If this is in fact the case, then President Barack Obama has already received enough flattery for an entire year. From Fred Armisen on Saturday Night Live to Iman Crosson on YouTube, it seems, as with most presidential figures, Obama has not been overlooked. In fact, the job of impersonating the president has again become a national pastime with our 44th head of state.
Presidential Lampooning
Each president in turn receives their fair share of lampooning. Often much of this comes from commentary on late night talk shows or various comedy sketch shows, but it seems there is never any lack of poking fun at the highest political figure in the country. Some presidents are impersonated more than others. Some have a better spirit about it than others also. Chevy Chase imitated Gerald Ford, Dana Carvey had his George Bush Sr. and Phil Hartman covered Bill Clinton. Why, then, should Obama be any different?
The New Batch
Prior to Obama’s election into office, comedian Fred Armisen began mimicking the soon-to-be president in February and has been doing so nearly every week since. From a lampoon of his debates with John McCain to a SNL short where Obama calls Hillary Clinton when he is in question about assorted affairs, both political and otherwise, Armisen’s impression gradually got better with time. Now that Obama has been elected, Armisen will have more time to perfect his impersonation.
With the immergence of YouTube, various videos arose prior to the election. There were the numerous Barocky clips, which lampooned the race between Obama and his candidates in the style of the Rocky movies, and then the dance-off between McCain and Obama, where surprisingly Sarah Palin schooled them both.
Very recently a newcomer arrived in the mix. 26-year-old Iman Crosson has been impersonating Obama on YouTube videos since July. Spoofing the president by changing the lyrics to various popular songs to correspond with possible reflections on Obama, Crosson has gained a great deal of attention as of late. Equally catchy and clever, these satires have received over 30,000 hits each at present count, with doubtless more to follow. From waiter to comedian in a matter of months, Crosson’s impression seems to be here to stay.
In the coming months and years it is inevitable we will be bombarded by jokes, sketches and humor of the new commander in chief. However, hopefully each will be as well thought out and well performed as those we’ve already seen. Only time will tell.
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