It wasnt funny, but it was making fun of the press, not Palin.
You are exactly correct. Ironically, I, too first started out looking to see this clip specifically because folks said that it was a clear-cut case of SNL libs making up anti-Sarah stuff, and that fit with my view of SNL, which I still do think is MOSTLY correct still.
But...I don’t know what got into them —it was a very anti-journalist, anti-NYC skit: Basically showed them 2b elites who are out of touch anywhere besides Manhattan cafes, yoga studios, and psychiatrist offices.
The skit featured an editor explaining to his journalist writers that they were to be sent to Alaska for investigative reporting against Sarah. But first they would be lectured about Alaska culture, so as to “fit in with the locals”. The NYT staff are all dark complected, slicked-back haired, chronically pissed-off folks, but the “NYT” has a rugged, vaguely Alaskan-looking guy with blonde hair on hand to answer questions.
Lecturer begins talking:
Show of hands, how many have ever been outside of NYC? Everone looks puzzled, as if contemplating Area 51 or the Loch Ness Monster. No hands go up. One guy vaguely mentions he flew to LA once. Hearing this, another confesses that he fell asleep on the E train once, ending up in Queens. Everyone giggles, seeing Queens as far-away, exotic and strange.
Lecturer holds up photo of snowmobile. Anyone know what this is? Guy with confused look on face ventures, “Is it a baptising machine?” No. Another takes a shot, “Is is a crucifix...?” No.....lecture glances around room inquisitively, still holding photo.
“I believe....it is an assault weapon...?” nnnnoooo...
Hand goes up, “What time of day do polar bear attacks usually occur in Juneau?” (at different points during lecture, same guy asks worriedly about Polar Bear attacks, methods of defense, etc.).
Other cerebral guy raises hand, states that he will need referrals for 2 psychiatrists during his reporting time there in Alaska —his therapist can’t take his calls, since Alaska is in a different time zone.
Lecturer explains there are very few shrinks there, cannot provide referrals. Sharp guy begins wimpering and hyperventilating, clutching his chest, per Woody Allen...
Same worried guy — “What if a polar bear tracks me to my hotel room by the scent of my Thai take-out..?” Oh, there’s no Thai take-out in Alaska, so no problem..!
Hearing this, staff appear thunderstruck and speechless. Looking at one another, half walk out, writing off the Alaska writing trip completely.
Super hilarious skit, 8 minutes total. The striking part was that while I was doubled-over, the live audience showed only scattered, worried giggling and gasps.
I have no idea what got into SNL, but whoever wrote that skit is out on the street, looking for a job, I guarantee you that....