The world awaits 'SNL's' Obama pick
Back in early November, Barack Obama made a big splash with a surprise appearance on "Saturday Night Live," playing himself in a skit poking fun at various Democratic presidential candidates (mainly, the then-front-runner, Hillary Clinton).
The writers strike hit a couple of days later, causing the show -- along with so many others -- to go dark. The lengthy labor dispute, as it turned out, postponed a tough casting call that now looms as "SNL" prepares to return to the airwaves with fresh material this weekend: Finding someone to portray Obama in its political parodies (the candidate himself, after all, is a bit busy these days).
"SNL" major domo Lorne Michaels expects to make his choice later this week, he told USA Today. And as Michaels discussed the challenge of playing the part, it was clear he is among those to experience Obamamania.
"Finding a way to get people to laugh at him is complicated right now," he said. ...
"He's truly a heroic figure, and that is always hardest. People aren't seeing the cracks yet, but it will happen."
The New York Post reported that those under consideration include Kenan Thompson, the sole black member of the "SNL" troupe.
Thompson has proved a talented presence on the show, but his physique doesn't exactly match up with the tall, lean Obama. If he gets the nod, it truly will show how far he's progressed since Nickelodeon's "Kenan & Kel" sitcom, in which he played the heavyset part in an update of the tried-and-true Laurel & Hardy schtick.
-- Don Frederick
Photos: Spencer Platt / Getty Images and Darren Michaels / 20th Century Fox
Andrew Malcolm's immigrant parents repeatedly stressed the importance of active participation in a democracy. Early lessons included learning the alphabetical list of states by watching televised roll calls of national political conventions. That childhood exposure led to a lifelong fascination with politics, including 40-plus years of covering them and a brief stint practicing them as press secretary to Laura Bush in 1999-2000. A veteran foreign and national correspondent, Malcolm served on the Times Editorial Board and was a Pulitzer finalist in 2004. He is the author of 10 nonfiction books and father of four.
Johanna Neuman is a veteran Washington correspondent for both The Los Angeles Times and USA Today, having covered presidents and politics as far back as Ronald Reagan. A former president of the White House Correspondents Assn., she authored a book on media and foreign policy, “Lights, Camera, Wars.” Most recently she was co-author of the 
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RIDICULOUS that they didnt have a person of color in their cast to begin with!! the show hasnt been funny since Sandler left anyway. CANCEL IT ....
Posted by: jen | February 21, 2008 at 10:37 AM
What do you mean they don't have a person of color? Kenan has been on for a few years. Sandler?? Are you kidding? The show is better than ever b/c the women (Amy and Kirsten) carry it.
Can't wait to see Tina this wknd!!
Posted by: stacy | February 21, 2008 at 11:36 AM
Bring back Tim Meadows.
The guy toils on the show for 10 years, but he's going to miss out on this chance. Too bad -- I think he would be great for the part.
Posted by: Nate | February 21, 2008 at 12:03 PM
what a reatard, adam sandler wasnt funny al he did was scream.
Posted by: yo mama | February 21, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Tim Meadows would be perfect!
Posted by: Agent J | February 21, 2008 at 11:04 PM
I agree; Tim Meadows would perfect! He even kind of favors Obama.
Posted by: kato248 | February 23, 2008 at 07:22 AM
I won't ruin it for you LA folks, but all I can say is that I am not pleased by whom they seemed to have chosen to play him...Will be curious to see the reviews
Posted by: Watching live from NYC | February 23, 2008 at 08:52 PM