Video: South Park on what Hope really meant
posted at 7:54 am on November 6, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
Last night, South Park gave its acerbic take on the election and the results in one of the better satires of recent episodes. They must have rushed this into production in the morning or produced two different episodes in anticipation of either candidate winning, as they had Obama as the winner — and the residents of the town either rioting drunkenly in the streets or attempting suicide and building a bunker. Here’s a short clip showing the bipartisan nuttiness:
The real gem of this episode comes in the secret bipartisanship between the two candidates, however. Unbeknownst to all, Barack Obama and John McCain had something more specific when they spoke about hope. And why does Obama want to sneak into the Oval Office the night of the election? Sarah Palin and Michelle Obama are both in on the conspiracy that will rock the world. Watch the full episode on line here.
Best takeaway: No one ever mentions Joe Biden in this episode.
Blowback
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I was surprised when South Park didn’t do something for the election last week.
Shoulda known better.
Hopefully, they’ll be the only show on television to have the balls to make fun of Obama.
Hawkins1701 on November 6, 2008 at 7:59 AM
They can do those episodes pretty fast, but I suspect they had two nearly done episodes. The bit about Obama’s Grandmother was just a voice over to make it current, so that could have been done the same day.
Ann NY on November 6, 2008 at 7:59 AM
I saw this last night. I thought it was funny. But, man, those South Park people either cranked this one out fast, or planned it out a long time ago thinking McCain was going to lose.
Either way, funny.
ErinF on November 6, 2008 at 7:59 AM
I always watch SP TiVo’d to not be harassed by commercials. I can’t wait to watch this.
SP = best political commentary
bloghooligan on November 6, 2008 at 8:01 AM
If I had to guess, I would say that they probably had the basic framework for the episode already laid out, likely with whole scenes animated if they didn’t refer specifically to Obama winning and/or McCain losing. It’s possible they might have even had the riot scenes 98% animated, too, so that all they’d have to was add the appropriate T-shirt designs and they’d be finished.
But if they didn’t also have two sets of scenes ready to go regardless of which way the election went, I think it’s completely believable that they could have put together even those in the time they had. Matt Stone and Trey Parker are famous (notorious?) for putting a lot of South Park episodes together at the very last minute, so I was actually expecting something like this.
However they did it, though, I think this must rate as the most timely one they’ve ever done. And I enjoyed it quite a bit. If it wasn’t as drop-dead funny as South Park can be at its very best, it was a wonderfully clever, bipartisan look behind the scenes of a very difficult campaign. Since I was, shall we say, less than thrilled with the final results, it was nice to be able to put all the rancor aside and just be able to laugh at a scenario so absurd, it was almost believable.
WesternActor on November 6, 2008 at 8:06 AM
I read an interview they did some time back. They said the animation is so simple they can whip out changes in no time. I recall when they had Saddam’s bearded face pasted into an episode only 2 or 3 days after he was captured.
I thought the episode was ok, but not great. I thought the towns people reacting to the election was funnier than the subplot about the actual candidates.
clancy_wiggum on November 6, 2008 at 8:11 AM
Not going to put out any spoilers, but Sarah Palin’s accent was AWSOME.
Reminds me of the Christmas Wizard of Oz episode with Saddam. I was like, “How did they get that in there so quickly?” Checking Wiki, the announcement that Saddam was captured was on December 14th and the episode was on September 17th.
BohicaTwentyTwo on November 6, 2008 at 8:14 AM
That was a good one. Randy Marsh always cracks me up.
Obama you’re so fine, you’re so fine you blow my mind. Obama!
reaganaut on November 6, 2008 at 8:26 AM
My new phrase: N.U.M.A.
National Unity My Ass!
