(CNN) – Comedienne Tina Fey might be most well known for her 2008 portrayal of Sarah Palin on Saturday Night Live – an impersonation that, to the detriment of the McCain campaign, led many to confuse Fey with the real thing.
But now Fey is defending her role as Palin amid critics who say she unfairly exploited the Alaska governor.
"Some may argue that exploiting Governor Palin and her family helped bring attention to my low-rated TV show," writes Fey of 30 Rock, the NBC show that has struggled in the ratings despite critical acclaim.
Fey's comments appear in her new memoir, "Bossypants," an advance copy of which was obtained by USA Today.
"I am proud to say you are wrong," she continues. "My TV show still enjoys very low ratings. In fact, I think the Palin stuff may have hurt the TV show. Let's face it, between Alec Baldwin and me there is a certain fifty percent of the population who think we are pinko Commie monsters."
Despite appearing at Fey's side on Saturday Night Live shortly before the 2008 presidential election, Palin has since made clear she is no fan of the actress that many believe defined the former Alaska governor more than anyone else.
In a 2009 interview with conservative John Ziegler, Palin said of Fey, "I know that a lot of people are capitalizing on, oh I don't know, perhaps some exploiting that was done via me, my family, my administration – that's a little bit perplexing, but it also says a great deal about our society."
From CNN Politics
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You're absolutely right, Tina...Gov. Palin isn't the victim, you are. It must be terrible being on an award winning show whose ratings would've gotten it cancelled after the first season in almost any other situation.
Hee hee hee. "Unfairly exploited"? We're getting this from the same people who have played out the whole so-called "birth certificate controversy" for all that it's worth? They're just mad because Fey did such a great job.
Actually, Mz Palin, it says a lot about you.
I think SNL has the right to satirize everyone running for public office. Furthermore, anyone who cannot handle being poked fun at ought to look at their own rhetoric before attacking known comedic performers.
there is no humor in Palin's world.
If she (Palin) can't stand the heat she should stay out of politics. If you ever saw an impressionist do Richard Nixon, Palin got off easy.
Actually, Tina Fey didn't make fun of Palin. She took her own words, litterally, because they were already incredibly wrong (and hilarious!).
The only thing Fey did wrong was portray the airhead dead on. Here's a moron that has exploited every media avenue you can find and now she's upset. PLEASE!!!!!
The only problem palin has is she only wants it one way. She can say anything defamatory and it’s gospel but, when the tide is turned she scream she’s being pick on.
Here’s a suggestion if you don’t want the attention quite shining the spotlight on yourself.
Dear CNN, why can't you inform us that at the moment you don't have something new. We will understand you better than bringing this kind of past event!
So, a politician may have been "unfairly exploited". Well THAT's a welcome switch.
All Presidential Candidates get lampooned. It's just that Sara Palin made herself such an easel target. It wasn't Tina Fey that looked "less than prepared ' when Palin was interviewed. I think was the result of a hasty decision because tha t Republicans wanted to put a woman in front of the public hoping it would satisfy the Hilary Clinton contingent. It failed miserably. Poor Sara needs to take responsibility for her behavior and her poor presentation.
SNL has been satirizing politicians since day one. Palin should be honored to be included. Besides it's her own failings that allowed people to confuse the satire with the real thing.
Tina Fey is no different than any other jerk off comedian. These normally are people who were the class CLOWNS in school cause they think they are cute. Unfortunately in this country you can make a life of it by making fun of people at their expense and make millions. I think Tina Fey is nothing special and she should take a serious look at who she is and what she has accomplished in her FUNNY LIFE.
Tine knows more about world politics than Palin will ever know.
As usual, Palin the victim. How can one person whine so much? Satire is part of our lives. It didn't start when caribu barbie arrived on the scene.
Keep at it, Tina Fey. It'd be great if you had a presidential candidate to impersonate in 2012! Can you say bigger landslide than Reagan had in 1984?
Parodies of poltical figures are as old as civilization. If you don't like it – don't run. Palin seems to think it's okay to ridicule others, but she's got pretty thin skin.
I think she covered Palin pretty realistic, even a comedian didn't have to act well to pretend to be Palin–just look lost when asked serious questions
Duh, that's what comedy is all about. SNL has spoofed every president since Gerald Ford and many senators and other public figures. It's stupid to call this exploiting. Political humor is as old as politics.
SNL has a long history of impersonating politicians and other famous people. So, just because Tina Fey looked a lot like her and was spot on with her impersonation makes it so horrible and the other impersonations other cast members have done are no big deal? Sarah Palin is just addicted to the spotlight and will make a big deal out of anyhting that will get her attention.
I'm no huge fan of Tina Fey or 30 Rock but come on now! If anyone has been exploiting the persona of Sarah Palin it's Miss U'Betcha herself! She's extended her 15 minutes of fame into an incomprehensible influence on U.S. politics! There are apparently MANY suckers born every minute!
That a bimbo like Sarah Palin ever got elected to anything also "says a great deal about our society".
Whatever. Palin unfaily exploited her complete lack on knowledge and common sense. SNL makes fun of EVERYONE-if Palin is going to stay in politics or even in the public eye she needs to grow a thicker skin.
I think she did a very accurate and very true and funny portrial of the real thing. No one should have to look any further than any of the speechs or interviews of the real "Sarah" to see how accurate Tina did her. Her campaign was doomed from the start as soon as she opened her mouth and here true intellect came out. I hope she keeps making millions off speechs from her followers that's less to go to real canditates.
How could these two be confused? Tina Fey has a brain.
Tina Fey you are outstanding, your version of Sarah Palin waa right on. When you put yourself out there and act like a complete ass you can expect to be lampooned. Sarah Palin is a joke always has been John McCain should be ashamed for giving that moron a public stage. Sarah Palin will never, ever be president, she is incapable of taking what comes her way. She quit the governor ship, she's whining about being in the media eyes so how on Earth could she handle being president?