Seriously Funny: Amy Poehler

Comedy in the 2008 Campaign

But her latest movie isn't what recently got Poehler a spot on TV Week's list of the 10 Most Powerful People in TV News -- it is because of her famous impression of the New York senator and 2008 presidential hopeful.

Poehler plays up Clinton's perceived icy demeanor and the press' sometimes fawning fascination with Sen. Barack Obama, Clinton's rival for the party nomination. The character has been widely credited with changing the dynamics of the 2008 primaries.

At the Feb. 26 Democratic debate in Cleveland, Clinton referenced an "SNL" skit that showed debate moderators grilling Poehler's Clinton while going easy on Obama.

"If anybody saw 'Saturday Night Live,' you know, maybe we should ask Barack if he's comfortable and needs another pillow," Clinton said.

But Poehler doesn't believe she has any real influence in the 2008 presidential election.

"I would argue that most people have decided what they want to do," Poehler said. "If you were turning to 'SNL' to decide who your candidate is, you're in real trouble. You need to read some newspapers."

Poehler studies videos of Clinton to act out her voice, mannerisms and her famous laugh.

"I like that laugh. I like when any candidate laughs because it rarely happens and you rarely see them on TV doing it. I imagine that their lives are pretty miserable."

While Poehler's impression of Clinton, among other characters, has brought success, she's not taking anything for granted.

"There is not a day that goes by for real that I don't take a moment to be very grateful for where I am at. And when Don Pardo says my name on 'Saturday Night Live,' I just kinda take a moment. I am very grateful because I know that these things come and go and you like to hope that you have a skill that you can always go back to."

Fortunately, Poehler has a back-up plan.

"I would go back to the streets and just do my experimental puppet theater. I would just do fake news in the streets and see who listened."