*** I refuse to unite with any man, be he black, white, purple with big pink dots, that would promote Socialism, Radicalism and / or repression of our Freedoms. Our new Presidents first appointment is one og the most hated and hateful staunch partisans of the far left. Conservatives had beeter be armed and ready with sound logic, stong convictions and a set of brass balls to thawrt the comming wave of radical policies. We will need LEADERS that can get on TV and argue against the Fairness Doctrine, the Card Check and other refinements to The Bill of Rights and our Constitution. We here at HotAir and across the Country had better be ready to send e-mails, calls, fllod the TV’s with reasonable responses, talking to the American People, fighting back with massive turnout of opposition when these Bills start heading down the pipe. We must have faces and voices that get air time to fight “change”, and allow folks to see Obama and his minyons in the light of day. “Change” is comming, we need to beat the hell out of it, early and often. N.U.M.A!
Mark Garnett on November 6, 2008 at 8:28 AM
I am glad that the celebratory riots on South Park were far worse than they were in real life.
BohicaTwentyTwo on November 6, 2008 at 8:31 AM
They cranked that one out fast and it was freakin’ brilliant.
Fletch54 on November 6, 2008 at 8:33 AM
Saw it last night.
The townspeople reacting to the elections was the funniest element.
The political subplot would have been better if it was postulated that both McCain and Obama were working for the same person or group of people, say Soros, Bill Gates, Buffett, Council on Foreign Relations, the FED, China, or some such real power behind the curtain. Thief angle was not bad though.
riverrat10k on November 6, 2008 at 8:34 AM
I like Treacher’s NUMB (National Unity My Butt). Numb is also how a lot of people are going to feel once they realized they got duped by hopenchange.
I did the math last night, giving Obama all of his primary voters, 85% of Clinton’s and another 10% of general voters who did the research on Obama and still voted for him. At least 20 million people have no idea what they just voted for.
BadgerHawk on November 6, 2008 at 8:35 AM
heh, I didn’t even notice ’til you just pointed that out…
Yeah, I gotta say, after the first couple of new episodes were “meh” at best…this one is already one of my all-time favorites. Randy Marsh had me cracking up!
From the first time I heard Palin speak, I thought she sounded exactly like Principal Victoria.
JetBoy on November 6, 2008 at 8:37 AM
I noticed Biden was a no show too. I was almost certain he’d be on the plane or something like that.
The funniest part was the very end. That or Cartman with the televisions.
tll on November 6, 2008 at 8:38 AM
Better than a guinea pig in a pirate suit? I think not!
Hening on November 6, 2008 at 8:40 AM
Anyone notice Comedy Central’s choice of SP episode on election night?
The “Nagger Guy”
I still can’t decide if that was funny or not. (the choice of airing that on election night, not the episode. The episode was great.)
loudmouth883 on November 6, 2008 at 8:46 AM
It was hilarious, without a doubt!
Pam on November 6, 2008 at 8:48 AM
I liked the Ocean’s 11/12/13 angle. And Catherine Zeta-Jones as Sarah Palin? Yum!
I suspect that Matt & Trey had a couple of nearly finished episodes lined up. But McCain’s & Dear Leader’s speeches did come from Tuesday night, so they had to finish up in a hurry.
South Park is the first jibe thrown towards the new president. My question is who is going to be next. Is SNL/Daily Show/??? going to poke fun at Dear Leader the way they have at W?
As for Joe Biden, that’s just shooting fish in a barrel.
rbj on November 6, 2008 at 8:49 AM
So part of it this morning… Almost didn’t want to go to work. So hilarious.
Illinidiva on November 6, 2008 at 8:49 AM
Jolly good stuff. I almost always love this show. I’m glad they went after both sides like they usually do, but they really made the Obama hordes look bad (rightfully so).
I’m guessing Biden wasn’t present because everyone involved in the plot had to have some measure of intelligence. Hence, no tendencies for big gaffes.
niuhuskie2009 on November 6, 2008 at 8:53 AM
touche
JetBoy on November 6, 2008 at 8:56 AM
I really wonder how the episode was made. I mean, did they make two versions “Just in case” McCain won or were they totally confident in the results ala Doonesbury?
Typhonsentra on November 6, 2008 at 8:56 AM
South Park has been a little lame this season but I had a good chuckle at this one.
jnelchef on November 6, 2008 at 8:59 AM
LMFAO, Mr. Garrison for McCain-Palin.
