people to either understand or appreciate the meaning behind my objection to this particular SNL skit .

[taranis1916]

I'm a leftist... a proud card-carrying member of the Democratic Party and I am similarly proud to work for the President of the United States, Barack Obama.

That being said, the sketch was absolutely written by Senator Franken. He talked about writing the sketch on several occasions during his campaign and is proud of doing it. I mean, I'm proud of him too... The sketch was hilarious.

[texbookie]

Although we probably do not agree politically, I appreciate your intellectual honesty. As with all good humor, this skit did contain some reality.

The people have spoken in Michigan, and Franken prevailed over Coleman. The defeat of an incumbent Senator by a newby like Franken makes an interesting commentary about the political atmosphere of 2008. I harbor no ill will toward either Franken or Obama especially when I find the actions of many of my own "party" so deplorable.

[SisterKlon]

@texbookie

You don't even have the state right. Douche. Michigan's senators are Stabenow and Levin

[texbookie]

Thank you for making that correction.

[slyjokerg]

really stupid and pointless to worry about something so trivial anyway. have fun kid.

[slyjokerg]

everyone please pay attention to this... that reiterates what seemykarma just said... THAT IS NOT AL FRANKEN. whoever posted this video is a f'n moron. that is hammond. see how the craziness of the right wing lunatics works? its the same shit over and over. people claim something, then the crazy right wing sheep follow along. just like saying obama is not american, and health care reform will kill senior citizens. insanity.

[texbookie]

The skit was written by Al Franken, not played by Al Franken. I guess I assumed too much when I didn't specifically say that in the opening credits.

[slyjokerg]

to be clear.. 2 anonymous "well placed sources inside the network" told politico that franken "helped craft the opening sketch." it was not written by franken. "seth myers, the show's head writer, wrote it...". you should really have your facts straight before you make claims. and this is hardly the first time franken has lent an idea to the show since leaving as a staff writer.

[texbookie]

And you need to start reading beyond the headlines and not cherry-picking your "facts."

"Franken was the credited writer along with Meyers..."

In my dictionary, a credited writer is one that has written something.

[slyjokerg]

i know of no source that says franken did any of the writing, aside from coming up with the basic premise of the sketch. being a smartass didn't lend creedence to your last post, to put it nicely.

[texbookie]

You don't? That is odd considering my quotes were from your original source.

[slyjokerg]

couldn't have been from my source. as my source doesn't say franken wrote it.

[texbookie]

So you never read the Politico article that you quoted. That figures.

[slyjokerg]

ummm yes. how could i have known what it said if i hadn't read it? LMAO  dumbass

[texbookie]

So how did you miss the third paragraph where it said that Franken was a credited writer?

And I will refrain from returning the ad hominem remarks.

[slyjokerg]

people are credited for things all the time, that they didn't actually do. it is not uncommon to give someone a writing credit for coming up with a general idea, and not having written any of the actual sketch. its like a finders fee. myers wrote the sketch. now get over it.

[texbookie]

Me get over it? You are the one who started this attack and when proof is offered to the contrary of what you have stated, you dance around with semantics.

[Seemykarma]

That's not Franken. It's Darryl Hammond.

[cwhiterketola]

thank god republican rule is over,but for how long

[beatleshead]

Franken is great - as a comedian and as a voice in politics... smart, funny, and a patriotic american willing to speak truth to power - we need more like him!

[romandawg5]

why? whats he gonna do polliticaly?

[Pimpmastahanhduece]

i think its essential to the process that emphasize that a public office should be filled by the most objective by sampling different perspectives on life. it seems comedy gets you pretty well read up on stuff. but he's also a smart guy with a good platform. in the end, who cares he was a comedian, though was a good one, as long as he does his job seriously, he can be his celebrity self to whoever. and im happy to see he's funny but he does his job well and serving his country humbly.

[theholographicmind]

Umm...That's not Al Franken...

[sad008]

Al Franken wrote it, but didn't act in it.

[patrickchewingjr]

I just talked to McCain and he said he actually knows what digital is.

[JTGOD]

Really?!?!?!?! Boi!

[darcskies777]

lmao lmao lmao lmao

YOu think Rush and Sean actually speak TRUTH?

please get a life.

