Why SNL Political Skits Are Great For This Election | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

Why SNL Political Skits Are Great For This Election

Besides the fact that they’re hilarious

33
Why SNL Political Skits Are Great For This Election

Every four years, when election year comes around, Saturday Night Live producers go crazy. There’s nothing like the presidential election in terms of funny, weird, and relevant content. This year, it seems that we have an extra special election on our hands; both of the candidates have provided us with extremely hilarious content each in their own silly way. SNL political skits aren’t just funny, though. They spur discussion, especially among younger crowds. I invite you to check them out, and hear me out when I say SNL is killing it.

Although I’ve always loved SNL, I especially enjoy watching during election season. I appreciate that the actors go to great lengths to spoof both candidates, while still staying true to current events and quotes from the characters themselves. This season, Alec Baldwin and Kate McKinnon as Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton, respectively, have done a marvelous job picking up on the subtleties (and sometimes, the not-so-subtle characteristics) of the two candidates. Baldwin portrays a squinty-eyed, too-tan Trump who has the tendency to blurt out “WRONG!” at inopportune times. Meanwhile, McKinnon plays on the relatability of Clinton, going to great lengths to show that she is a not a robot, and actually can understand pop culture references.

SNL picks up on funny, obvious characteristics and mannerisms of the candidates, but it also tackles bigger issues in the campaign. These include Hillary’s email scandal as well as the recent release of Trump’s sexual assault-laden comments. These different events/problems are highlighted and made fun of in the comedy performances, but the funny backdrop allows us to see the true ridiculousness in some elements of politics.

The best thing about SNL’s political involvement is how it appeals to the youth. SNL’s viewers range in age, but many young people are becoming more aware of the election and what each of the candidates stand for in part because of Saturday Night Live. The Weekend Update with Colin Jost and Michael Che pokes fun at true quotes and events from and by Trump and Clinton. Although it’s silly to think that people are getting their news solely from SNL, this may be the case for some. I think SNL gives a new (slightly exaggerated) take on the election, teaching younger generations what the candidates are really doing and what they really mean, even if it’s in a funny way. And if that’s the best we can do to get people to watch the news and pay attention to what each candidate really stands for, then so be it. It’s better than nothing.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

The 5 Phases Of Finals

May the odds be ever in your favor.

948
Does anybody know how to study
Gurl.com

It’s here; that time of year when college students turn into preschoolers again. We cry for our mothers, eat everything in sight, and whine when we don’t get our way. It’s finals, the dreaded time of the semester when we all realize we should have been paying attention in class instead of literally doing anything else but that. Everyone has to take them, and yes, unfortunately, they are inevitable. But just because they are here and inevitable does not mean they’re peaches and cream and full of rainbows. Surviving them is a must, and the following five phases are a reality for all majors from business to art, nursing to history.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition

10 ways to prepare for finals week—beginning with getting to the library.

2499
How To Prepare For The Library: Finals Edition
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

It’s that time of year again when college students live at the library all week, cramming for tests that they should have started studying for last month. Preparing to spend all day at the library takes much consideration and planning. Use these tips to help get you through the week while spending an excessive amount of time in a building that no one wants to be in.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl roommates
StableDiffusion

Where do we begin when we start talking about our roommates? You practically spend every moment with them, they become your second family and they deal with you at your best and at your absolute worst. They are there to make you laugh just a little harder, cry a little less and make each day a little better. We often forget to thank them for the little things that they do to make college even a tiny bit easier and more fun. This list of 26 things are what you should thank your roommates for right this minute and every day that you live with them.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

20 Thoughts While Studying For Finals

I may or may not be stressing right now.

2697
Thoughts While Studying For Finals
StableDiffusion


That time of the semester has arrived once again, finals. The worst week ever. Who thought it was a good idea for all your classes to have exams all in the same week? Definitely not me. Here's 20 thoughts you may have studying for finals.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Disney magic for New Year!

The "Happiest Place on Earth" has a lot of characters with some pretty great advice.

7393
Disney magic kingdom castle on new years
StableDiffusion

Disney movies are well known and very popular in today's world. Although many people appreciate the plot and the storyline, not many people appreciate the wisdom these characters possess. Every Disney movie has unique advice that can be applied to everyday life. Here are 11 Disney quotes to help start your New Year off right:

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments