Hotmail
N.Y. governor not laughing at ‘SNL’ skit
Advocates of the blind fault spot portraying Paterson as bumbling leader
|
Television video |
 TODAY Stage star Chenoweth on new gig Dec. 4: Broadway actress Kristin Chenoweth chats with the TODAY hosts about her new Lifetime television movie, "The 12 Men of Christmas." |
ALBANY, N.Y. - A "Saturday Night Live" skit portraying New York's blind governor as a bumbling leader didn't get a laugh from Gov. David Paterson.
Paterson's office said the skit ridiculed people with physical disabilities and implied that disabled people are incapable of having jobs with serious responsibilities.
"The governor is sure that 'Saturday Night Live,' with all of its talent, can find a way to be funny without being offensive," Paterson spokesman Errol Cockfield said in a statement Sunday. "Knowing the governor, he might even have some suggestions himself."
(Msnbc.com is an NBC News — Microsoft joint venture.)
No comment from show
The skit that aired Saturday featured SNL cast member Fred Armisen as Paterson, who must appoint someone to replace Sen. Hillary Clinton. Armisen said he has three criteria for filling the job: economic experience, upstate influence and someone who is disabled and unprepared for the job — like himself. He held up a chart illustrating the state's job losses upside down.
National Federation of the Blind spokesman Chris Danielsen said the portrayal suggesting Paterson as befuddled and disoriented because of his blindness is "absolutely wrong."
No one from NBC, which produces SNL, could be reached for comment early Monday morning.
More on Saturday Night Live | David Paterson
- Discuss Story On Newsvine
-
Rate Story:
View popularLowHigh - Instant Message
MORE FROM MORE NEWS AND OTHER FEATURES |
 Jackson’s kids make ‘Fascinating People’ list |
| Add More news and other features headlines to your news reader: |
Sponsored links
Resource guide