The video above is over a month old now and still brings a smile to my face, but will it and others lampooning Sara Palin make a difference? That's the question.
There's no clear answer statistically. Campaign contributions usually go up after an appearance on a late night comedy show.* The prevailing opinion among the punditocracy is that it doesn't become a problem until the characterization begins to take hold and the public accepts the portrayal as true. That's apparently what happened with Chevy Chase's depiction of Gerald Ford in 1976.* The same thing appears to be happening with Tina Fey's Sarah Palin.
In other words, it could indeed cost McCain the election, not only because she's not ready for the Presidency, but also because it calls into question his judgment.
The long-range effect on Palin, however, may not be all that bad. Even I find her personally appealing. If and when she masters the background necessary to speak knowledgeably about the issues, she could still make a comeback. That's the kind of change, however, few people ever accomplish.
There's no clear answer statistically. Campaign contributions usually go up after an appearance on a late night comedy show.* The prevailing opinion among the punditocracy is that it doesn't become a problem until the characterization begins to take hold and the public accepts the portrayal as true. That's apparently what happened with Chevy Chase's depiction of Gerald Ford in 1976.* The same thing appears to be happening with Tina Fey's Sarah Palin.
In other words, it could indeed cost McCain the election, not only because she's not ready for the Presidency, but also because it calls into question his judgment.
The long-range effect on Palin, however, may not be all that bad. Even I find her personally appealing. If and when she masters the background necessary to speak knowledgeably about the issues, she could still make a comeback. That's the kind of change, however, few people ever accomplish.
Video:
Saturday Night Live. (September 18, 2008) Palin/Hillary Open: Gov. Palin and Senator Clinton address the nation. (NBC.com). Retrieved October 27, 2008 from http://politicsinpurple.wordpress.com/2008/09/18/snl-skit-palin-hillary-speak-together/
DeRusha, Jason. (2008, September 23). Good Question: Does Political Comedy Affect Voters? (wcco.com). Retrieved October 27, 2008 from http://wcco.com/election/political.comedy.voters.2.823997.html
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