On September 22, 1975, Sara Jane Moore, aged 45, left her son at his school in San Francisco, then went to a private gun dealer. She later revealed to the Los Angeles Times that she saw her action of drawing a .38-caliber pistol outside a hotel and shooting at President Gerald Ford as a form of protest against the system. Moore, who had a history of mental health issues and was involved in radical left-wing circles, missed her target in two attempts.
Interestingly, Moore wasn’t the only woman trying to assassinate the president that month. Lynette (Squeaky) Fromme, a former follower of cult leader Charles Manson, was stopped by a Secret Service agent 17 days earlier in Sacramento as she aimed a gun at Ford. Moore, whose death at the age of 95 was recently reported, claimed she was not influenced by Fromme. Moore pleaded guilty, while Fromme, much like Ryan Routh convicted this week of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump, was a disruptive defendant. Both women served long prison sentences and were released in the late 2000s.
On October 25, 1975, a new NBC late-night comedy show aired its third episode. One sketch featured Laraine Newman on a talk show impersonating Fromme, with Jane Curtin playing the interviewer, in a segment called “Dangerous But Inept.” The show’s history, chronicled in various books and TV profiles, includes clashes with NBC censors and confusion among affiliates about the show’s humor.
As “Saturday Night Live” begins its 51st season on October 4, the late-night landscape has evolved significantly, especially since the show last aired in mid-May. Stephen Colbert’s CBS show is nearing its end, while Jimmy Kimmel faced a weeklong suspension for comments made on his ABC show. Kimmel defended political satire against criticism by the Trump administration upon his return to television.
Former President Gerald Ford had a good-natured response to jokes made about him on “SNL.” The show, which satirized nine U.S. presidents, resonated with audiences early on, particularly with young viewers seeking fresh TV content. Ford’s interactions with the cast and crew of “SNL” were marked by humor and mutual respect.
The portrayal of presidential candidates on “SNL” has continued over the years, with the show referenced during various political events. The show’s treatment of different politicians and its impact on the political landscape have been subjects of scrutiny and debate.
Former cast members and writers have voiced concerns about the show’s portrayal of political figures, highlighting the evolving comedic landscape and changing sensibilities. The show’s ability to navigate national tragedies and its role in satirizing political events have been both praised and criticized over the years.
