I’m embarrassed to admit I even watched part of the Emmys telecast last night, though in my defense it just happened to be on during dinner, and I was flipping back and forth to Die Hard With a Vengeance, at least. The ceremony managed to exaggerate the most infuriating aspects of awards shows, extending the pointless blather and witless tributes while cutting off speeches after about three seconds. Apparently America agreed, as the broadcast achieved the lowest ratings in the history of the Emmys. Congratulations.
One of the few highlights of the show was waiting to see what sly (or not-so-sly) political reference would come next. There were quite a few, with winners and presenters perhaps inspired by the stultifying boredom of the rest of the ceremony. In any event, please welcome Party Ben to present the five nominees for best political commentary at the Emmys broadcast last night.
Thanks Party Ben. It’s an honor to be here tonight. And the nominees are:
Tom Hanks for his “John Adams” acceptance speech
Mr. Hanks referenced the “innuendo, lies, and disinformation” of the Jefferson/Adams election, and then sarcastically stated, “how great we’ve come so far since then.”
Howie Mandel for “Bridge to Nowhere” reference
Mr. Mandel described the baffling show opener featuring reality hosts as being like a pointless elevated roadway which one could say thanks but no thanks to.
Tina Fey for Post-Emmys press-conference Sarah Palin reference
Describing her SNL impersonation of the VP candidate, Ms. Fey stated she wants to be “done playing this lady Nov. 5, so if anybody can help me be done playing this lady Nov. 5, that would be good for me.”
John Stewart and Stephen Colbert for “Prunes Bit”
Mr. Stewart and Mr. Colbert pulled the old comedy switcheroo by announcing they would not discuss politics, then launched into a see-through metaphor for John McCain’s campaign by referring to prunes, “shriveled and hard-to-swallow, but with the experience we need.”
John Stewart for bleak non-joke Bush reference during acceptance speech
Mr. Stewart stated he’s “looking forward” to the next administration, then said “I have nothing to follow that up with, I’m just saying I really look forward to the next administration.”
And the winner is…
John Stewart and Stephen Colbert for “Prunes Bit”! Funny, silly, and charmingly old-school, the bit followed the Colbert strategy of high-wire satire that he executes perfectly on a nightly basis. “What could possibly go wrong,” mumbles the wide-eyed Colbert, stuffing prunes into his mouth. Watch it below!!