Sir Andrew on November 6, 2008 at 9:00 AM
riverrat10k on November 6, 2008 at 8:34 AM
.
They were all working for Ike.
Simonsez on November 6, 2008 at 9:02 AM
OK, I’m impressed with the speed in which they cranked it out–the detail of McCain blaming himself proves it wasn’t made earlier. But how was it funny?
jgapinoy on November 6, 2008 at 9:11 AM
Hopefully, they’ll be the only show on television to have the balls to make fun of Obama.
Hawkins1701 on November 6, 2008 at 7:59 AM
Oh, no — hopefully they won’t be the only show.
Not that I expect many to grow a pair, but we can HOPE, can’t we?
hit and run on November 6, 2008 at 9:18 AM
“Game over, man! Ummmm-kay?”
HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
guitarguy on November 6, 2008 at 9:23 AM
Hahaha… Joe Biden is a big fat worthless.
Here’s to Obama’s good health!
Abby Adams on November 6, 2008 at 9:24 AM
how long till Obama bans South Park?
jp on November 6, 2008 at 9:24 AM
randy marsh is my hero!
eh on November 6, 2008 at 9:24 AM
Yeah, but it was a pretty benign jibe that was equally thrown at McCain.
I think the best messages were for the supporters of both camps:
To McCain Supporters: Please don’t kill yourself or lock yourself in your bunker just yet.
To Obama Supporters: Don’t quit your day job.
BohicaTwentyTwo on November 6, 2008 at 9:29 AM
sarah was awesome!!!!
gannak on November 6, 2008 at 9:29 AM
I know. He wasn’t mentioned at all. I said something about that to my husband last night, and he responded that Biden’s obviously the least interesting person in this election.
So true.
I loved how they had Randy drunkenly shouting, “Yes, we can!”
Esthier on November 6, 2008 at 9:29 AM
Matt and trey said that the computers they use to make SP are the same used to make the first Jurassic Park. So, basically, they can crank out the animation in about an hour.
Mazztek on November 6, 2008 at 9:30 AM
I thought that was hysterical too. I loved when Sarah Palin was giving orders to the other guys and Obama said to himself, “Man, she’s awesome.”
Sir Corky on November 6, 2008 at 9:30 AM
Not sure what I’m missing, but I didn’t even chuckle slightly at that clip. But then again, I never like South Park.
revolutionismyname on November 6, 2008 at 9:31 AM
Ok, I missed that.
I Like Ike!
riverrat10k on November 6, 2008 at 9:31 AM
So they were working for the Canadians!?! DAMN YOU CANADA, DAMN YOU STRAIGHT TO HELL!
BohicaTwentyTwo on November 6, 2008 at 9:35 AM
I miss the Three Stooges.
locomotivebreath1901 on November 6, 2008 at 9:44 AM
I didn’t get that they were working for Ike, just that he was another inside man.
Sir Corky on November 6, 2008 at 9:46 AM
I agree, but that part had me laughing the whole time.
As to how they got it done so quickly, after they stopped using construction paper (pretty much just the first season), they started using computers for everything and said in one interview that they generally put shows together in about a week or so. For this one I think it’s likely that they put most of the show together, then finished the rest after the election.
That part about his grandmother and McCain’s speech were just too timely.
Though what was the deal with the animation on Palin? Her neck was wider than her head.
Esthier on November 6, 2008 at 9:49 AM
That was my take as well. He was just their “other man” who was going to help them escape.
Esthier on November 6, 2008 at 9:52 AM
They must have done it really fast, because they had excerpts from Obama’s acceptance speech in there!
MadisonConservative on November 6, 2008 at 9:57 AM
But I thought comedians just couldn’t find any good material about Obama? I thought he was the humor proof candidate? My wife turned on Letterman last night and of the first seven jokes, all political, there was only one making fun of a liberal and it was Ralph Nader.
Dudley Smith on November 6, 2008 at 9:58 AM
By the way, what was with the teacher, principal, and guidance counselor being McCain supporters? NEA for McCain? Topsy-turvy world.
