SNL David Paterson

Saturday Night Live featured an impression by Fred Armisen of New York Governor David Paterson on the December 13, 2008, episode ofthe show. The impression of Paterson, during the "Weekend Update" segment with Amy Poehler and Seth Meyers, made fun of the fact that Paterson is legally blind.Huffington Post: David Patterson, Gov. Blagojevich, Wedding Toast & More (VIDEO) (December 14, 2008)

The National Federation of the Blind, as well as Paterson, found the skit to be offensive. Paterson said, "I can take a joke. But only 37% of disabled people are working, and I'm afraid that that kind of third-grade humor certainly adds to this atmosphere."NY Daily News: Gov. Paterson Not Amused by 'Saturday Night Live' Parody (December 15, 2008)

In the sketch, Armisen as Paterson discussed a potential replacement for Hillary Clinton's open Senate seat. He listed off three main characteristics which were, incidentally, qualities that he possessed, and closed by suggesting himself to fill the seat. During the sketch, Paterson also held a chart upside-down.Hulu: Weekend Update: David Paterson (December 14, 2008)

In the closing moments of Weekend Update, when Amy Poehler announced it would be her final episode, Paterson stepped into frame of the video as if he could not see where he was.NBC Video: Amy's Goodbye (December 13, 2008)

Paterson Mocked on SNL

Quotes

"I mean come on...I'm a blind man who loves cocaine who was suddenly appointed governor of New York. My life is an actual plot of a Richard Pryor movie." — Fred Armisen as David PatersonHulu: Weekend Update: David Paterson (December 14, 2008)

"The governor engages in humor all the time, and he can certainly take a joke. However, this particular ‘Saturday Night Live’ skit unfortunately chose to ridicule people with physical disabilities and imply that disabled people are incapable of having jobs with serious responsibilities."“The New York Times: Paterson's Office Is Not Amused by 'Saturday Night Live' (December 15, 2008)—Risa B. Heller, Governor Patterson's communications director

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