“I spoke to my dad a few days [after the 2008 election]. He was nominally a Republican, and had voted for McCain. He was a little annoyed that his guy lost but was interested in getting my reaction.

”'How do you think Fox will take it?' he asked.

“'I think they'll take it okay,' I said. 'You know, give him the benefit of the doubt.'

”'Are you sure?' My dad sounded skeptical. 'I think it's going to be like Blazing Saddles, when the black sherrif arrives and all the townspeople panic.'“

-- Joe Muto, “An Atheist in the FOXhole: A Liberal's Eight-Year Odyssey Inside the Heart of the Right-Wing Media,” pg. 264. One of the best parts? The chapter heading is called: ”I Think He Said the Sheriff Is Near.“

Cleavon Little, taking on Richard Pryor's role, in Mel Brooks' ”Blazing Saddles" (1974.