Some people have always had a problem with Fred Armisen impersonating Obama because he’s not black. I’ve always had a problem with Fred Armisen impersonating Obama because he’s Fred Armisen.
Lorne Michaels has now taken care of both problems, according to Bill Carter:
Fred Armisen has been the show’s President Obama since 2008, but Mr. Michaels said he would be relying on Jay Pharoah, who joined the cast in 2010.
“Jay has been doing Obama in his act this summer, and Jay is coming into his own,” Mr. Michaels said. “I just thought it might be time to shake it up.”
Let’s take a look:
Definitely better than Armisen. But then, who isn’t?
That was taped three years ago, and it sounds like Pharoah has been working on his Obama impression since then, just in case. He’s a terrific impressionist (Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Eddie Murphy), but they really haven’t given him much to do since he joined the cast two years ago. I’m sure he’ll do a great job, even if the writers can’t bring themselves to actually mock Obama.
And even though it’s only going to matter for another 8 weeks.
(Hat tip: Splitsider)