Live. From DC. It's Saturday Night Live Politics

On its most basic level, politics is a serious business that should be taken seriously. But even the most serious politician or political scholar has to acknowledge that there is much ridiculousness interwoven throughout all levels of our political process. And, for more than 35 years, no one has done a better job of highlighting that ridiculousness than the TV show Saturday Night Live.  


From Chevy Chase as a bumbling Gerald Ford in its first years to Tina Fey as a spot-on Sarah Palin during the 2008 presidential election, SNL has not only created cascades of political laughter, but has actually had an impact on how America sees the candidates and their foibles.

That's why its appropriate that the Newseum has chosen to begin its special exhibition Every Four Years: Presidential Campaigns and the Press with a special look at SNL's campaign show from the 2008 race.

All the major props are on display. There is the red suit that Fey wore as Palin and the blue one that Amy Poehler donned to portray Hillary Clinton. There is the moose suit that was used in a skit spoofing Palin's hunting skills. Ditto for the Obama mask that Barack Obama wore when he hosted the show and the special set of knives GOP candidate John McCain hawked during his guest appearance.

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Every Four Years is not closing until January of next year which means you have plenty of time to check out both the SNL portion and the entire exhibit.