<P> The person delivering the phrase usually breaks character and the fourth wall, in that the phrase is normally not spoken to other cast members as part of the regular dialogue in the opening sketch . Instead, the person suddenly turns (if not already facing downstage) and delivers the phrase directly to the audience and the camera with a full - throated shout . At the same time, the camera zooms in for a tight close - up shot of the person's face, followed by a dissolve to the show's opening montage and titles . </P> <P> The line has occasionally been given to a non-host / non-cast member for cameo purposes . This could be for stars like Brad Pitt and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, or for more unusual celebrities like Monica Lewinsky, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire winner John Carpenter, WWE chairman Vince McMahon (on March 18, 2000), Carolyn Kepcher (on April 3, 2004), and Al Sharpton (on November 2, 2013). </P> <P> Gerald Ford opened the show with the phrase on April 17, 1976, which came during his presidency . A series of Presidential and Vice Presidential hopefuls have also announced the phrase on their appearances on the program, beginning with Bob Dole on November 16, 1996 (coming after the 1996 election). It was announced by Barack Obama on November 3, 2007, by Hillary Clinton on March 1, 2008, by Sarah Palin on October 18, 2008, and by John McCain on November 1, 2008 . </P> <P> There have been multiple variations on the line . </P>

First president live from new york its saturday night