CNN's SNL 'Fact Check' Generates Backlash
The sketch, which has been deemed the show's first viral hit of the season, cataloged Pres. Obama's supposed lack of accomplishments. The Wall Street Journal's James Taranto called the idea "a bizarre exercise." The Baltimore Sun's David Zurawik wrote, "Fact checking a comedy sketch -- I will say no more." FNC's Greg Gutfeld showed the clip on Red Eye and joked, "Seriously, reviewing an 'SNL' skit for accuracy is like reviewing McDonald's for their wine list." But NYMag's Daily Intel points out, "political satire isn't legitimate if it's not based in truth." CNN's own GOP strategist Ed Rollins writes, "Humor with some truth in it is always dangerous. Make no mistake, a drumbeat of belittlement can damage a president." Though CNN entertainment correspondent Kareen Wynter anchored the piece, "The SitRoom" was using it as part of a political conversation. When TVNewser asked CNN for a comment about the backlash, a spokesperson reiterated what the segment was about: "The piece was used to set up a panel discussion which included representation from both parties -- a liberal and a conservative." In any case, the segment has now taken-off as its own Web-meme, according to an Examiner post. "Twitter users have played up CNN's silliness by creating a hashtag -- Twitter-speak for search term category -- called #CNNFactCheck, used for tweeting pompous corrections of SNL sketches, well-known hyperbolic metaphors, and other absurdities usually not taken literally." The post compiled a "small sampling" of tweets using the hashtag. Here are a few favorites: @DefiantKembro 'El Nino' is not Spanish for "the Nino" #CNNFactCheck Both the fact check and the original sketch are after the jump: Email This Post |
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