While I've had some issues with the writing and some of the guests this year on Saturday Night Live, they're still nailing the political commentary perfectly. Keenan Thompson, one of my favorites of this current cast, impersonated the Rev. Al Sharpton in the cold opening sketch addressing the Eric Garner case:
The bit revolved around Kenan Thompson’s flawless performance as Reverend Al Sharpton, shown here hosting Politics Nation on MSNBC. “This Eric Garner decision has upset me so much that in three days I have gained over 100 pounds,” he began, before adding, “For the first time in my life, everyone agrees with me. Folks are high-fiving with me, inviting me places. This must be what it feels like to be Beyoncé.”
However, after starting off with a joke, Kenan-as-Sharpton really lays into the grand jury that decided not to indict the officer that used a chokehold that resulted in Eric Garner’s death.
‘“I mean this is crazy. What does a man have to do to be put on trial? How you gonna get the whole thing on video and turn around and say ‘There’s no crime here’? This is not a ‘Whodunit,’ it’s a “He did it”!”’
The segment then addressed the racial component of the Staten Island case, by way of Bobby Moynihan’s performance as Peter DiNello of the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association. “There are very clear rules [on what it takes for a policeman to be indicted],” Moynihan began. “The victim must not be resisting arrest, it’s best if he’s sleeping, and it helps if he’s white.”
