What are Newark's chances for landing the new Amazon headquarters after being confirmed as a finalist city?
According to "Saturday Night Live," pretty slim.
In a recent sketch on the show, emissaries from Boston, Miami, Atlanta and Newark make their pitches to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos.
Representing Boston: A delegation including actor Casey Affleck, who mistakenly advocates for his new home, Los Angeles. Atlanta: A group including a wild-eyed Paula Deen. Miami: A trio fronted by Pitbull.
Newark: None other than Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., played by Chris Redd.
"I am so proud to be representing Newark, a city on the rise!" Redd says, punching his fists in the air and approximating Booker's signature brand of enthusiasm. "By the way, I know we're not getting this, at all! And that gives me tears of rage!"
No word yet on what Booker thinks of this assessment.
When the state submitted its bid to Amazon for the company's second headquarters in North America -- the first is in Seattle -- it offered $5 billion in tax breaks if Newark were to be chosen. Newark has offered an additional $2 billion in local tax breaks. Other positive aspects of Newark's candidacy are the city's tech landscape and its proximity to New York, Newark Liberty International Airport and interstate truck routes.
Yet a NJ Advance Media analysis of data associated with each finalist city, including percentage of unemployed residents, job growth, corporate taxes and monthly housing costs, gave Newark an "F."
"SNL" also mentioned former Gov. Chris Christie -- a favorite character on the show, often played by former cast member Bobby Moynihan -- during the show's "Weekend Update" segment (see clip below).
"This week marked Chris Christie's final days as governor of New Jersey," said host Colin Jost. "And to honor Christie, pants were worn at full mast."