Saturday Night Live: Presidential Bash 2000

Saturday Night Live's Presidential Bash 2000 is a nostalgic whirlwind through decades of political satire, blending sharp writing with iconic impressions that defined how a generation saw their leaders. This special, aired during the heat of the 2000 election, brings back legendary cast members and sketches that highlight the show's unique ability to mix comedy with commentary. The special is packed with moments that reflect how SNL has mirrored, mocked, and magnified the political landscape-while keeping its audience laughing along the way.

The guest appearances in this special are a real treat, especially the cameos from actual presidential candidates George W. Bush and Al Gore. Their willingness to poke fun at themselves underscores the cultural power of SNL in shaping public image. Seeing Bush and Gore participate added a surreal layer to the humor, blurring the line between politician and performer. Their appearances, though brief, helped humanize them in a way no campaign ad could, making politics feel more approachable-and funnier-than ever.

Some of the sketches featured are true SNL hall-of-famers. Bill Clinton's infamous McDonald's run, played to perfection by Phil Hartman, captures the former president's folksy charm and appetite with equal parts affection and satire. Dana Carvey's George H. W. Bush delivers a hilarious Gulf War address that's both absurd and eerily accurate, filled with his signature "Not gonna do it!" catchphrase. These moments, though comedic, cleverly distill the essence of these political figures, showing how SNL could be both biting and insightful.

Watching SNL's Presidential Bash 2000 made me more interested in politics-not because it explained policies, but because it made political figures relatable and their flaws forgivable. Through laughter, the show sparked curiosity and invited viewers to look beyond headlines. In a world where political discourse can be exhausting, SNL reminded us that humor is a powerful lens for understanding leadership. The special stands not just as a comedy highlight, but as a cultural artifact of how America laughs through democracy.

Okay, I'm the first one to admit, the once great SNL is now an unfunny shadow of it's formerly hilarious, topical, and talented casts. But there is one area where SNL has always shined in all of it's 25 years, and that is politics. This collection, which aired during the 2000 election, has a high point in the introduction given by George W. Bush and Al Gore, who are very funny in mocking their own media image. There are also priceless moments here that show the best of Presidential imitations that have delighted audiences over the last quarter-century. Darrell Hammond gives us his side-splitting dead-on Bill Clinton, and the late Phil Hartman is fantastic as Ronald Reagan. The first skit showcases the 2000 debates between George W. Bush (Will Ferrell) and Al Gore (Hammond) Their perfect evocations of the subjects and the hilarity that ensues perfectly capture SNL's timelessness in political matters. And Ferrell says it perfectly, when he sums up Bush's policy in one word: Stategery.