Barack Obama Unmasked on SNL

• Nov 4, 2007 10:43 PM ET
• by Matt Mitovich

Fans cheered wildly when Senator Barack Obama unmasked himself at Hillary Clinton's Halloween party in the cold opening of this weekend's Saturday Night Live. ( Watch video here.) Obama's short but dignified (and even a little bit funny) SNL turn marked the start of what will surely be the parade of presidential hopefuls to cameo on the late-night favorite, upping their "hip" factor in the process.

In the Halloween-themed sketch, cast members dressed as Hil and Bill, John Edwards, Bill Richardson, Joseph Biden, Chris Dodd, Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich. Senator Obama entered wearing a mask of his own likeness, and when he revealed himself as the real Obama, Hillary asked, "You dressed as yourself?" His response was political perfection as he said, "Hillary, I have nothing to hide. I enjoy being myself. I'm not going to change who I am just because it's Halloween." Hillary's pained reaction - "Well, that's just grreeattt" - drew big laughs from the crowd right before Obama uttered, "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!"

Obama's visit let America see the lighter side of this presidential hopeful. Judging from the audience reaction, they liked what they saw. - Reporting by Erin Fox

Related: Cheers & Jeers takes on NBC Newsman Brian Williams' SNL visit