MadisonConservative on November 6, 2008 at 9:59 AM
Oh man, Randy Marsh flipping off his boss! Totally classic. “Obama is not talking about YOU!” HAHA!
Codec717 on November 6, 2008 at 10:09 AM
I love how they captured Obama’s weird unhealthy grey (not black)skin tone!
Ike rules, ok! “Boom, baby!”
pseudonominus on November 6, 2008 at 10:17 AM
Where is the video?
mariloubaker on November 6, 2008 at 10:23 AM
It’s there. Are you at work where these things are blocked?
Esthier on November 6, 2008 at 10:31 AM
Obama won – things are going to change! I can curse out my boss all I want. Change I can believe in. What! where are my pants? where is my TV? Dad your boss called – you’re fired! HOPE (diamond) and CHANGE: gone in the blink of an eye!
jerseyman on November 6, 2008 at 11:14 AM
I would have been interested in seeing the McCain victory episode. People are going to realize that they picked the wrong man. People wanna say George W. Bush was bad? You haven’t seen nothin’ yet.
RDE2010 on November 6, 2008 at 11:15 AM
Just watched it and ROFLMAO!!!! Trey and Matt are geniuses, GENIUSES I tell ya!
BTW, I’m changing my middle name from Eric to Eric Cartman. LOL
bryan2369 on November 6, 2008 at 11:24 AM
South Park: It may be crude but it is by far the most American show on television. I love it!
ypbatty on November 6, 2008 at 12:09 PM
I’m sure it would have been exactly the same but just with different slogans on each side.
Esthier on November 6, 2008 at 12:16 PM
I was expecting a quick clip goof on Biden. Him waiting somewhere all alone wondering when his other accomplicies would show up, but ultimately being blown off.
InCali on November 6, 2008 at 1:15 PM
LOL @ Mr. Makki: “Game over, man, game over!”
Allahpundit is Mr. Makki!
thirteen28 on November 6, 2008 at 1:33 PM
I haven’t watched South Park in years because it starting offending me, but this was hilarious! I’m so glad so see libs making fun of themselves for a change and not just us. “Here comes the change guys!” LOL
GAnewmama on November 6, 2008 at 2:13 PM
********SPOILER ALERT… Skip if you haven’t seen the video, but want to be surprised…
OK, It WOULD take a Democrat and a RINO to team up and spend a billion and a half dollars in order to steal $210 million.
*******End Spoiler alert****
LegendHasIt on November 6, 2008 at 4:49 PM
I said the same thing about this video that I said about the “Presidential dance-off” video (both of which lack Biden)…
Just more proof that no one gives a %&$@ about Biden…
ynot4tony2 on November 6, 2008 at 5:09 PM
Pure genius.
John Eric on November 6, 2008 at 5:12 PM
Notice that the flip side of the idiots who think all the world’s problems are solved by the Obama win are the idiots who think America (and Israel) will now necessarily be destroyed by him…and think purchases handguns is the appropriate response.
alex342 on November 6, 2008 at 5:36 PM
Matt Stone and Trey Parker aren’t libs.
In fact, South Park makes fun of liberals, and liberal sacred cows, more than any other show on television.
They’re not conservative either. They pretty much strike me as libertarian, “everything is silly” type of guys.
It shows up in their satire, because they constantly make fun of aspects of society that they think are stupid.
Hawkins1701 on November 6, 2008 at 5:42 PM
Back before the 2004 election.. One of them, not sure which said:
“I hate the Republicans”
“But I Really, Really Really (expletive) hate the Democrats.”
My guess is they are in the Allahpundit (little l) libertarian wing.
LegendHasIt on November 6, 2008 at 6:13 PM
It’s actually
“I hate conservatives, but I really **** hate liberals.”
Conservative Panda on November 6, 2008 at 7:28 PM
Watching again. They say they hired Ike (“a guy for that” (blowing up the plane)) “a few months ago.”
Another silver lining update:
Now I have an excuse for my midweek drinking.
boko fittleworth on November 6, 2008 at 10:30 PM