With the presidential election just days away, Republican presidential candidate John McCain drew laughs – often at his own expense – during an appearance on Saturday Night Live.
In response to Barack Obama's purchase of airtime on several major networks on Wednesday, McCain joked in the opening sketch that he could only afford airtime on QVC, peddling everything from pork knives to commemorative plates.
"I'm a true Maverick: a Republican without money!" he quipped. "My only showbiz connections are Jon Voight and Heidi from The Hills."
Also making an appearance in the sketch: Cindy McCain, who lent a hand selling "McCain Fine Gold Jewelry," and Tina Fey, who reprised her role as McCain's running mate Sarah Palin.
Of Cindy's surprise appearance, a campaign source told PEOPLE: "SNL asked if she would do it. We saw the script and she was very game. She had a great time."
Fey not only drew laughs selling "Limited Edition Joe Action Figures" including Joe the Plumber, Joe Six Pack and Joe Biden, but also for "going rogue" and selling Palin 2012 shirts.
But arguably, McCain's shining moment came during the Weekend Update segment, during which audience members clapped, cheered and even booed when he was introduced to discuss campaign strategies.
"My basic strategy is the one I've stuck with since I started this campaign," he said. "Connect with the voters, talk with them honestly about the issues, stand by my record of service to this great country."
But still, McCain told to SNL's Seth Meyers he's "considering a few radical last minute strategies."
Such ideas included the Reverse Maverick ("I do whatever everybody tells me!"); the Double Maverick ("I go totally berserk and freak everybody out."); the Sad Grandpa ("I go on TV and say, 'C'mon! Obama's gonna have plenty of chances to be President! It's my turn. Vote for me!"); the Charleston ("I only campaign in Charleston, South Carolina. Really knock it down."); the Forrest Gump ("I start jogging across American and eventually everything works out."); and the Rocky IV where, he said, after living in the wilderness and building strength, "If I ever have to fight Vladimir Putin, I'll be ready!"
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