Political Comedians Gear Up At Election Time

American Comics Poke Fun at the Candidates

Oct 19, 2008

From Vaugh Meader to SNL's Tina Fey, comic impersonators over the years have injected humor into the political scene, never more so than during this election campaign.

One of the side benefits of a spirited election is the comic relief provided by political impressionists. Today, with our declining economy and intense bi-partisanship, it is encouraging to know that Democrats and Republicans alike can enjoy a good laugh together. Over the last four decades, many comic impersonators have risen to stardom by poking fun at the “establishment.”

The Evolution of Comic Impersonators

The first success story dates back to 1962 and Vaughn Meader. In his album The First Family, Meader good-naturedly lampooned the Kennedy clan. He provided the voices of both John and Robert Kennedy, with an array of other performers playing various family members and dignitaries. Performed in front of a live audience in New York City, this classic album turned Meader into an overnight sensation.

In 1970, impressionist David Frye gained popularity with his hilarious sendup of Richard Nixon, featured on his album I Am the President. While Frye’s impersonations were equally effective on both video and audio, future comics would rely on physical humor for laughs. A classic case is Chevy Chase and his imitation of Gerald Ford, who was generally known to be a clumsy man. Week after week, Chase entertained us with his pratfalls, tripping and bumbling his way into comic immortality.

Political Farce and Saturday Night Live

In addition to Chase, Saturday Night Live produced a number of talented comedians who included presidential impressions in their repertoire. Dana Carvey began his career on SNL with a dead-on imitation of George H. W. Bush. Through the use of exaggerated hand movements and facial expressions, he was able to capture the President’s persona. Other notable SNL impersonations followed, with both Phil Hartman and Darrell Hammond as Bill Clinton and Will Ferrell as George W. Bush.

It is encouraging to see that political satire has survived into the 21st century, although it has taken on a rougher edge. Many successful impersonators of the past captured a politician’s essence and personality, rather than going for an exact imitation. While this approach can still convey derision, today’s comics rely more on their target’s verbal blunders to get laughs. And the recent election campaign has provided lots of grist for the mill.

Fun with Palin and Bush

Two of today’s most talented impersonators are Steve Bridges and Tina Fey. Not only are they dead ringers for President Bush and Governor Palin, respectively, they have perfected their mannerisms and speech patterns. It also helps when their targets can laugh at themselves and join in the fun. In 2006, Bush invited Bridges to impersonate him at the White House Correspondents Dinner. Standing side by side at the podium, the real George W. and the fake George W. gave a hilarious performance.

It will be interesting to see if Sarah Palin has a sense of humor (and thick enough skin) to withstand the comedic onslaught. If McCain wins, she may face four years of Tina Fey’s mockery.

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