The dissatisfaction was less over the fact that Armisen was Caucasian than it was over his inability to effectively capture the President-elect's voice and mannerisms. All this led to wide speculation, mostly thanks to this Daily Beast story, that the show was actively auditioning African-American candidates to take over Obama duties. Clearly, however, Armisen wasn't going to give up that easily.

In "Obama Plays It Cool," Armisen debuted his New, Improved Obama Impression, in which he effectively spoofs the famous temperament—no highs, no lows, just cool, improvisational thinking for tough times. He doesn't merely speed up towards the end of his sentences now, but instead offers a finely textured approximation of Obama's bassy bedside manner. Close your eyes. That's some damn good Obama.

A little later in the broadcast, Armisen returns to more familiar waters—sexually androgynous superstars who hit in the 1980s—adding a formidable Boy George to his already spot-on Prince. He might not have that Anakin Skywalker bloat, but he blends in perfect measures the cockney obliviousness and fallen pop-star imperiousness that defined the former Culture Club singer throughout the entire, insane, hustler-thrashing affair. We'll tumble 4 that.

Answer: Awkwardly! Without Tina Fey on board or even the much-rumored Sarah Palin-as-Fey meta explosion, SNL's attempt at a presidential debate skit underwhelmed almost as much as the actual debate. Even guest appearances by Bill Murray and Chris Parnell couldn't quite mask the fact that after weeks of mining rich, varied material, SNL returned to its "beat one single joke into the ground over nine minutes" roots. In this case, it was the premise that Tom Brokaw didn't allow the debaters enough time to make interesting points. Laughing yet? Then the entire sketch awaits you below!

• Saturday Night Live [NBC]

What, you don't remember? We've got SNL's Biden impression cued up after the jump:

In fact, SNL’s brand of political comedy is so hot right now, that NBC’s gonna give you the opportunity to choke on it. Not only are there four original episodes in a row to lead off the season, but starting on October 9th, there will be three special primetime Saturday Night Live Weekend Update Thursday editions, which will run behind The Office. Will they really be able to get Tina Fey to do her Sarah Palin impression that many times before she has to return to 30 Rock? We hope so, because Darrell Hammond’s McCain and Fred Armisen’s Obama are kinda meh.

Of course, it’s not just SNL that’s reaping the benefits of all the political insanity. Variety says,"The Daily Show is coming off its most-watched week in history, averaging 1.9 million viewers last week — up 28% from last year.” And Colbert and Real Time With Bill Maher are doing great too. At this point, network executives must be trying to get this election postponed indefinitely so they can keep making fun of it. Sound crazy? Well, McCain did just suspend his campaign. Hmmm...

• 'SNL' Turning Politics Into Gold [Variety]

After the audience stood up for a Spanish version of "God Bless America," the actors sat down and got right into it. First up we met a couple whose love for alcohol is at the center of their connection, then a couple getting to know each other over a complicated personality test (Armisen: "Do you often have emotional outbursts without thinking them through?" Rudolph: "What kind of fucking question is that?"), then a third couple on their first date as they discuss stuffed animals (Rudolph: "When I was little, I used to put Snoopy between my legs and just hump him so hard. I humped him and humped him until his nose broke off.").

Sorry — spoiler alert? The (re)viewer notes that the vignettes comprised roughly 15 couples in all, with little more connective tissue than its author's irreverence and the SNL veterans channeling it. It can't be any worse than Baby Mama. Find out for yourself if you're feeling adventurous and can manage to mug a ticketholder; even Craigslist has nothing doing for tonight's second and final show.

• Paul Thomas Anderson’s Top-Secret Play Revealed [Vulture]
• Maya Rudolph and Fred Armisen [Largo]

Watch how a better-coached Trevanti, once a borderline, picketer-assaulting sociopath, now stays on message and presents the studios' more-than-fair proposal utilizing memorable catchphrases and calming tones; by the end of the brief video, you'll come away wondering how Guild members can possibly keep striking when they could be back at work before Christmas, watching all that Radio Contest Winner Money stream directly into their bank accounts.

• The AMPTP explains their latest proposal... [United Hollywood]
• Previously: One Studio Head's Heartfelt Strike Appeal [Defamer]