Smithers vs. Smalley

Harry Shearer on Al Franken:

Al is, of course, literally a Democratic court jester. He clearly wears his endorsements where his wit should be. I'm a satirist. My job is to make fun of all of them. People who supposedly practice the art of satire and then retire to the councils of power to write jokes for their leaders—people like Al Franken—really ought to have their satirist cards revoked.

Shearer's opinion might be colored by the lousy experience he had on Saturday Night Live back in 1979-80. Even so, the fellow's got a point.