Joe Piscopo on 2000 Democratic Convention

(CNN) -- Actor Joe Piscopo is the founder of Jersey Joe's Gyms, an activity center for inner city kids promoting drug and violence-free behavior. Piscopo also started his own foundation called The Positive Impact Foundation, creating positive media for at-risk youth, including the syndicated television show for teens, "Positive Impact TV."

Piscopo is best known for his work on "Saturday Night Live" from 1980-85, playing characters such as The Sports Guy and Doug Whiner, and doing impressions of David Letterman and Frank Sinatra.

Chat Moderator: Thank you for joining us today, Joe Piscopo, and welcome.

Joe Piscopo: Greetings, everyone, from Jersey Joe Piscopo LIVE from the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles!

Chat Moderator: When we last chatted with you, you had just visited the GOP convention. What are the main similarities and differences between the two conventions?

Joe Piscopo: Well, until tonight, I thought the Republicans had it, because it was run more smoothly, it was more enthusiastic, and with a rousing Democratic turnaround, my party seems to be really energized tonight. Let's hope Joe Lieberman can continue that enthusiasm!

Question from Bohunky: Joe, you were very entertaining with Shepard Smith when Al Gore's plane arrived in Los Angeles. Would you consider more frequent appearances in such a venue?

Joe Piscopo: [Laugh] I was on Fox News this afternoon with Shepard Smith. Because the news media scratches for every little bit of news out there, they actually showed Al Gore's plane land in Los Angeles. I mean, Al Gore is a great guy, but did we care? It was fun to commentate, because I got to do some funny stuff. I like the news stuff.

Tonight, I'm on Hannity and Colmes, whenever they're on, probably like 11:30 or so.

Chat Moderator: For those who could not join us the last time, please tell us a little bit about your involvement in the conventions.

Joe Piscopo: I am here as a delegate of the Creative Coalition, which is a non-profit, non-partisan social and political advocacy group representing entertainers. The Creative Coalition is mostly concerned with things like First Amendment rights, arts advocacy, and public education.

Now, I'm also here as Chairman of the Positive Impact Foundation -- that is my non-profit foundation that creates positive media for "at-risk" kids. I guess I'm getting old, because I feel like I have to get back and fix all the bad things I did as a kid.

In-Depth Coverage of the Democratic National Convention

Question from Freelancer: Joe, have you considered joining CNN's Crossfire?

Joe Piscopo: Not really!

But I see Bill Schneider here in front of me. I see Dan Rather over there at CBS -- even CBN is here! Who else -- lots of news organizations, vying for any little bit of scrap they can get at this convention! The sad thing is, nobody is really watching [laughs]. But seriously, folks….

Question from Bohunky: Joe, since enthusiasm is not Lieberman's strong suit, what else might he contribute tonight?

Joe Piscopo: Great question. Lieberman seems to be a very down-to-earth, caring individual. I've never met him. I don't know. I like his stand on violent media. I love that he's a Jewish-American, because I'm an Italian American. I'm against stereotypes. Can you say "The Sopranos"? So, I think he'll inspire the crowd.

Frankly, guys, and I appreciate everyone [writing] in here on CNN.com, because like I said last time, we can have such an intimate conversation, so I'll be honest with you. I don't know who I’m voting for.

Oh, my god!! LARRY KING IS BEHIND ME! I'm sitting here online, and someone walks up, and it's Larry King! LARRY! I've got pictures of my kids here! Last time I saw him, he had all these pictures of his kids. Now I have some, and he's leaving!

Hey, look! Teddy Kennedy lost three pounds!

Question from JrTyD: Joe, any surprises at the convention for you?

Joe Piscopo: The police outside, and I am a strong supporter of law enforcement. I could never do that. But you have to see the lockdown around Staples Center. I was with a bunch of my fellow "thespians," and we could not get near the Staples Center because of all the cops! What the hell is going on out there? If you know, let us know!

Question from CandyceCNN: Joe, of the four candidates, which one would you have done on "Saturday Night Live," and why?

Joe Piscopo: That's a fine question. I would do Lieberman. It's a shame you can't hear it. I'll try to do it on Hannity and Colmes tonight. [Lieberman voice] "I don't know why… but I’d really like to thank Al Gore for nominating me."

Question from JrTyD: Joe, what's been your favorite corporate party so far?

Joe Piscopo: The party last night was great. No names mentioned, but it was a celebration because they raised so much money. They had a party to celebrate that. There were more nauseating lobbyists there, just trying to buy politicians. In a nutshell, that was the political process right there in America.

If I can get semi-serious for a second -- you'll find out that there's a half-billion dollars in soft money in campaigns. Three billion dollars will be spent in the 2000 election. Everybody is whining and moaning that there's not enough money for public schools. Well, HELLO, stop the fundraising, give the money to the schools! Do I hear an AMEN? The Creative Coalition is involved with this, too.

Question from Joe: Who was your best friend on "Saturday Night Live"?

Joe Piscopo: Best friend, clearly, hands down -- Eddie Murphy. I still consider him like a brother. I saw him last month, and we sat around with our kids, as fathers, and felt real old. If someone asks today why I left "Saturday Night Live" back in -- I think 1928, it was that Eddie was leaving, and I knew it wouldn't be fun without my friend around.

Oh, look, there's Joe Lieberman going up to speak. He looks like such a regular guy. I hope he doesn't disappoint us. I don't think he will. From the news perspective, it's interesting. Everyone is coming to the railings of the news organizations to catch Joe Lieberman.

In a way, it's very exciting to be involved in a small way. You contacting me online, me being here telling you about it --it's a great time to be an American.

Question from CandyceCNN: Joe, how does it feel to have the whole crowd yelling "Joe! Joe! Joe!" right now?

Joe Piscopo: [Laugh] Well, I dunno. How can I put this in a politically correct way? In about 30 seconds, he'll put the crowd to sleep, so – oh, man! The Democrats are gonna put me out of the party! Now watch with me! The first thing from his mouth will be, "I'd like to thank Al Gore for nominating me." Here we go -- watch, watch. Well, at least it wasn't a cheap applause line!

Chat Moderator: Do you have any final thoughts to share with us?

Joe Piscopo: If you watch, and you're listening online -- LOOK! He did it!

Hey, there's Mike Dukakis. Now it's REALLY exciting. Okay.

Anyway, thanks to everyone for joining the chat. I feel a special contact when folks talk [on-line]. It's better than any medium. Or extra-large, for that matter.

Watch for the good stuff the Creative Coalition is doing, as well as the Positive Impact Foundation.

I'd love for you to come see me on the road doing my Frank Sinatra tribute, and please look for Bartleby, a feature film that I'm in that will come out this year. As a matter of fact, we're premiering Bartleby on a new broadband network, so stay tuned!

Chat Moderator: Thank you for joining us.

Joe Piscopo: Adios from Los Angeles! I look forward to talking with you again! Thanks for taking the time to chat with me!

Check out the CNN Chat calendar
Post your opinion on our message boards:
Presidential Race 2000
The conventions

Gore takes center stage tonight to accept Democrats' nomination
August 17, 2000
Democrats nominate Gore for presidency
August 17, 2000

Actor Joe Piscopo on the 2000 GOP Convention
Positive Impact Foundation
Joe Piscopo's Biography
Gore/Lieberman 2000
Democratic National Committee
America 2000 Democratic Convention

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.