Tina Fey as Sarah Palin: Parody of Katie Kouric's Interview with Sarah Palin

Sarah and Katie

A parody of Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live two weeks ago was well-received by the Republican vice presidential nominee, according to her press secretary. It would be hard to imagine she felt the same about last night’s treatment.

Alaska’s proximity to Russia and why that emboldens Palin’s foreign policy credentials happened in the real Palin and Couric interview as we discussed earlier. The SNL writers thought that was pretty good material.

Russians hanging around

So they took Amy Poehler, who impersonated Hillary Clinton in the earlier skit, but this time had Poehler imitate Couric in what they called the “fourth installment” of the interview series.

“You got Alaska here, this right here is water, and this is Russia,” Palin (Fey) explained using her hands to assist. “So, we keep an eye on them. Every morning, when Alaskans wake up, one of the first things they do, is look outside to see if there are any Russians hanging around. And if there are, you gotta go up to them and ask, ‘What are you doing here?’ and if they can’t give you a good reason, it’s our responsibility to say, you know, ‘Shoo! Get back over there!”’

Lifeline please?

It would have been a missed opportunity had the writers not lampooned the “I’ll get back to ya’” gaffe that the real-life Palin used when Couric stumped her. They played that line when discussing foreign policy.

COURIC: “What lessons have you learned from Iraq and how specifically, would you spread democracy abroad?”

PALIN: “Specifically, we would make every effort possible to spread democracy abroad to those who want it.”

COURIC: “Yes, but specifically what would you do?”

PALIN: “We’re gonna promote freedom. Usher in democratic values and ideals. And fight terror-loving terrorists.”

COURIC: “But again, and not to belabor the point. One specific thing.”

PALIN: “Katie, I’d like to use one of my lifelines.”

COURIC: “I’m sorry?”

PALIN: “I want to phone a friend.”

COURIC: “You don’t have any lifelines.”

PALIN: “Well in that case I’m gonna just have to get back to ya’”

Wondering if Palin might call for a suspension of her campaign next week to work on a legislastive issue? If so, she should make sure she’s not scheduled for the David Letterman show. He’s already got enough material.