The show's primary problem lays in the lack of diversity amongst its cast. Expanding the cast to reflect the current cultural makeup of the country isn't affirmative action. It's smart comedic sense. By diversifying the cast, the "SNL" writers can diversify the types of sketches it writes, the types of characters it creates, and the types of audiences that can identify with the show. The fact that no one on the cast can play the First Lady is just one representative illustration of this problem. With the sheer number of departures over the course of the season, the timing couldn't be better for reconfiguring the show's cast. [UPDATE: If early reports are correct, it appears that this is one recommendation that won't be taken.]