Rudy Giuliani and Sarah Palin Weigh In on Their 'SNL' Impersonators (Video)

Two of the country’s most polarizing political figures hold no hard feelings against NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” which has cashed in on parodies of our leaders for its entire 40-year history.

TheWrap spoke with former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin and former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani on the red carpet at “SNL’s” 40th anniversary celebration Sunday. The Republican politicians, both of whom were in the presidential mix the last two cycles, have been regular targets, but they both said they enjoyed the skewering.

Also Read: Sarah Palin Lets Hecklers Have It at ‘SNL 40′: ‘Don’t Be Jealous, Boy!’

“She’s too good!” Palin said of her impressionist, Tina Fey. “To this day, I do a double take if I see an old rerun. I’m like, ‘Is that — I’m on TV? No, it’s Tina!'”

Palin said she used to sneak into the TV room as a kid to watch “SNL” in its risque early days and has been a fan ever since.

For his part, Giuliani felt a sense of accomplishment when he finally got a full sketch on the late-night show.

Also Read: 13 Most Memorable ‘SNL 40′ Moments (Video)

“There was a slight degree of, ‘Gosh, I really made it to ‘Saturday Night Live!'” Giuliani told TheWrap.

Giuliani agreed that satirizing is part of the territory when it comes to politics, and most in the profession enjoy a little fair ribbing. But for former president Ronald Reagan — an actor himself — the critique went a little further than whether the jokes were any good.

“Sometimes [Reagan] wasn’t sure the quality of the acting was as good as it should be,” the former mayor joked. “He was like, ‘They should’ve gotten me a little more like this or a little more like that.'”

Watch the video.

'SNL's' Greatest Hosts: Beloved Tina Fey, Game-Changing Justin Timberlake, Classic Richard Pryor (Photos)

TOM HANKS
While the title "America's Sweetheart" is usually reserved for women, Hanks fits the bill to a tee. His willingness to mock his own film work went a long way in introducing us to this actor's actor.
NBC
DREW BARRYMORE
Her effervescence, commitment and life before the camera made her so game for whatever "SNL" threw her way.
NBC
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
JT isn't only the rare host/musical guest combo, he's also in the Five Timers club. Timberlake can also be credited with the SNL digital revolution, starring in beloved viral clips like "D*ck in a Box" with Andy Samberg.
NBC
JON HAMM
Despite his movie star looks, Hamm is as big a comedy nerd as natives like Tina Fey and Fred Armisen. His 30 Rockefeller Plaza legacy earns him a spot here.
NBC
TINA FEY
Head writer, "Weekend Update" anchor and game-changing Sarah Palin impersonator Fey is arguably "SNL's" finest ambassador and a killer host to boot.
NBC
JOHN GOODMAN
He has consistently delighted with his ability to play larger-than-life comedy alongside his archetype of blue collar straight man. His Linda Tripp impersonation is one for the record books.
NBC
RICHARD PRYOR
He isn't just a stand-up legend, he was a boundary-distending host with sketches like "Word Association."
NBC
BEHIND THE MUSIC
"More cow bell." No further explanation required.
NBC
KERRY WASHINGTON
K-Dub is an actor's actor, a primetime darling and a general class act. But her recent turn as host showed us her playful, topical side with sketches like, "What Does My Girl Say?"
NBC
ANNA KENDRICK
Kendrick is a triple-threat charmer whose "SNL" gig further propelled her into our hearts.
NBC
ANDREW GARFIELD
Previously, he seemed to have two speeds: indie brooding and Peter Parker. His turn as host showed a sense of awareness, a bit of cynicism and brought us the Beyonce gem, "The Beygency."
NBC
ALEC BALDWIN
His damped-down anger, Broadway showmanship and movie star silliness make Baldwin a pillar of the show. "Schweddy Balls" and "Canteen Boy" are easy milestones.
NBC
STEVE MARTIN
You don't host "SNL" 15 times without good reason. Martin is an American treasure, largely for the memorable characters he forged at 30 Rock.
NBC
JERRY SEINFELD
Despite his eponymous TV show, Seinfeld diversified plenty -- to much satisfaction -- under the gaze of Lorne Michaels.
NBC
CANDICE BERGEN
A five-timer and a glass ceiling buster, her mix of edge and high-brow mannerisms made Bergen unforgettable in sketches like "Toonces The Driving Cat."
NBC
JIM CARREY
While he forged his career on a different sketch show, Carey's rubber face and likability couldn't be contained. Especially when spoofing Matthew McConaughey's Lincoln commercials.
NBC
BETTY WHITE
She can do no wrong. You think we'd leave her on the cutting room floor?
NBC
CHEVY CHASE
He's as much a part of the DNA of "Saturday Night Live" as cue cards, audience plants and the very building it broadcasts from.
NBC
EMMA STONE
She can play goofy, sexy and downright weird. Check out "Bridal Shower" for her underrated, amazing sketch as a strange woman who brings her coworker some inappropriate gifts on the eve of her wedding.
NBC
SHIA LABEOUF
He might not get a break in the press, but Shia's been an exemplary host with the help of scene partners like Maya Rudolph.
NBC
BRUNO MARS
Mars proved himself more than a crooner with acting chops and charm outside the arena of the music video.
NBC
BEN AFFLECK
He went through hell -- and "Gigli" -- to cement his status as Great American Movie Star. His "SNL" gigs have delivered and contributed to his triumphant return to the A-list.
NBC

1 of 22

TheWrap selects the most charismatic, crowd-pleasing and historic guest hosts in the NBC sketch show’s history

TOM HANKS
While the title "America's Sweetheart" is usually reserved for women, Hanks fits the bill to a tee. His willingness to mock his own film work went a long way in introducing us to this actor's actor.

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'SNL's' Greatest Hosts: Beloved Tina Fey, Game-Changing Justin Timberlake, Classic Richard Pryor (Photos)

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