[princegallup]

omg you actually think those idiots know anything about how to run this country? All they know is how to con simple minded people like you into listening to their shows so they get paid

[svanella]

Ha ha you're an idiot.

[ThatguyNice]

LMAO. Digital? You mean with your fingers? LOL!

[Lily67111]

i luv al franken and snl lol

[drzlecuti]

That was kinda funny. Other than that, it's kinda pointless now.

[DontKnockProgRock37]

Al Franken's not even in that video. Whoever posted this doesn't know what he's talking about. And can you say SENATOR AL FRANKEN!!!! WOOOOOT. He's good enough, he's smart enough, and doggone it people like 'im. (Stuart Smalley)

[texbookie]

No, Al Franken is not IN the video, but the parody was authored by him. If you watch the video and read the captions, you might get the point of the video.

[movieguystarraisin]

Your point is misguided. Al Franken will make a good senator. I do support another recount though. Something Conservatives didn't support in 2000. Most Americans are liberals anyway. Conservatives are second and independents are third...

[texbookie]

If there are so many liberals in America, why is Air America going down the tubes?

[sendmetoalbion]

Because most liberals realize that getting their news and politics from Clear Channel is defeating the purpose and turn to public radio instead.

[texbookie]

Public Radio as in the taxpayer funded radio with the decidedly liberal angle.

[eeka4]

Indeed. Most taxpayers are liberal, as demonstrated by the results of our last presidential election. Further, all taxpayers are American so what that really means is that the angle is decidedly American.

[NeCiFiX]

There are more Independents than Republicans.

[texbookie]

I would be interested in seeing the source you have for that information.

[kanodogg]

he has no source.. he's just talking out of his ass

[pauzhaan]

Al Franken really rocks. He'll be great in the senate!

[texbookie]

And his qualifications for being a Senator are???

Oh yes, I forgot, he is a clown and should fit in well with the other Bozos in the Senate.

[movieguystarraisin]

He's more qualified then Bush was. Bush was an idiot. Anyone could tell that. My only regret is that we will miss a great progressive radio talk show host...

[texbookie]

In what universe does a comedienne (or so he claims) have more experience than the governor of the second largest state in the union?

Progressive radio talk host heard on how many channels and on a radio station that is on the verge of bankruptcy.

[earthdude10]

your country is failing befour your very eyes and you actually think al franken couldn't possible be an improvment? Why dont you just sit this one out and let someone with a brain take a shot at it.

[lambofwassy2]

idiot

[123hayseed]

I for one could not be happier that Franken is the new Senator-elect from Minnesota. I am proud as an American.

[motleyhar]

Well, they already had a Gov that pretty much fit that bill...

[SCODgreenhood]

McCain is a Communist spy *****

[texbookie]

Interesting theory. Have you got him confused with the Manchurian Candidate by chance?

[joeyp978]

rofl SCO is a moron, dont listen to him, rofl.

[texbookie]

Sorry about your literacy problem, man. I should have considered drawing pictures for all those who don't have the privilege of a free education.

[chrisgojai420]

Copy rights suck!

[texbookie]

Copy rights shouldn't be selective, then they suck.

[mericano08]

thank god this piece of shit lost,hurray.eat shit franken

[robhoneycutt]

you spoke a little too soon.

[nooberator]

Senator-Elect Al Franken has just won the final counting yesterday. As soon as the results are certified, it's Franken to the Senate

[texbookie]

Sorry, grasshopper, it isn't over until it is over.

Pending the counting of hundreds of absentee ballots, Democrat Al Franken holds a 49-vote lead over incumbent Republican Sen. Norm Coleman, whose term expires at 11 a.m. Saturday.

If Al Franken does prevail, the Minnesota will have the first Senator that needs a five second delay on his mouth.

[texbookie]

jcip19

So you just can't avoid the churlish personal attacks? That is sad because I can respect those who disagree with my political views but the same is not obviously true for you.

[jcip19]

I actually have to say you have a point, but it is just enraging to see everything the bush administration has done. Explain to me why you consider yourself a republican.

[texbookie]

I may vote more for Republicans than any other party, but I am a conservative libertarian more than anything else.

