SNL writers urge Bush to run for third term

Though Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) has already received nomination from the Republican Party to run for president, the writers of the NBC show "Saturday Night Live" believe President George W. Bush still has one term left in office. As the writing staff of "SNL" has recently returned to work after a long writers strike, many writers are struggling to come up with political fodder for the right. "Even though we poke fun at the major political leaders, we strive to keep everything balanced," said Renee Dawson, sketch writer for "SNL." "We have had such a focus on Obama and Clinton's race in our recent shows, but nothing for McCain. He's been hands off since the New York Times published that false scandal article." Actors Fred Armisen and Amy Poehler have been portraying Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) and Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.) respectively, staging fake debates and press conferences, but a strong, active McCain character has yet to be established. "We are struggling to find someone to play the 71-year-old McCain," said Lorne Michaels, creator of "SNL." "For Bush, we had Will Ferrell do a wonderful job, followed by Will Forte, who wasn't too bad either. We're easily able to extend Fred and Amy's contracts if one of their characters is elected, but we'll be back to square one if McCain is put in the White House." The writers have been collecting signatures to petition the government to remove the two-term limit for presidency. "It's very hard to keep the audience enthralled from beginning to end from show to show if it's politics heavy," said Tiny Fey, former actor and writer for "SNL." "Over the past eight years, everyone has come to appreciate the appearances of Bush, and I think the writers are using it as a safety net." Michaels feels the writers' plan to keep Bush in the White House for an additional term could be worth while stacked against the international and economical woes that may follow in the coming four years. "If you think about it, there has always been a balance between the government and the entertainment industry," Michaels said. "Even during the Depression, the entertainment industry thrived. Perhaps surviving through a second depression of that magnitude will bring the country back to where it should be." Political consultant James Carville is less optimistic about the petition. He, like many other Americans, is looking for change in the White House, be it from the left or moderate-right. "The 'SNL' writers are just experiencing the same lame-duck lull that Bush himself is going through," Carville said. "Once the presidental race begins, they should easily have found someone who does a good McCain." After the recent announcement of re-elections in Michigan and Florida, the "SNL" staff is looking to the future. "If nothing else, we can hope Bush is a live-wire in his retirement," Dawson said.