Candidates expected to appear on 'SNL,' says Michaels

Chicago Tribune (MCT) - Lorne Michaels, the executive producer of "Saturday Night Live," predicts that the presidential and vice presidential candidates will stop by the comedy show before the election.

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"I think, sooner or later, everyone will come through," Michaels said in a phone interview. He declined to give dates as to when "Saturday Night Live" viewers might see U.S. Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama, as well as their running mates, Sen. Joseph Biden and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

"In 2000, both Bush and Gore came on," As for when this crop of candidates would appear, Michael said, "I don't know when. We're always talking to everyone."

As for Tina Fey's coming back to reprise her role as Palin before the election, Michaels said, "I think that's likely."

Even though Fey's depiction of Palin has helped drive the show to a 50 percent increase in ratings over last year, Michaels confirmed what Fey said in an interview with TV Guide _ that she's done playing Palin after the election.

"She's gone" after the election, said Michaels. "She has a full-time job" as the creator and star of "30 Rock," which returns Oct. 30 on NBC. Michaels added that cast member Kristin Wiig would likely play the Alaska governor should the need arise past Nov. 4.

Michaels also said that Ben Affleck would be the host on the show's Nov. 1 broadcast. David Cook of "American Idol" fame will be the musical guest.

"SNL's" final pre-election broadcast will air Nov. 3. The show will not be live but will be a mix of new material taped for "Election Bash" and older political skits from the past year.

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