Bush has been a disappointment to me. I don't hate him, but I don't approve of his stewardship in many areas. John McCain wasn't my first or even seccond, or third choice.

[jcip19]

Ok, so maybe I have to apologize in this case. I just can't stand these right-wingers who support the bush administration no matter what. You have to realize they are the ones who are suffering, whether it be from the 700 Billion dollar bailout that taxpayers are going to pay for because Bush threw out any oversight or when it comes to the illegal iraq war.

[texbookie]

jcip19,

Thank you for your apology. I may disagree with you and others, but let us agree not to be disagreeable with our differences. After all, we are all in this together, and our country is in desperate need of answers for the enormous financial problems we face.

While I did not support Obama,it is my heartfelt hope that he will somehow be able to heal the divisiveness that is tearing our country apart.

Best,

tex

[jcip19]

I suggest you check out the youtube channel called "the young turks". Its hosted by an ex-conservative who is a pretty sharp guy. just a suggestion...

[jcip19]

and if you check out the channel ignore the entertainment clips just focus on the political clips. Look for Bush clips. Their pretty informative and funny. You might find them interesting.

[YouAreNobodySpecial]

The war was justified and nothting illegal about it. You have not idea what your talking about. I happen to know jsut a little about it, seing how I was there 7 times in 6 years.

[ColossalRofl]

What's the justification? I wanna hear the justification coming from somebody that kills for a living. somebody that cant think for themselves, somebody that has to have the Govt. tell him what to do.

[unknownmember1221]

Then thank you very much sir but you do know that we support the troops, not the cause of a useless war.We honor you, not the moron who put you there and if you still stand beside that moron, the justification in that war is blurred and the true people you risked your life to protect are the ones that lead corporations.Who do you think you really protect?Not us, but the institutions to keep you thinking that and the institutions that make you believe its for honor, valor, and country...bullshit.

[vonBeavis]

You're flat out wrong. We're close to 5k of my comrades dead, for what? If you were there, what was justified about it? All I have is a lot of broken friends.

Stay off of my garrisons, REMF.

[Pimpmastahanhduece]

im almost 21,5 out of 7 friends i knew in my senior class are dead,1 in afghanistan and 6 in iraq.all of them knew iraq was bs and was much harder on their families than the 1 from afghanistan. he was killed hunting terrorists on the front lines,all 6 in iraq were killed instantly by cowards who set road side bombs. if a soldier must die,it shouldnt be from some fertilizers and set by some inconspicuous little kid with a pottery shovel.honor is from fighting for something and not glory in battle

[YouAreNobodySpecial]

What enrages you about the Bush administration?

[texbookie]

jcip19,

I welcome different ideas in the spirit of civil discourse. Please feel free to leave such comments if you wish.

[jcip19]

Well I know you Republicans are a little slow so i'll spell it out for you. You are a bunch of frauds. You run on family values yet the majority of you are being caught with gay hookers left and right lol. You have completely ruined the country and the whole bush administration should be thrown in jail. How could you not be embarassed to call yourself Republican at this point? Pull your head out of your ass and get back to me.

[YouAreNobodySpecial]

So why should the Bush Administratin be thrown in jail? How many gay hookers? How did republicans run the country? you need to learn what happened with the economy and who was actully involled and when it started. Its the liberal pigs that are taking this country from a recession to a depression. You need to get you head out of the bias liberal media's ass and get back to all of us.

[texbookie]

Wrong on both accounts. Even the Huffington Post carried the account of Franken as a writer of the script and there are thousands of SNL segments in their entirety on YOUTUBE that have not been removed.

[erglro]

SNL takes down all videos posted on youtube. Al Franken didn't write this sketch...it was just a suggestion he made weeks before.

Game over, just like for McCain's campaign

[largegrainsofsalt]

yes, terrible liberal media bias from the show that WAS LATER HOSTED BY SARA PALIN and fetured a cameo from JOHN MCCAIN just last weekend. its a comedy show, they hit both sides and have an "open door" policy for letting politician on the show. cry about a liberal media bias all you want, but republicans will loss this election for 1 reason alone: george bush is an idiot.

[Morecamb]

Okay, checkout "The Real Al Franken" "Hillary alley for Al Franken" and "Veteran for Al Franken" here on YouTube.